What's included
22 live meetings
16 hrs 30 mins in-class hoursHomework
1-2 hours per week. 3-6 per weekAssessment
Learners will be provided with a course certificate that includes a letter grade once they successfully complete their weekly labsGrading
includedClass Experience
US Grade 8 - 11
Beginner - Intermediate Level
Explore the science behind the food we eat in this introductory course. You’ll learn about food chemistry, energy expenditure, food processing, and preservation techniques while building a strong foundation in food science. Through engaging lessons and hands-on labs, you’ll understand food systems, safety, nutrition, and the impact of technology on food production. Why Should You Take This Course? If you're curious about how food impacts health, sustainability, and society, this course is for you! You'll gain essential knowledge about food production, preservation, and safety, plus how technology shapes the food industry. What Makes This Course Different from Advanced Food Science and Innovation? This course is perfect for beginners. It covers the core principles like food chemistry, nutrition, and basic food processing. Advanced Food Science and Innovation dives deeper into cutting-edge technologies and future trends. If you're just starting out, this course is a great place to begin! Key Topics: Food Chemistry: Fats, carbs, proteins, vitamins, and minerals. Food Processing & Preservation: Canning, freezing, and fermentation. Food Quality: Color, texture, and consumer acceptance. Food Safety & Allergies: Foodborne illnesses, sanitation, and intolerances. Hands-On Labs: Make homemade mayo, yogurt, and butter. Compare food preservation methods like blanching and freezing. Explore food quality with fun activities like cookie experiments! Additional Notes: Feel free to take both this course and Advanced Food Science and Innovation at the same time, as they complement each other. Both are also available as self-paced options, so you can learn at your own speed. Join us and start your journey into the exciting world of food science!
Learning Goals
Learn the fundamental concepts of food chemistry, processing, and preservation to understand how food is produced and transformed.
Develop skills to assess food quality and understand the importance of food safety, from sanitation practices to recognizing foodborne illnesses.
Syllabus
Curriculum
Follows Teacher-Created CurriculumStandards
Aligned with Next Generation Science Standards (NGSS)22 Lessons
over 11 WeeksLesson 1:
Overview of the food industry
Definition of food science, Parts of the food industry (production, manufacturing, distribution, marketing), Major Product Lines, Allied Industries, International Activities, Lab: Homemade Mayonnaise, Research: find two photos or diagrams that represent technology from the food system that is at least 50 years old.
45 mins online live lesson
Lesson 2:
Chemistry of Foods
Understanding the makeup of fats, carbs, proteins, minerals, vitamins, water, uses in foods. Lab Exercise: Texture Analysis of Protein, Starch, and Lipid-Rich Foods
45 mins online live lesson
Lesson 3:
Energy Expenditure
Nutrient needs: What are RDA's, Understanding TDEE (Total Daily Energy Expenditure), Using the Schofield equation to calculate BMR, What is the TEF (Thermic Effect of Food), Meausring Protein Quality, Understanding the Thermic Effect of Activity (PAL and MET), Lab: Exploring the Schofield Equation
45 mins online live lesson
Lesson 4:
Digestion of Foods
Organs of our digestive tract, Understanding how our food is broken down and used as energy, How to have a healthy digestive system, Lab: What is Digestion Worksheet
45 mins online live lesson
Other Details
External Resources
In addition to the Outschool classroom, this class uses:
Sources
I will be referring to the book "Introduction to Food Science & Food Systems" by Dr. Rick Parker and Karen Kenny
Teacher expertise and credentials
2 teachers have a Bachelor's degree
Bachelor's Degree in Linguistics from Memorial University of Newfoundland
Bachelor's Degree in Nutrition Sciences from Mount Saint Vincent University
About Us
Welcome to Happy Kids Nutrition Academy, where we empower children through engaging and interactive nutrition education! Our focus is on teaching young minds about the importance of nutrition, healthy eating habits, and making informed food choices. We offer a variety of classes that cover topics such as balanced meals, understanding food labels, the role of nutrients, and how to foster a positive relationship with food.
Our Philosophy
At Happy Kids Nutrition Academy, we believe that knowledge is the key to lifelong wellness. Our philosophy centers around evidence-based nutrition principles, creativity in learning, and fostering an environment where children can thrive. We aim to instill healthy habits that will last a lifetime, emphasizing the role of food in overall health and happiness.
Meet the Team
Erin Madden, Founder and Chief Executive Officer
Erin Madden is the visionary founder and CEO of Happy Kids Nutrition Academy. With over a decade of experience in the nutrition and fitness industry, she holds a Bachelor’s degree in Applied Human Nutrition from Mount Saint Vincent University. Erin is passionate about the impact of nutrition on health and well-being, and her enthusiasm is infectious. Outside of leading the academy, Erin enjoys CrossFit, swimming, hiking, and exploring international cuisines, especially Thai food. She also has a soft spot for chocolate!
Randi Scherer, BS in Exercise Science and Nutrition
Randi is a dedicated educator with a Bachelor’s degree in Exercise Science and Nutrition from Montclair State University. She is committed to empowering children to develop healthy eating habits and a lifelong relationship with wellness. Randi creates a fun, supportive learning environment that promotes physical, emotional, and mental growth, ensuring that every child feels valued and encouraged to make informed health choices.
Yue Li, RD, MSc AHN (c)
Yue Li is a passionate advocate for nutrition education and a registered dietitian with a Master’s degree in Applied Human Nutrition. Her extensive experience working with diverse age groups equips her to inspire healthy habits in children and adults alike. Yue believes that understanding nutrition is essential for overall well-being, and she is dedicated to empowering young minds with the skills to build positive relationships with food.
Christopher Sahota
As a Sports Coach and Educational Assistant, Chris plays a vital role in engaging students in physical fitness and nutrition. His background in adaptive sports allows him to create inclusive activities tailored to meet the needs of all learners. Chris is dedicated to providing motivational support that helps children develop important life skills.
Something Fun!
At Happy Kids Nutrition Academy, we believe that learning about nutrition should be an adventure! That’s why we host themed educational events, like “Nutrition Exploration Day,” where kids can discover new foods, learn about different cultures, and participate in fun challenges that reinforce healthy habits. We make nutrition education exciting and memorable!
Join us on our mission to inspire healthy habits and support the next generation of happy, healthy kids!
Reviews
Live Group Course
$30
weekly2x per week, 11 weeks
45 min
Completed by 30 learners
Live video meetings
Ages: 12-17
1-6 learners per class