21st Century Lesson Cycle Template

Grade:

Unit: The Earths Crust

Chocolate Chip Cookies

Subject: Science
Lesson: Mining

Driving Question: Which (cookie) ore produces the best mineral

(chip) content?
Curriculum Outcomes:
Explore and describe the composition of Earths crust using common samples,
scientific studies and societys needs (109-7, 111-2, 310-1)

Expected Time: 1-2 (40 minute) classes

Resources: [like flipped videos, iPads, etc.]
Digital scales. Students must be instructed on the responsible use of these scales.
Chocolate chip cookies (three different brands). Skewer sticks (two per student). A
handout with specific task details will be made available through Edmodo or at the
following. Student Handout
Lesson Procedure
Teacher does (I Do):
Teacher introduces task. Students will be mining
chocolate chip cookies to separate the batter from
the chips (ore from the mineral). The concepts of
ore, mineral and the responsible use of a digital scale
must be pre-taught. Students download the specific
handout through Edmodo or at the link above. The
handout clearly defines all expectations and criteria.
Individual student work (You Do):
Students will mine their cookies according to the
instructions contained within the handout. They will
record their findings.

21st century skills

find, validate
remember, understand
collaborate,
communicate
analyze, synthesize
critical thinking
evaluate, leverage
create, publish
citizenship
find, validate
remember, understand
collaborate,
communicate
analyze, synthesize
critical thinking
evaluate, leverage
create, publish
citizenship

Group work (We Do): Students will work together

within the allotted time to research and complete
their mining exercise. The teacher will be moving
from group to group facilitating.

find, validate
remember, understand
collaborate,
communicate
analyze, synthesize
critical thinking
evaluate, leverage
create, publish
citizenship

Class share (We Share): Upon the completion of the

task, all students will share their recorded weights.
All students will create a formal chart that
categorizes the relevant weights. Calculations will be
made to determine averages. Then, the class will
postulate which ore cookie produces the best
mineral.

find, validate
remember, understand
collaborate,
communicate
analyze, synthesize
critical thinking
evaluate, leverage
create, publish
citizenship

Lesson Wrap Up:

Consider a follow up activity to determine what kinds of decisions have to be
considered when constructing a mine or deciding if a mine needs to close.
Differentiation/Modification/Enrichment:
This is an individual activity. Students with psycho motor skills deficits could
present a problem. Quantity adjustments could be made by having a student not
be quite as thorough in removing the batter from the chip. Time adjustments for
specific students are possible, but can be challenging as this task is designed to be
done in class and not at home.
Assessment:
This specific task was not assessed except that I did have the students complete a
self-assessment that was basically a way for them to measure their own level of
effort. Check this one out.
Teacher Reflection:
The activity went very well. Students really enjoyed the activity. At times, their

patience seemed to be tested when I asked them to be a little more thorough with
separating the batter from the chips. They love being able to eat the results of
their work! I will absolutely be using this activity in the future!