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Byte Sized Chemistry: The Science of Citrus
Let’s learn why some foods taste sour and some taste sweet. Then do a hands-on experiment to test foods for those sour chemicals! Opt into XplorStem Academy for engaging videos, Q&A, summaries, assessments, and downloadable work samples.
Class Experience
US Grade 3 - 6
Beginner - Advanced Level
Follows Teacher-Created Curriculum
Aligned with Next Generation Science Standards (NGSS)
In this introductory Byte-Sized Science Career class, explore the life of a real food chemist and learn why some foods taste sour and some foods taste sweet. All our classes are NGSS-aligned and offer a science lesson and hands-on sampling of various science career paths, giving students a glimpse into their exciting possibilities. In this class, students learn about chemistry and the key concept that special molecules in our food give it a unique taste! We will talk about molecules that...
- Students will also learn the basics of matter, chemical reactions and the difference between chemical reactions and changes in state such as transitions from solid to liquid to gas.
The building of the curriculum and platform was overseen by Dr. Vicki Nienaber-Meadows. Dr. Meadows has a Ph.D. in chemistry and worked in the pharmaceutical and biotechnology field for 30 years. She has broad experience in chemistry, biology, biophysics and biochemistry. Dr. Vicki was awarded a grant from the National Science Foundation to build the XplorStem Academy application which has been kid-tested and approved in public school classrooms and afterschool programs. Dr. Meadows has successfully taught and mentored students from pre-school through Ph.D. All XplorStem teachers have contributed to building the curriculum and have extensive hands-on teaching experience in K-12.
0 - 1 hours per week outside of class
Homework
Frequency: Available upon requestFeedback: Available upon requestDetails: Students can review class content using the XplorStem Academy App. They'll complete individual lab reports and assessments. Parents can print final PDF reports with covered standards, lab reports, key concepts, vocabulary, and assessment results as class summaries. This homework is not required but is provided as a way for students to reinforce concepts and for parents to document learning progress.Assessment
Frequency: Available upon requestDetails: An online assessment will be offered to the student. It will consist of 3-10 questions in a multiple-choice format. One goal is to allow students to practice taking online assessments that will prepare them for state and national science testing.
A one-page handout for the lesson will be provided upon enrollment. Students will be testing the amount of citric acid in different citrus fruits by adding baking soda to the juice. We suggest lemons, limes and oranges. XplorStem Academy provides details for cutting the fruit and making the juice. Parents may want to help students prepare the juice in advance of class depending on the child's level of proficiency in using a knife and also strength to make the juice. Having fruit pre-juiced will not diminish the learning experience! They will also need baking soda and soap. We suggest clear plastic cups that hold up to 5 cups of solution (to minimize mess), measuring cups and spoons, a sharpie to label the cups and a paper plate again to minimize mess. Students will also need water as a control. Normal tap water is fine for this experiment.
In addition to the Outschool classroom, this class uses:
This course provides complimentary access to XplorStem Academy, a STEM education platform funded by the National Science Foundation. Through interactive Q&A sessions and concise educational videos, students delve into scientific concepts. Additionally, the platform offers detailed instructions for hands-on lab activities conducted in class. Following each session, students engage in wrap-up questions and an online evaluation. Password and Login information is supplied upon enrollment. Parents have the option to generate a comprehensive PDF summarizing the covered topics, alignment with NGSS standards, lab reports, and assessment outcomes for future reference and documentation. While utilization of the platform isn't mandatory, our research indicates enhanced learning outcomes for students who engage with it. Rest assured, the platform maintains anonymity and does not gather any personal information about the student and is consistent with Outschool policies. For some lessons, we may provide links to peer-reviewed articles outlining the history of the career and science topic covered in class. This will be provided in the parent PDF and it is up to the parent to review with the child. ADVISE: Please have the supplies ready for this class. Please provide your learner a clear space to work, any necessary eye, clothing or hand protections. Parents are encouraged to supervise from a distance and provide assistance as needed.
For some lessons, we may provide links to peer-reviewed articles in scientific journals outlining the history of the career and science topic covered in class. This will be provided in the parent PDF and up to the parent to review with the child.
At XplorStem, we're passionate about bridging gaps and creating exciting opportunities in science education. We are excited to introduce ourselves this summer through a series of programs and camps. This fall, we’re thrilled to offer a...
Group Class
$18
per classMeets once
45 min
Live video meetings
Ages: 8-11
2-6 learners per class
