The science of food safety. (Science).In classrooms across America, students are frying hamburgers. But it's not for home economics. Through an experiment where they test the amount of cultured bacteria inside the burgers with various cooking temperatures (and then test cheese for cross-contamination after exposure to the raw meat), these students probably won't be tempted to taste their culinary creations. "I have to admit that in my own cooking--and I love to barbeque--I'm a real believer in meat thermometers now," says Wendell Mohling, associate executive director of professional programs at the National Science Teachers Association. Mohling worked with the Food and Drug Administration to develop Science and Our Food Supply, a new science curriculum aimed at teaching middle and high school students about food safety and careers in food science. The FDA FDA abbr. Food and Drug Administration FDA, n.pr See Food and Drug Administration. FDA, n.pr the abbreviation for the Food and Drug Administration. , which estimates that 76 million people become ill (5,000 fatally fa·tal·ly adv. 1. So as to cause death; mortally: fatally injured. 2. So as to result in disaster or ruin. 3. According to the decree of fate; inevitably. Adv. 1. ) from foodborne illness A foodborne illness (also foodborne disease) is any illness resulting from the consumption of food. Although foodborne illness is commonly called food poisoning, this is often a misnomer. annually, approached the NSTA NSTA National Science Teachers Association NSTA National School Transportation Association NSTA National Spasmodic Torticollis Association NSTA National Substitute Teachers Alliance (Fresno, California) about introducing food safety through the fundamentals of microbiology microbiology: see biology. microbiology Scientific study of microorganisms, a diverse group of simple life-forms including protozoans, algae, molds, bacteria, and viruses. . Topics include how safe composting and other farming practices can lead to safer crops, how food processing Food processing is the set of methods and techniques used to transform raw ingredients into food for consumption by humans or animals. The food processing industry utilises these processes. technologies are leading to new products and how safe food handling practices in restaurants and at home can reduce foodborne illness. Because many teens' first jobs are food-related, Mohling says it is especially important that they know about illness prevention related to food safety. The standards-based curriculum is suitable for not only biology but also other science areas. Brad Staats, who teaches chemistry and physics at New London New London, city (1990 pop. 24,540), New London co., SE Conn., on the Thames River near its mouth on Long Island Sound; laid out 1646 by John Winthrop, inc. 1784. (Wis.) High School, took an NSTA professional development workshop last summer on the curriculum. So far, he has introduced it to his advanced chemistry students. "They loved it. [Food science] is something that affects everyone," he says. A lab where students take swabbings from telephones, water fountains and other spots around school to test for bacteria was especially enlightening en·light·en tr.v. en·light·ened, en·light·en·ing, en·light·ens 1. To give spiritual or intellectual insight to: to his students, he says. Teachers are discovering that the curriculum helps in teaching standards that traditionally take the most creativity, such as science in personal and social perspectives. "This curriculum offers a great bridge for that," Staats says, adding that he plans to conduct state workshops on the program. www.nsta.org/professionalinfo Professional Development Programs Teachers who want an intensive introduction to Science and Our Food Supply can enroll in the NSTA's week-long summer workshops (application deadline is March 1). In addition, the food and drug retailer Albertson's is working with the NSTA Institute to offer two-day teacher programs at locations throughout the country. The curriculum itself is free upon request. |
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