Engaging Video-Based Science Menu for Middle & High School – Perfect for Pre-Holiday Lessons or Sub Plans.

Introducing an extraordinary Google Slides lesson that invites students to embark on a flavorful journey through the fascinating science behind their favorite Thanksgiving dishes. With 12 tantalizing video options, young learners will uncover the secrets of the Maillard reaction's flavor magic, the science of sweetness, the art of crafting the perfect cookie, the mysteries of garlic's aroma, and so much more.

Thanksgiving Science Extravaganza:

This dynamic choice board connects students to a curated selection of kid-friendly YouTube videos, each delving into a unique facet of Thanksgiving feasting. From the delectable chemistry of turkey to the mouthwatering science behind pie, there's a topic to delight every young scientist.

Interactive Learning at Its Best:

Upon selecting a food icon, students will be whisked away to a slide featuring three engaging video lessons related to that delectable item. With a single click, they'll dive deep into the science, gaining newfound knowledge that will transform their understanding of the holiday feast. When it's time for the next serving of science, a playful plate icon awaits to lead them back to the choice board.

Customize and Explore:

While the recommended completion is four activities, the choice is yours to tailor the experience according to your classroom's interests and needs. Whether they're eager to master the perfect cookie or demystify the secrets of cranberries, this lesson offers a buffet of scientific delights.

A Feast for the Curious Mind:

This Google Slides lesson isn't just educational—it's a flavorful celebration of curiosity and discovery, turning the Thanksgiving table into a scientific adventure.

Elevate the Thanksgiving experience with a dash of scientific wonder. Get this engaging choice board now and let the feasting and learning begin. You'll be grateful that you did!

PLEASE MAKE SURE THAT YOUR SCHOOL/DISTRICT ALLOWS YOUTUBE ACCESS BEFORE PURCHASE.

Grade Recommendation

Ideal For:

• Middle School: Grades 6–8

• High School: Grades 9–10 (as enrichment, sub plans, or seasonal engagement activity)

Rationale:

• The videos involve accessible science explanations, suitable from grade 6 up

• High school students can go deeper into biochemical concepts (Maillard reaction, capsaicin, tryptophan, fermentation)

Cross-Curricular Connections

ELA:

• Students summarize scientific videos

• Evaluate claims in media

• Respond to open-ended questions using evidence from video content

Culinary Arts / FACS:

• Food preparation reactions (Maillard reaction, cooking veggies, frying turkey)

• Flavor chemistry (sweetness perception, white chocolate composition)

Social Studies / Culture:

• Exploration of cultural foods and traditions

• Connections between food science and historical cooking methods

Possible Extensions

• Add a research mini-project: “Choose a Thanksgiving food and explain the science behind how it cooks or tastes.”

• Add a CER writing prompt for any of the choices.

• Students could design a science-of-food infographic for their class.
  

Join the Lesson Laboratory and Teach for Tomorrow!

NGSS Standards (Including CCCs + SEPs)

This choice board covers many different topics, so alignment is flexible.
The lesson strongly aligns to NGSS through analysis, explanation, and media comprehension.

Relevant Performance Expectations (dependent on student choices)

MS-PS1-2 — Chemical reactions (Maillard reaction, cooking vegetables, frying turkey)
MS-LS1-7 — Food as energy (digestion of tryptophan, taste perception)
MS-LS1-8 — Sensory receptors (hot pepper pain, taste buds)
HS-PS1-4 — Chemical processes and thermal energy
HS-LS1-2 — Structure and function (receptors for taste/pain)
HS-LS1-6 — Chemical reactions in living systems (fermentation/cheese-making)

Science & Engineering Practices (SEPs)

• Obtaining, Evaluating, and Communicating Information: Students synthesize information from videos.

• Analyzing and Interpreting Data: Interpreting scientific explanations in multimedia.

• Constructing Explanations: Explaining food chemistry and biological processes.

Crosscutting Concepts (CCCs)

• Cause and Effect:

  • Why foods brown (Maillard reaction)

  • Why peppers cause pain

  • Why garlic affects breath

• Structure and Function:

  • Taste receptors

  • Cheese-making bacteria

  • Chocolate chemistry

• Energy and Matter:

  • Heat transfer in frying

  • Breakdown of nutrients

  • Chemical reactions in cooking

Common Core Standards 

ELA / Literacy in Science

CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.RST.6-8.7 / RST.9-10.7
Integrate multimedia information from science videos.

CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.WHST.6-8.2 / WHST.9-10.2
Write explanatory responses using scientific reasoning.

CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.WHST.6-8.9 / WHST.9-10.9
Draw evidence from informational texts (or multimedia) to support analysis.