Component: The student converts a recipe from metric to standard measurement.

Objectives: The student will search for a recipe from the chosen country that has been written in metric form and convert it to standard form using a conversion chart found in math book. A metric site is: USENET Cookbook. A site that converts recipes from standard to metric: All Recipes

Materials: cookbook from chosen country, web addresses relating to food, visit : Daily Math to learn more about conversions, database application

Procedure:   
1) Student will choose recipe and read the recipe aloud

2) Use chart (see below) to convert it to standard measurement

3) Increase the recipe from 6-8 servings to 30-35 servings

4) Students will open database application

5) Record various recipes using format

6) Proofread, spell check, then publish recipes

7) Organize recipes into appetizers, salads, vegetables, fruit, meat, poultry, fish, breads, beverages, and desserts

8) Compile into Class Cook Book

9) These recipes can be posted on school or class web site; they may also be emailed to key pals

Evaluation: Student will be evaluated on recipe and its conversion from standard to metric.

Tip: This lesson works best when students are working together in small groups.

Metric/Standard Conversion Chart

To change ounces to grams multiply by 28.35

To change pounds to kilograms multiply by .47

To change pints to liters multiply by .24

To change teaspoons to milliliters multiply by 5

To change tablespoons to milliliters multiply by 15

Directions:

Divide the desired yield by the recipe yield:

new yield
---------  = conversion factor
old yield

Help for Teachers: Quick Tips for Calculations

1 gallon = 4 quarts = 8 pints = 16 cups = 128 fluid ounces

1 quart = 2 pints = 4 cups = 32 fluid ounces

1 pint = 2 cups = 16 fluid ounces

1 cup = 8 fluid ounces = 16 tablespoons

1 gill = 1/2 cup = 4 fluid ounces = 8 tablespoons

1 fluid ounce = 2 tablespoons

1 tablespoon = 1/2 fluid ounce = 3 teaspoons

To convert ounces to grams, multiply ounces x 28.35
To convert pounds to grams, multiply pounds x 453.59

To convert Fahrenheit degrees (F) to Celsius degrees (C):
°C = (°F - 32) x 5/9

1 stick of butter = 8 tablespoons = 4 ounces = 1/4 pound

Homework: Research and locate a recipe from your country. Use Yahooligans as a search engine to type in the name of the country, then locate authentic recipes. For Ireland, see Free Recipe Collection and Irish Recipes. With a parent, cook one of the recipes and bring samples to school for the class to try.

Extension: Plan an Ethnic Party

• Research the foods, games and music of your chosen country
• Use a search engine such as KidsClick!
• Break students into small groups to conduct research
• Have students brainstorm their ideas for a party theme and what activities they will have at the party: games, music, food...
• Have students complete Ethnic Party Planning Work Sheet
• Decide what food, music and games students will bring in to class
• Choose date
• Have students create invitations using desktop publishing
• Proofread, spell check, publish invitations
• Invite parents

Volume Measures Conversions

Weight Measures Conversions