Spit Test

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In this biology activity (page 8 of the PDF), learners will explore how saliva assists in the beginning of the digestive process. By comparing chewed and unchewed crackers, they will see first hand that saliva changes the starch in food into sugar. Although this activity was included as a post-vist for a workshop about the human body, it also makes an excellent stand alone activity!

Quick Guide

Preparation Time:
Under 5 minutes
Learning Time:
10 to 30 minutes
Estimated Materials Cost:
$1 - $5 per student
Age Range:
Ages 8 - 14
Resource Types:
Activity, Experiment/Lab Activity
Language:
English

Materials List (per student)

  • Spoonful of cornstarch
  • Two crackers (preferably unsalted)
  • Tincture of iodine (you can buy this at the drug store in the first aid section)
  • Two glass bowls or small cups

Keywords

Subjects

  • Life Sciences
    • Human Body
      • Digestion
  • Physical Sciences
    • Chemistry
      • Chemical Reactions
      • Chemistry of Life

Informal Categories

  • Food and Cooking

Audience

To use this activity, learners need to:

  • see
  • see color
  • touch

Learning styles supported:

  • Involves hands-on or lab activities

Other

Includes alignment to state and/or national standards:

This resource is part of:

Access Rights:

  • Free access

By:

Rights:

  • All rights reserved, COSI Columbus, 2009