What have ratio and chemistry got to do with cooking?
Chefistry is a Year 7 expedition, run between January and February.
The learning targets were :
- I can explain the difference between pure and impure substances
- I can describe the difference between metals and nonmetals in the periodic table
- I can explain the difference between a physical and chemical change
- I can explain observable phenomena using the particle model
- I can apply ratios and proportions to creating and scaling recipes
- I can calculate the nutritional content of recipes and meals
- I can plan a healthy savoury meal
- I can cook a healthy savoury meal
Students began the learning expedition with an immersion using the science labs for the first time, they learned about changes in states of matter and the heating curve of ice. They also had a cooking experience to see the magic behind cooking when making ice cream.
In the past, students have looked at a range of recipes from serving a boiled egg with soldiers to making tomato pasta, bread and homemade lemonade. This time their menu was ambitiously set to serve their guests with a Cream Tea. The menu used artisan methods to make a delicious selection of baguettes bites, fruit scones and cupcakes served with tea. Students studied the ratios involved, the periodic table, solids, liquids and gases, pure and impure substances, heat transfer and convection currents and the physical and chemical changes at play as we cook. Experts from Doncaster Knights Rugby Club spoke to us about nutrition.
Students created cake stands, a cream tea and storyboards to show what was happening when they cook, and also which help to explain the practical uses of ratio and proportion in cooking.
Students presented their learning to parents and visitors by hosting a cream tea, where they showcased their learning giving an insight into what was happening behind the scenes before preparing and serving their beautiful dishes.
All resources relating to this expedition over the three years it has been completed can be found below:
The Journey of Chefistry – 2014/15
Sheffield Hallam University Immersion Highlights – 2014/15
Celebration of Learning Highlights – 2014/15
Admiral’s Final Product – 2014/15
Skipper’s Final Product – 2014/15
Admiral’s Final Product – 2015/16
Skipper’s Final Product – 2015/16
