Meet the Molecules in Chocolate: Informal Opportunities for Building Thematic Molecular Models with Children

Abstract

We describe the development and use of a molecular model building activity with a chocolate theme, suitable for a public presentation of chemistry through interaction with visitors to science festivals and museums, and as a special classroom activity during science weeks, and so forth.

The Science of Chocolate: Interactive Activities on Phase Transitions, Emulsification, and Nucleation

“…The beans are then picked out of the pod and dried. The next step of roasting the beans is also important for developing the characteristic flavor of chocolate . Thereafter, the beans are crushed into small pieces or pressed to extract the cocoa butter fat from the cocoa solids.…”

“…In chocolate, fat molecules can crystallize into six different forms when chocolate cools and solidifies , . Only two of these crystal forms result in chocolate that is smooth, glossy, and has a desirable texture, whereas the other forms yield poor quality chocolate.…”

“…The material that we describe can be adapted as a lecture for families and the general public or in the classroom. Because chocolate is a popular subject for science education , general science journals , , as well as active scientific research − , there is a wide variety of resources that can be used to complement and supplement the material we present here.…”

Integrating informal learning in college general chemistry courses

“…their attitude toward science) are improved by IL (Hofstien and Rosenfeld, 1996). Many educators have accepted the challenge of creating informal learning opportunities, including activities that explore the molecules in chocolate (Amey et al, 2008), and creating artistic displays with a scientific theme (Steffan et al, 1996). There still exists a need to perform research on best practices for incorporating informal learning into formal chemistry settings and assessing the merits of various approaches.…”

An Example of Body-Centered Cubic Crystal Structure: The Atomium in Brussels as an Educative Tool for Introductory Materials Chemistry

“…Online representations and simulators for the various unit cells can also be used to aid student understanding. 2 Amey et al 3 described how, since their first use by Dalton ca. 1810, physical molecular models have been employed by chemists to enhance visualization and understanding of the molecular world.…”