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  Home > JCE Print > Journal of Chemical Education > Issues > 2008  > March  >
Chemical Education Today
Classroom Activity Connections
No Apple Fool: Biochemistry and Taste
Lynn Diener
Natural Science Department, Edgewood College, Madison, WI 53711
Cover
March 2008
Vol. 85 No. 3
p. 345

Abstract
Getting introductory level college and high school students excited about biochemistry can be a challenge. Biochemistry is such a relevant, real-world field of study; without the chemistry constantly taking place in our bodies, no one would be alive! But how can an instructor help students realize how integral chemistry is to the functioning of their bodies when chemistry still seems like a foreign language to them, one that they don't yet know how to speak? The JCE Classroom Activity, "Apple Fool! An Introduction to Artificial Flavors", has been the perfect hook to get my students interested in learning more about how biochemistry allows their bodies to function and specifically how it allows us to taste. In the Activity, students make mock applesauce using crackers. It's a surprising approximation of real applesauce (especially with a dash of cinnamon). Students wonder how their taste buds are so easily fooled and this leaves them excited to learn more about the chemistry and biochemistry of taste during the rest of the lesson.
Supplement
The Sweeter Things in Life! Chemistry and Taste Worksheet
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Contents
More Information
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Citation
Diener, Lynn. J. Chem. Educ. 2008, 85, 345.
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Keywords
Biochemistry; Communication / Writing; General Public; High School / Introductory Chemistry
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History
Created:
Last Updated:
2/4/2008
2/8/2008
  Home > JCE Print > Journal of Chemical Education > Issues > 2008  > March  > Page 345


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