In this reader students will learn what products are made from each part of the corn kernel including bioplastics and ethanol. To finish up the lesson students will conduct a corn science investigation by creating their own corn plastic.
This teachers guide is broken into different sections with suggestions of how to use the reader in the classroom and provide ideas on how to extend the learning of your students.
There are seven vocabulary words to be found throughout the reader. They are bolded with a small explanation to help define the word. Other ways to learn more about these are:
Page two highlights the uses of corn and how different parts of the kernel are used for different products. Using the information on the page, create a visual that can be used for the classroom by doing the following:
“The Many Uses of Corn” poster found via the QR code can be projected on a screen for the entire classroom to see. You can use the corn comprehension questions as an assignment or to spark discussion.
Page three focuses on ethanol, from how it is produced to the possible careers it has to offer. The Renewable Fuels Association provides a virtual road trip. The Ethanol in the Classroom activity sheet can be used to go over the different aspects of ethanol.
On page four, the Corn Science Investigation provides a hands-on activity and allows for discussion about renewable and nonrenewable resources. It gives students the opportunity to talk about human activity, the impact and take the investigation further learning about ocean pollution of petroleum-based plastics. Students can also create a C.E.R. claim for how corn plastics may be more beneficial to our environment.
Below are some other sites that have activities about plastics:
This lesson is the work product of the Kansas Corn Commission. Our lessons are written in collaboration with Kansas teachers for use in the classroom. Teachers may copy and share this curriculum. Use of this product for commercial or promotional use is prohibited without express permission of Kansas Corn.
As the need to produce more food with less resources grows, it is important that future generations have a better understanding of agriculture and how corn farming and agriculture fit into our daily lives. That’s why the Kansas Corn STEM program provides lessons to teach science through the lens of corn. We are committed to providing free materials and training to support educators.
