Valentine’s Day Science Reading: Chemistry of Candy

This Valentine’s Day science reading teaches kids the basics of CHEMISTRY in Valentine’s Day candy! NO PRIOR KNOWLEDGE NEEDED!

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In this activity, students will:

• READ the text “Chemistry of Valentine’s Day Candy” to learn about some of the simple chemistry that goes into our favorite holiday treats. The chemistry is at a low level – really it’s just a fun excuse to tie in Valentine’s Day to science!
• DEFINE key vocabulary from context clues in the text.
• ANSWER text-dependent questions. Students will find all answers in the text, so no prior knowledge is necessary.

Examples of the science topics touched on include:

• Conversation hearts: They contain monosaccharides that are simple sugars and disaccharides that are more complex.
• Chocolate: The process of tempering makes chocolate look the way it does.
• Chocolate: The structure of the fat in chocolate makes chocolate turn white as it ages.
• Cherry Cordials: An enzyme makes the cherry syrup liquid after it is coated in chocolate.
• Peanut Butter Cups: The chemical TBHQ prevents the fat from going rancid.
• Plus, more fun candy chemistry facts!

Teacher Notes:

• Related NGSS Standards: MS-PS1-1, MS-PS1-2
• GO PAPERLESS! Use the included digital Google Slides version!
• Answer key included.
• Makes an easy sub plan!
• Please note that this Valentine’s Day science reading is not editable.
• Check out more resources in the Valentine’s Day science section of our shop!
• You can also shop our TPT store!