Reduced Gravtiy, Low Fat

As astronauts travel to the moon, Mars, and beyond, the need for nutritionally balanced meals becomes even more important for space missions. The amount of fat inside food packaged for spaceflight is analyzed by researchers before the food is sent into space. Fat content of food is monitored before consumption by dietitians and food scientists.

In this investigation, teams will discover the fat content of a meal, and formulate a balanced meal by applying the information on fat content of food. They will also observe an astronaut’s mission menu and determine if they are eating a balanced diet.

Mission Question

How can I visualize hidden fat?
How can I formulate a balanced meal?

Skills

Scientific Methodology, Communication, Problem-solving, Teamwork

Learning Objectives:

Make an emulsification from a fast food meal
Evaluate the invisible fat content of the fast food meal
Make observations of NASA Astronaut menus to determine if they are having a balanced meal in space

Equipment

Per group (4-5 students per group):
- food guide pyramid
- beaker
- stirring spoon
- water
- marker
- fast food cheeseburger
- fast food French fries
- nutrition label of a cheeseburger and fresh fries
- pan
Per class:
- cooker (or microwave oven)
- freezer
- blender
Pre-lesson Preparation (1 day before delivery):
- Secure an appropriate number of cheeseburger and French fries from a fast food restaurant
- Secure the use of a microwave or cooker, refrigerator and freezer
- Copy enough food guide pyramids for one per group
- You may find a nutrition facts label on the fast food meal packaging or by searching the web with the key words “cheeseburger nutrition facts” and “French fries nutrition facts”