What's In A Candy Bar?

Component: Science

Objectives: 

• Classifies a given list as elements, compounds, or mixtures

• Determines that properties of materials can be compared and measured

Materials:  Various types of candy bars such as Baby Ruth, Hershey Bars, Kit Kat,
                 Heath Bar, Three Musketeers, Snickers...

Procedure: 1) Each group will read the labels of a candy bar.

                 2) They will then search online for information about the ingredients: sugar, fat, chocolate,
                     nuts, coconut...

                 3) The results will be typed, explaining what each ingredient is.

                 4) Additional information will then be added such as food value, fat
                     content, sodium content, and allergens. Insert information into Candy Bar Ingredients
                     table.

                 5) Findings will be presented to the class.

                 6) Visit Top Secret Nestle Recipes to find the ingredients.

                  7) Each student will write an opinion article as to the health value of the
                 researched candy bar. They will list the ingredients of the candy bar
                 to determine the health value. Include an article that has been researched
                 about the health benefits or detriments of fat, sugar, and sodium. 

Evaluation: Opinion article will be evaluated using the following Candy Bar Ingredients checklist.

The following sites explain about the different ingredients in a candy bar. The teacher can use the  sites for background information and then book mark appropriate sites for students: 

Healthy Eating - Up to date nutrition news
Candy USA - Learn about candy and food security
Fabulous Food  -   Learn all about chocolate
Exploratorium - Learn about the lure of chocolate
Kid's Town - More chocolate recipes and activities

Homework: Write all ingredients consumed at dinner. Compare and contrast the
                   health benefits of dinner versus a candy bar.

Extension Activities: 

• Go online to Ask a Doctor and find out about the health effects of the ingredients in candy bars.

• Make a graph on the computer listing several types of candy bars, comparing sugar, sodium or fat content. Display as a pictograph, using clip art for each candy bar.

• Invite a pastry chef or dessert chef into the classroom to show how frosting and icing is made for decorating cakes.

Another website for teachers to visit and book mark for students: 

Digital Cookbook
Search for online candy recipes