Sugar Detectives: Labs & Lessons on the Function of Sugar in Baking (10 Days)

Teach your students about the function of sugar in baked goods with an engaging Sugar Detectives Unit!

Lesson Introduction: The sugar thieves have wreaked havoc in your kitchen! They don’t think that sugar is important to baked goods. Could the thieves be right? The sugar thieves are giving you 8 days to determine what functions sugar serves in the recipe and identify the sugar sources in your kitchen. If you can’t convince them it is an important ingredient, then they will steal all your sugar!

Lesson Summary: Many people assume sugar simply adds sweetness, but sugar functions in sneaky ways to make our baked goods more than just sweet. For this lesson, the students will distinguish sugar varieties from beets and cane. Also, students will act as the “sugar detectives” and solve the mystery, “Why is sugar an essential ingredient in baking and how does sugar change the physical properties of baked goods?” Each group will prepare 4 different baked goods that use sugar in different ways. Students must detect what type of sugar was used and what purpose the sugar served in the recipe to change the physical properties of the baked good.

Unit Objectives: 

1. Identify and describe the functions of different types of sugars 
2. Prepare recipes using different types of sugars that demonstrate a variety of sugar functions
3. Evaluate each baked good and identify what type and function sugar serves in the recipe

National Association of State Administrators of Family and Consumer Sciences Standard:

8.5.10         Prepare breads, baked goods and desserts using safe handling and professional preparation techniques.

8.2               Demonstrate food safety and sanitation procedures.

9.7.1            Explain the properties, compounds, and mixtures in foods and food products.

Products Included in Zip File:

Sugar Powerpoint

Sugar Unit Plan

Sugar Exam

Sugar Review

Types of Sugar Chart

Functions Sugar Chart

Lab Recipes

Lab Worksheets

ANSWER KEYS

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