The flu or food poisoning? Middle schoolers learn how to safely prepare, cook, clean up, and store food with a lesson plan that has them first read articles about food safety. Partners create a video that shows them modeling these steps and pointing out food safety tips as they prepare a favorite food.

Concepts

food, germs, kitchen safety, handwashing, cooking, healthy eating

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Instructional Ideas

• Divide the class into five groups, assign each a different article to read, and report on to the whole class
• Tape and present episodes from several cooking shows to serve as models 
• Keep several videos to serve as models for future classes
• Invite a member of the school cafeteria or a local restauranteur to speak about their food safety procedures

Classroom Considerations

• Presumes all participants have access to a kitchen, either at home or school
• Be sensitive to the fact that all pupils may not have access outside of school
• Requires video recording equipment
• Check on food allergies and sensitivities

Pros

• Includes a possible extension activity that has groups preparing music videos that explain why the "5-second rule" is false
• A comprehension quiz and answer key are included in the packet

Cons

• None

Common Core

RI.6.1 RI.6.4 RI.6.6 RI.7.1 RI.7.4 RI.7.6 RI.8.1 RI.8.4 RI.8.6