What Can We Do With A Spud?
Well, Besides Eat Them, Of Course..
Potatoes can be used for so many delicious things that we all know and love. Hashed or mashed, Soups or Chips, even Gnocchi, there's a whole huge world to potatoes!
But what about for experimentation?
While planning our homeschool unit study to pair with St. Patrick's Day, I chose the great folklore Jamie O'Rourke and the Big Potato, and was inspired to use the praddy to grow the unit's theme on them. It was so fitting, and not only complemented the story, but allowed us to take a good solid look into the world of potatoes.
I was sure to include it all in our lesson, especially potato science.
We wanted to explore everything there was to these taters while in our potato lesson plan , from the numerous varieties, sizes, shapes, anatomy, and more!
The Idea Is No Small Potatoes.
We used so many potatoes in our week of learning; from the kitchen creations, dissections, art projects, and science experiments, I completely ran out of potatoes!
Who knew there was so much to these simple looking veggies.
It's almost a rite of passage- experimenting with a potato- so I got the potatoes rolling, and put them to use for the sake of science.
Here's a few to experiments to include while in your study on potatoes.
The Classic- Potato Circuit
It's a classic for a reason. This experiment focuses on how electricity is made with the use of a potato. This experiment will teach how electricity is made by connecting wires to permit the electricity to flow in a complete circuit. You'll need the following supplies to spark the spud-
3 Potatoes
2 Pennies
Copper Wire
Small Light Bulb
Zinc-Plated Nails
( picture by sciencing.com)
The Potato and Starch Experiment
Explore the levels of starch in potatoes. Slice various types of potatoes in half and add drops of iodine. Depending on how much starch is present, a blue-black color will appear. Experiment with different aged and types of potatoes to see how the results vary.
The Potato Maze Experiment
Work their STEM skills with this potato maze experiment. Learners will design and build their own maze using a cardboard box, cardboard scraps, tape, and glue. Once ready, place an already sprouted potato in a cup with soil into the bottom of the maze. Tape up the opening on the box. Cut a hole at the top to allow for sunlight. Over the next few weeks, observe how the potato plant grows and works it's leaves through the maze to reach the source of sunlight.
There's a Full Potato Sack's Worth Left To Learn About Potatoes.
Let's Be Potato Heads Together!
Get a complete and unique lesson plan on potatoes Here.
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