What Does Spit Do?

Add to list Go to activity
Activity link broken? See if it's at the internet archive
Some animals can swallow food whole, but humans have to chew. In this activity, learners will investigate what saliva does chemically to food before we even swallow. Learner will examine how their own saliva affects a mashed-up cracker by using iodine to differentiate sugar and starch. Experiment can also be used on other foods like breakfast cereal. Step-by-step instructions are included with photos. Activity guide includes a "What's going on?" explanation and connections to relevant science concepts like enzymes in saliva, digestion, and salivary glands.

Quick Guide

Preparation Time:
10 to 30 minutes
Learning Time:
30 to 45 minutes
Estimated Materials Cost:
$5 - $10 per group of students
Age Range:
Ages 6 - adult
Resource Types:
Activity, Experiment/Lab Activity
Language:
English

Materials List (per group of students)

  • pinch of cornstarch
  • pinch of granulated sugar
  • cracker
  • resealable plastic bad (sandwich size)
  • cup of water
  • 4 small spoons
  • 4 small cups
  • set of measuring spoons
  • small bottle of iodine
  • masking tape
  • marker

Keywords

Subjects

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

Informal Categories

  • Food and Cooking

Audience

Learning styles supported:

  • Involves hands-on or lab activities

Other

This resource is part of:

Access Rights:

  • Free access

By:

Source Collection

  • DIY Science Apps

Rights:

  • , The Regents of the University of California, 2015

Funding Source:

  • National Institutes of Health Science Education Partnership Award, 5R25OD010543-02