An Unfamiliar Ingredient

Worksheet Description

The “Research Project” worksheet is an investigative tool tailored for students to analyze and understand the ingredients found in food products. It prompts students to select an ingredient listed on a food package that is unfamiliar to them and conduct a detailed study on it. The worksheet is designed with a series of questions that guide the research process, starting with the basic inquiry of identifying the chosen ingredient.

The worksheet then leads students through a structured inquiry, asking where the ingredient originates from and its purpose in the food. This encourages students to look into the sourcing and role of the ingredient within the product. Further questions explore any additional uses the ingredient may have beyond its function in the food, and what is known about its effects on human health. These prompts aim to deepen the students’ understanding of the ingredient’s broader applications and implications for wellbeing. Finally, the worksheet asks for the student’s personal opinion on the ingredient based on their research findings, fostering critical thinking and personal engagement with the topic. This worksheet not only educates students on food ingredients but also cultivates research skills and critical evaluation of dietary choices.