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Food Science Workshop : Fizzics Education
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Food Science Workshop

Food Science Workshop

🧬 Chemical World: Food Chemistry & DNA

Food Science

Nutrient Testing, Molecular Biology & Preservation

How do scientists unlock the secrets hidden within our diet? In this hands-on food chemistry workshop, students step into the role of laboratory technicians to investigate the molecular makeup of what we eat. From extracting DNA from fruit to running chemical assays for specific nutrients, this session makes the invisible science of nutrition both visible and memorable.

We delve into the vital role of food preservation and the chemistry of additives, helping students understand why certain choices are essential for a healthy lifestyle. Designed to align with the Food: Different by Design inquiry model, this workshop bridges the gap between the kitchen and the laboratory.

Workshop Highlights:

  • Nutrient Assays: Use scientific indicators to test for sugars, starches, and fats.
  • DNA Extraction: Perform a biological procedure to isolate genetic material from fruit.
  • Preservation Chemistry: Explore how we keep food safe and why we use specific additives.
  • Healthy Choices: Use chemical evidence to understand nutritional labeling and diet.
  • Liquid Nitrogen (Optional): Discuss the physics of rapid cooling with an ice-cream making demonstration.

Expert Content & Presentation

Led by Churchill Fellow Ben Newsome, we ensure every school incursion is grounded in pedagogical best practice and student-led inquiry.

Ben Newsome Fizzics Education

4 Million+ Students Inspired since 2004

Online Class Option:

Can’t have us on-site? This workshop is available as a live, interactive video conference with pre-shipped experiment kits.

🧪
Hands-on testing at your desks.
🎥
Zoom, Teams, or Webex.

Australian National Curriculum Mapping for all our science incursions

Australian ACARA Content Outcomes:

Science F-10 Version 9.0

Foundation
  • recognise that objects can be composed of different materials and describe the observable properties of those materials AC9SFU03
  • explore the ways people make and use observations and questions to learn about the natural world AC9SFH01
  • pose questions and make predictions based on experiences AC9SFI01
Year 2
  • recognise that materials can be changed physically without changing their material composition including by breaking into smaller pieces AC9S2U03
Year 1 & 2
  • describe how people use science in their daily lives, including using patterns to make scientific predictions AC9S1H0, AC9S2H01
  • pose questions to explore observed simple patterns and relationships AC9S1I01, AC9S2I01
  • compare observations with predictions and others’ observations AC9S1I05, AC9S2I05
Year 3
  • identify sources of heat energy and examine how temperature changes when heat energy is transferred AC9S3U03
  • investigate the observable properties of solids and liquids and how adding or removing heat energy leads to a change of state AC9S3U04
Year 4
  • examine the properties of natural and made materials and consider how these properties influence their use AC9S4U04
Year 3 & 4
  • examine how people use data to develop scientific explanations AC9S3H01, AC9S4H01
  • consider how people use scientific explanations to meet a need or solve a problem AC9S3H02, AC9S4H02
  • pose questions to explore patterns and draw conclusions AC9S3I05, AC9S4I05
Year 5
  • explain observable properties of solids, liquids and gases by modelling the motion and arrangement of particles AC9S5U04
Year 6
  • compare reversible changes, including dissolving and changes of state, and irreversible changes, including cooking AC9S6U04
Year 5 & 6
  • investigate how scientific knowledge is used by individuals and communities to make decisions AC9S5H02, AC9S6H02
  • pose investigable questions to identify patterns and test relationships AC9S5I01, AC9S6I01

Health and Physical Education

Foundation
  • identify health symbols, messages and strategies in their community AC9HPFP06
Years 1 & 2
  • investigate a range of health messages and practices in their community AC9HP2P06
Years 3 & 4
  • interpret the nature and intention of health information and messages AC9HP4P09
  • investigate and apply behaviours that contribute to their own health and safety AC9HP4P10
Years 5 & 6
  • investigate different sources and types of health information and how these apply to choices AC9HP6P09
  • analyse how behaviours influence the health and safety of individuals AC9HP6P10

Design & Technology

Years 1 & 2
  • explore how food can be selected and prepared for healthy eating AC9TDE2K04
Years 3 & 4
  • describe the ways food can be selected and prepared for healthy eating AC9TDE4K04
Years 5 & 6
  • explain how the characteristics of foods influence selection and preparation for healthy eating AC9TDE6K04

Australian National Curriculum Mapping for all our science workshops & shows

NSW K – 10 Science Syllabus mapping

NSW Science Syllabus Content

A student:

  • STe-4MW-ST identifies that objects are made of materials that have observable properties
  • ST1-5LW-T identifies how plants and animals are used for food and fibre products
  • ST1-6MW-S identifies that materials can be changed or combined
  • ST1-7MW-T describes how the properties of materials determine their use
  • ST2-7MW-T investigates the suitability of natural and processed materials
  • ST2-8PW-ST describes the characteristics and effects of common forms of energy, such as light and heat
  • ST3-5LW-T explains how food and fibre are produced sustainably in managed environments
  • ST3-7MW-T explains how the properties of materials determines their use
  • ST3-8PW-ST explains how energy is transformed from one form to another
  • PD3-7 proposes and implements actions and protective strategies that promote health and safety

NSW Science and Technology K–6 Syllabus (Implementation from 2027)

For explanatory points & implementation advice, please visit the NESA Curriculum site.

Stage 1
  • ST1-SCI-01: Investigate how taste and smell provide information about the environment
  • ST1-PQU-01: poses questions based on observations and information to investigate cause and effect
Stage 2
  • ST2-SCI-01: Observe matter as solids, liquids, and gases; describe how heat energy affects particles during state changes
  • ST2-PQU-01: poses questions to create fair tests that investigate the effects of energy
Stage 3
  • ST3-SCI-01: Pose questions to determine whether substances dissolve in water by identifying variables and conducting fair tests
  • ST3-PQU-01: poses questions to identify variables and conducts fair tests to gather data

Print NSW Mapping PDF

VIC Curriculum F–10 Version 2.0

Science

Foundation to Level 2
  • Objects can be made of different materials with observable properties. VC2S2U04
  • Properties of objects and mixtures can differ from their component materials. VC2S2U05
Levels 3 & 4
  • Solids, liquids and gases have observable properties; heat energy leads to a change of state. VC2S4U04
  • Heat energy generation and temperature changes during transfer. VC2S4U09
Levels 5 & 6
  • Modelling the motion and arrangement of particles in matter and mixtures. VC2S6U03
  • Comparing reversible changes (dissolving) and irreversible changes (cooking). VC2S6U04

[Image of the human digestive system]

Health and Physical Education

Foundation to Level 2
  • Identify health symbols, messages and strategies that support safety. VC2HPFP07
Levels 3 & 4
  • Investigate health messages and strategies to promote wellbeing. VC2HP2P07
Levels 5 & 6
  • Interpret the intention of health information and messages; influence on personal decisions. VC2HP4P09

Design and Technologies

  • Levels F-2: Explore how food can be selected and prepared for healthy eating. VC2TDE2C03
  • Levels 3-4: Describe the ways food can be selected and prepared for healthy eating. VC2TDE4C03
  • Levels 5-6: Explain how the properties of foods influence selection for healthy eating. VC2TDE6C03

Print VIC Mapping PDF

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Science Show Activities

Protein testing

Using a laboratory test for proteins with common kitchen ingredients

Starch testing

Fuel your body! Identify starch & thereby energy in common foods

DNA Extraction

Extract real DNA from fruit

Slimy, gooey stuff

Look at fibre in a different way & learn why you need it

Sweet drinks

How much sugar is packed into soft drink?

pH testing

Use cabbage juice indicator to test foods

Sherbet making

Its a chemical reaction...in your mouth!

OPTIONAL: Liquid Nitrogen Ice-cream Making

We make instant ice-cream! Either add 30 minutes to the workshop or we can include this in the 60 minute version by adjusting the program

A student watching a purple liquid fizz

Science workshop content

What Students Experience: The Food Lab

In this immersive chemistry workshop, students transform the classroom into a food testing laboratory. By applying scientific methods to everyday ingredients, we reveal the complex nutrients and chemical reactions that power our bodies.

1. Nutrient Fundamentals

We begin with an investigation into healthy eating and the role of nutrients. Students participate in guided experiments to detect starch and measure food acidity, gaining a chemical perspective on their dietary choices.

2. Culinary Chemistry

The science of flavour and texture comes to life through hands-on sherbet making and the creation of alginate “worms.” These experiments demonstrate how polymers and acid-base reactions are utilised in modern food design.

3. Molecular Biology

We conclude with advanced testing, including protein detection and fruit DNA extraction. To top it off, students explore thermodynamics through our signature (optional) liquid nitrogen ice cream demonstration.

S
St Brigid’s Primary
Coogee, NSW

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EST. 2004

Our Commitment to Quality Science Education

A Trusted School Partner for 20 Years

Fizzics Education delivers reliable, syllabus-aligned visits that engage students and meet the practical requirements of the Australian classroom.

Authentic Lab Work: Using real laboratory reagents and indicators (safely managed) to test nutrient profiles.

Cross-Curricular Depth: Expertly bridging Science and Health (PDHPE) outcomes in a single high-impact session.

Requirements

🧪 Workshop Logistics

Session Requirements

👥 Capacity & Timing

👨‍🎓 Attendance: Max 30 students per class.

🏫 Target: Appropriate for Years K to 6.

Duration: 60 minutes.

🛠️ Set/Pack: 30 mins setup + 30 mins pack down.

🧼 Note: We require 15 minutes for cleaning in-between shows.

📍 Space & Power

🏗️ Layout: Access to 6 to 8 tables is required for experiment stations.

🔌 Power: Access to 1 electrical power socket.

🪑 Seating: Chairs are not required for students.

COVID Safe

COVID Safe: We’ll tailor the session to suit both your school and the State’s current social distancing requirements. Inquire here.

🛡️ $20M Public Liability
WWCC Checked
📋 Full Risk Assessments
🎓 Expert Educators

Go Further!

Complete Units of Work to Support Your Teaching

Save planning time with high-quality videos, printable experiments, vocabulary lists, and marking rubrics designed to engage students in STEM.

Explore STEM Units

Cost

💰 Workshop Investment

Food Science

$580 inc. GST
60-Minute Workshop
Standard Nutrient Investigation (Max 30 Students)

Includes Ice-Cream Making
$660 inc. GST
90-Minute Workshop
Complete Molecular Biology & Ice-Cream (Max 30 Students)

🧪 60-Min Upgrade: Add ice-cream making to your 60-minute session for an additional $55 inc. GST.
(Note: We adjust the number of chemistry activities to accommodate the demonstration).

🎒 Regional Access: Part of a regional area? Find out about our Country Science Tours.

🔖 Offers: Find out about bulk offers & discounts here.

📑 Syllabus Mapping: Print a PDF Mapping for all K to 6 visits.

Call 1300 856 828

Book this workshop for your primary school below.

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