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Lesson 1 Math


Lesson Plans & Curriculum
High School
90 minutes or more

This is a National FFA lesson plan (Unit 4: Math in Food Science) that introduces students to the mathematical concepts used in food science, including the metric system, units of measure, and conversions. It prepares students for the “math practicum” portion of the National FFA Food Science and Technology CDE through estimating activities, recipe conversion worksheets, and a unit assessment.

At a glance

Learning objectives
  • Identify conversion factors in food science.
  • Describe the importance of conversion factors in food science.
  • Calculate conversions in food science.
Time required
90 to 120 minutes (*Time requirements may vary based upon student understanding and class schedule.)
Grade level
Grades 9 and 10
Materials
  • "Measuring, Reference Chart and Terminology" handout (found at the end of this lesson)
  • Activity 1: Various sizes of graduated cylinders and beakers; balance/scale in grams; rulers/tape measures in metric units
  • Activity 1: pencils, drinking mugs, refrigerated beverage, access to hot tap water, student shoes (recommended station setup)
  • Activity 1: One copy of the "Estimating Metric Measurements" worksheet per student
  • Follow-up: One copy of the "Metric Units and Converting Recipes" worksheet per student
  • Exit Ticket: "Unit 4 Assessment" exam
  • One copy of the "Unit 4 Assessment" per student
  • Calculators, one/student for use on the Unit 4 Assessment
Vocabulary
International System of Units; Replicable; Mass; Gram (g); Kilogram (kg); Weight; Length; Meter; Volume; Liter (L); Celsius; Fahrenheit
Cross-Curricular Connections
Science (determine scientific weights and measures); English/Language Arts (practice proper grammar and writing through Activity 1, the Follow-up and the Exit Ticket/Assessment); Technology (utilize the internet and electronic devices to seek information needed in Activity 1); Mathematics (entire lesson is math focused; practice math skills in Activity 1, the Follow-up and the Exit Ticket/Assessment)
Partnership for 21st Century Skills
Critical Thinking and Problem Solving; Flexibility and Adaptability; Implement Innovations; Information Literacy; Productivity and Accountability; Think Creatively
Resources/References
Website: Extended Learning Reference (YouTube); Textbook: Principles of Food Science, 4th Edition, Janet D. Ward
Related Resources
PDF: "USDA Food Safety Inspection Manual" (provides mathematical conversion chart as approved by the USDA)
Unit
Unit 4: Lesson 1 of 1

Downloads & Links

Aligned Standards

AFNR Career Ready Practices

  • CRP.02Apply appropriate academic and technical skills. Career-ready individuals readily access and use the knowledge and skills acquired through experience and education to be more productive.
  • CRP.04Communicate clearly, effectively, and with reason. Career-ready individuals communicate thoughts, ideas and action plans with clarity, whether using written, verbal and/or visual methods.
  • CRP.05Consider the environmental, social and economic impact of decisions.
  • CRP.06Demonstrate creativity and innovation.
  • CRP.07Employ valid and reliable research strategies. Career-ready individuals are discerning in accepting and using new information to make decisions, change practices or inform strategies.
  • CRP.08Utilize critical thinking to make sense of problems and persevere in solving them. Career-ready individuals readily recognize problems in the workplace, understand the nature of the problem, and devise effective plans to solve the problem.
  • CRP.09Model integrity, ethical leadership and effective management.
  • CRP.11Use technology to enhance productivity. Career-ready individuals find and maximize the productive value of existing and new technology to accomplish workplace tasks and solve workplace problems.

Common Core – Literacy in Science & Technical Subjects: Writing

  • CCSS.ELA-Literacy.WHST.9.10.2Write informative/explanatory texts, including the narration of historical events, scientific procedures/experiments, or technical processes.
  • CCSS.ELA-Literacy.WHST.9.10.4Produce clear and coherent writing in which the development, organization, and style are appropriate to task, purpose, and audience.

Common Core – Math Practices

Common Core – Reading: Informational Text

  • CCSS.ELA-Literacy.RI.9-10.1Cite strong and thorough textual evidence to support analysis of what the text says explicitly as well as inferences drawn from the text.

Common Core – Science & Technical Subjects

  • CCSS.ELA-Literacy.RST.9-10.3Follow precisely a complex multistep procedure when carrying out experiments, taking measurements, or performing technical tasks, attending to special cases or exceptions defined in the text.
  • CCSS.ELA-Literacy.RST.9-10.7Translate quantitative or technical information expressed in words in a text into visual form (e.g., a table or chart) and translate information expressed visually or mathematically (e.g., in an equation) into words.

Common Core – Speaking and Listening

  • CCSS.ELA-Literacy.SL.9-10.1.CPropel conversations by posing and responding to questions that relate the current discussion to broader themes or larger ideas; actively incorporate others into the discussion; and clarify, verify, or challenge ideas and conclusions.
  • CCSS.ELA-Literacy.SL.9-10.4Present information, findings, and supporting evidence clearly, concisely, and logically such that listeners can follow the line of reasoning and the organization, development, substance, and style are appropriate to purpose, audience, and task.

Common Core – Writing

  • CCSS.ELA-Literacy.W.9-10.2Write informative/explanatory texts to examine and convey complex ideas, concepts, and information clearly and accurately through the effective selection, organization, and analysis of content.

FFA Precept

  • FFA.CS-MCommunication: Effectively interact with others in personal and professional settings.
  • FFA.CS-NDecision Making: Analyze a situation and execute an appropriate course of action.
  • FFA.PG-JMental Growth: Embrace cognitive and intellectual development relative to reasoning, thinking and coping.
  • FFA.PL-AAction: Assume responsibility and take the necessary steps to achieve the desired results, no matter what the goal or task at hand.
  • FFA.PL-CVision: Visualize the future and how to get there.

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