Objective
By the end of this lesson, you will understand the chemistry behind chocolate and how it is made.
Materials and Prep
- Cocoa beans (can be purchased online or from a local store)
- Grinder or mortar and pestle
- Hot water
- Strainer
- Cocoa powder
- Sugar
- Milk
- Stove or microwave
- Saucepan or microwave-safe bowl
- Spoon
- Optional: flavorings such as vanilla extract or cinnamon
Before starting the lesson, make sure you have an understanding of the basic concepts of atoms, molecules, and chemical reactions.
Activities
-
Start by exploring cocoa beans. Examine their texture, smell, and taste. Discuss what you observe.
-
Grind the cocoa beans using a grinder or mortar and pestle until they become a fine powder. This will be your cocoa powder.
-
Heat a small amount of water in a saucepan or microwave-safe bowl. Add a spoonful of cocoa powder and stir until it dissolves.
-
Add sugar and milk to the cocoa mixture. Adjust the quantities to taste. Heat the mixture on the stove or in the microwave until it is hot, but not boiling.
-
Optional: Add flavorings such as vanilla extract or cinnamon to enhance the taste of the hot chocolate.
-
Strain the hot chocolate to remove any lumps or solid particles. Serve and enjoy!
Eighth Grade Talking Points
- "Chocolate is made from cocoa beans, which are the seeds of the cocoa tree."
- "Cocoa beans contain chemicals called flavonoids, which have antioxidant properties."
- "When cocoa beans are ground, they release cocoa powder, which is the key ingredient in chocolate."
- "Sugar and milk are added to cocoa powder to make hot chocolate."
- "Heating the mixture helps the cocoa powder dissolve and allows the flavors to blend together."
- "Straining the hot chocolate removes any solid particles and ensures a smooth texture."