Investigate the Relationship Between Chemical Structure and Food Calories
Determine the amount of energy (number of calories) contained in various types of food that you supply by having your students create a simple bomb calorimeter. Once they have built their calorimeter, they will apply principles of biochemistry and molecular structure to predict which foods contain the most energy and then calculate the number of calories generated from a food sample. The activity contains enough materials for four setups, as well as instructor, student, and assessment manuals. Note: This activity must be performed underneath a fume hood.
Materials Included
•5 Cans with lids
•1 Box of large metal paperclips
•1 Butane lighter
•5 Alcohol burner stands
Materials Needed But Not Provided
•Balance
•Food items
•Fume hood
•Distilled water
•Thermometer
•Graduated cylinder
•Ring stand with clamps
•Calculator
Time Requirement
•One 45 minute lab period