May School Newsletter
May is such a great time of year as the sun starts to peek around the corner and hint at the approaching summer season. We are celebrating the month of May and the beginning of summertime through flavor and taste discussions and activities!
Jump to: Idea for the Classroom | Fun Educational Activities | Resources
Experiencing Flavor
Idea for the Classroom
Learn about how we experience flavor with this easy classroom activity.
Students will select a Jolly Rancher candy with their eyes closed (you can also randomly assign flavors). Next, ask your students to plug their noses and pop the candy in their mouths. Count to 10. Ask your students to write down what flavor they think they have. Then ask your students to unplug their noses and take a breath. Now, what is the flavor?
What is happening? The candy will only taste sweet while their nose is plugged, but when they breathe in and out, a rush of flavor will come through.
Why? Because we can experience flavor in two ways: 1) Smelling food nearby (orthonasal) and 2) Breathing when food is in our mouth (retronasal).
"Life is uncertain. Eat dessert first." - Ernestine Ulmer
Exploring Flavor and Taste
Educational Video and At-Home Activities
FLAVOR & TASTE EDUCATIONAL VIDEO
What's the difference between flavor and taste? Explore the world of sensory science and learn how our taste buds and sense of smell work together to create the delicious experiences we enjoy every day. Perfect for curious minds, this video will transform the way kids think about the food they eat.
KITCHEN SCAVENGER HUNT ACTIVITY
Get ready for a fun and educational adventure in your very own kitchen with the Museum of Food & Culture's Kitchen Scavenger Hunt! Designed to help kids explore and understand the concepts of flavor and taste, this activity will have them searching for ingredients, tasting new foods and fun combinations, and learning through play. It’s a perfect way to combine education and excitement while fostering a sense of creativity and discovery.
Resources
🔬 Classroom Learning | Taste the Seasons with The Edible Schoolyard Project
🍎 Cafeteria Activations | Hosting a Recipe Tasting by the Chef Ann Foundation
🥦 School Garden | School Garden Lessons including MFC's unique Vegetable Tasting activity
✊🏽 Diversity, Equity & Inclusion | The Untold History of MSG & Umami with Sarah Lohman
⚖️ Promoting Health & Nutrition | Leading with flavor encourages healthy eating
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