Grilled Cheese Stackers

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In this activity, learners investigate how using the same ingredients in different arrangements can lead to different results. Learners make two grilled cheese sandwiches: one with bread and cheese layered in the usual way, and one with the same ingredients torn, mixed, packed together, and cooked. By comparing how the sandwiches melt, hold together, tear apart, and taste, learners explore how the way materials are built can affect their properties.

Safety Note: Adult help is needed when heating and cooking the sandwiches in a frying pan.

Quick Guide

Preparation Time:
5 to 10 minutes
Learning Time:
10 to 30 minutes
Estimated Materials Cost:
$5 - $10 per group of students
Age Range:
Ages 8 - adult
Resource Type:
Activity
Language:
English

Materials List (per group of students)

  • 2 tbsp. butter, room temperature
  • 4 slices of bread
  • 4 slices of your favorite cheese
  • Optional: 2 additional slices of bread and cheese, sliced deli meat, pepperoni, pineapple rings (for a “Hawaiian” version), tomato slice, or whatever you enjoy on a sandwich
  • Spoon
  • Large frying pan
  • Spatula
  • Butter knife
  • Mixing bowl
  • Plate

Keywords

Subjects

  • Physical Sciences
    • Structure and Properties of Matter
    • States of Matter
      • Changes of Phase
    • Heat and Thermodynamics
      • Heat Transfer
  • The Nature of Science
    • The Scientific Process
      • Conducting Investigations
      • Gathering Data
  • Engineering and Technology
    • Engineering
      • Metallurgy and Materials Engineering

Informal Categories

  • Food and Cooking

Audience

To use this activity, learners need to:

  • see
  • smell
  • taste

Culture, ethnicity, and gender

Other

Components that are part of this resource:

Includes alignment to state and/or national standards:

This resource is part of:

Access Rights:

  • Free access

By:

  • Penn State University; The Franklin Institute

Rights:

  • All rights reserved, Penn State University, 2021

Funding Source:

  • National Science Foundation, DMR-2011839

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