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Feeding Frenzy

In this activity, students will multiply and divide a recipe to feed groups of various sizes. Students will use unit rates or proportions and think critically about real world applications of a baking problem. This is a great lesson on setting up proportions, using unit rates, looking at diagrams and adjusting a recipe to feed different size groups. Hands on activities are also incorporated.
Weblink address (URL): 
Feeding Frenzy

Standards & Objectives

Learning objectives: 

Learning Objectives:

Students will:

  • Use ratios and solve proportions.
  • Combine math with practical knowledge to analyze a problem.
Essential and guiding questions: 

Questions for Students:

  • Did you notice any shortcuts as you worked through the problems?
  • Do you think the calculations would have been easier if you gave your answers in decimals? Why do you think cooking measurements are made in fractions?
  • What practical knowledge do you need to bake cookies? Is it enough to calculate the quantities of the ingredients?

Lesson Variations

Blooms taxonomy level: 
Understanding
Extension suggestions: 

Extensions:

  • Students could plan an entire dinner party for 12, complete with shopping list. Have students bring in recipes for the dishes they wish to prepare, and then adjust all the recipes to serve 12.
  • Many recipe websites can automatically adjust a recipe to the desired number of servings. Have students explore these recipes, and then write about how the conversions they did in class compare to those on the websites.
  • Have students convert all the units to the simplest form for a particular ingredient. For example, students should have found that 3\frac{1}{3} tsp of vanilla is needed for 60 servings of chocolate chip cookies. Since 3 tsp =1 Tbsp, it would be easier to measure out 1 Tbsp + \frac{1}{3} tsp of vanilla.
  • Students could convert all measurements into grams and other metric units, which are standard baking units in Europe, and then multiply the recipe for 300 servings. How does the process compare using different units? Which units are easier to calculate? Which units are easier to use when baking?

Helpful Hints

Materials:

  • Measuring cup and spoon
  • Sand
  • Large mixing bowl
  • Feeding Frenzy Activity Sheet 
  • Feeding Frenzy Answer Key 

References

Contributors: 
Roxann Johnson
Originator: 
Ayers Institute for Learning & Innovation