Weird Science: What Is Spice?
In this one-time class, we will discuss spicy food, why some love/hate it, and the bizarre way our bodies react to it. #academic
John PhD
Average rating:
5.0
Number of reviews:(258)
Popular
Rising Star
What's included
1 live meeting
25 mins in-class hoursClass Experience
US Grade 4 - 7
Whoooo, that’s spicy! What is spice? Why does it hurt? And why do I kind of like it? Come learn about the science of spicy food. A topic that many wouldn’t think much of as they enjoy their spicy pizza, noodles or chicken wings! There is a lot of science behind spice and the way our bodies react to it. In this course, learners will gain an understanding of the biochemical processes of spice. We discuss the way your brain interprets the sensation of spicy food, how we measure spice itself, some evolutionary history of peppers, and the psychological reasons some people love to eat spicy food. If you find it strange that our heart rate increases, our muscles tense, or our pupils dilate when we eat spicy food, join us to find out why! *The Weird Science series consists one-time classes that focus on unique, strange, or rarely discussed aspects of science. Classes may lean toward biology, chemistry, physics, math, geology, astronomy, psychology, or any other scientific discipline. Learners are not required to have attended any previous Weird Science classes, as each lesson is standalone, though feel free to check out the rest of the series if you are interested in the strange!
Learning Goals
Students will learn the biology, chemistry, and even some psychology of how people react to spice.
Other Details
Language of Instruction
English
External Resources
Learners will not need to use any apps or websites beyond the standard Outschool tools.
Teacher expertise and credentials
Master's Degree in Science from Saint Mary's University
Hello, Outschoolers!
My name is John and I have been a scientist and educator for over 15 years. I hold a Bachelor of Science (Honors in Biology), Master of Applied Sciences, and a Ph.D. in biology. Over my BSc, MSc and PhD I have designed and delivered courses for students aged 3 to 63 for class sizes ranging from one-on-one lessons to classrooms of over 300 students.
I have professionally taught subjects such as Biology, Chemistry, Physics, Astronomy, and Math, as well as more focused lessons such as courses in Public Speaking, Time Management, and Conversation Skills. I have worked as a scientific mentor and instructor to students in elementary school all the way to university. I hold certificates for 150-hour Teaching English as a Foreign Language and 250-hour Intensive Teaching certificates, and have participated in seminars for Grading and Giving Feedback to students. I have given scientific conference presentations to audiences of more than 700 people, and have published a number of peer-reviewed scientific articles. I also have experience coaching a variety of sports including hockey, basketball, and volleyball. I have been teaching courses online for 5 years to more than 1200 students.
I am a lifelong student and love to learn new things each day. My teaching philosophy revolves around this idea, that every student has a lot of their own to offer and I always try to relate any topic to a student's interest. You may find classes of mine that take popular culture and relate these hobbies and interests with academic concepts to help students relate to the material. My classes are often heavy in discussion (though no student is forced to speak if they do not want to) and we expand on the material in each lesson based on what students are most interested in. This often results in courses that interest me in particular and that I think can offer students a lot of value and critical thinking skills. I teach high-level academic courses, as well as conversation-based community development to foster interest in sharing things students enjoy.
Private, personalized tutoring is also available. Send me a message if interested.
I hope to see you all in class soon!
JohnReviews
Live One-Time Class
$21
per classMeets once
25 min
Completed by 31 learners
Live video meetings
Ages: 9-14
3-10 learners per class
