Sweet Lab in Fifth Grade Science

To investigate the amount of sugar in various types of cereals, fifth graders conducted an experiment this week using yeast. As part of their biology unit, students have learned about photosynthesis and the production of sugar in plants. Most recently, they learned how cells use those sugars to function, and how the amount of gas released from yeast can be measured to determine the amount of sugar in something. Using measured quantities of cereal combined with yeast in Ziploc bags and setting those bags in warm water, students instigated the process by which yeast produces carbon dioxide. “This experiment is a great hands-on opportunity for students to see what cellular respiration looks like,” said STEAM teacher Eitam Kohen. “The new fifth grade structure [in which the grade was departmentalized into STEAM and humanities] has been so great because it allows us to teach science more in depth. The goal with everything we do is to meet the needs of all of our learners, which includes visual learning, logical learning, and experiential learning. This lab combines all three to allow all students to understand and see yeast in action.” MORE PHOTOS