After noticing continuous requests for lab suggestions that are doable in 43 minute class periods, I’ve decided to do a recurring series, featuring recipes that can
be completed from beginning to end in a 43 minute time frame. In some cases, longer recipes will broken into two day labs. In addition, I will include my pre-lab review questions that pertain specifically to the recipe. This helps to ensure that students are reading the recipe. It also allows me time to show any videos that may demonstrate the product or specific techniques. So, without further ado, I present the 43 Minute Lab Series: Churros!
Pre-Lab Activities
- There are several ways churros can be introduced to your students. The first way is to provide an overview assignment about churros. I’m sharing two options for this.
- Option #1 is geared more to high school students because they have to answer background prompts as well as find three simple churro recipes from a variety of cooking methods; fried, baked and air-fried. You can designate the time frame the lab should meet based on the length of your class periods. Mine would be 43 and any recipes found would have to be prepped, sampled and cleaned up in that time period. After students compare the versions of churros, you can assign each kitchen to make one of the versions and then compare the taste of each. The class would vote on their favorite.
- Option #2 is geared to both middle/junior or high school students. In this version, students simply answer the prompts and the actual churro recipe would be provided for them.
- The second way you could incorporate this lab is to tie it into a Cinco de Mayo celebration. If you choose this version, you would need to give your students an overview of what Cinco de Mayo is all about. If you want to keep it light, you might like something like “Cinco de Mayo Fun Facts & Word Find“, a TPT freebie along with this short YouTube video titled, Cinco de Mayo: A Brief History. Since churros are a common food eaten during this celebration, you could easily tie it in as a lab for students to prepare and sample this delicious treat.
- Whichever direction you choose, assign the Crescent Roll Churros recipe and pre-lab questions to students prior to the lab. I chose the crescent roll version because of having 43 minute class periods. Go over the answers to be sure students understand what they will be doing. If you choose to do the 3 different churros based on cooking methods, you’ll have to create your own pre-lab questions for each or forgo that part altogether…your call.
Attachments
- Churros Option #1 (PDF)
- Churros Option #2 (PDF)
- Churros Recipe & Pre-Lab Questions (please make a copy if you wish to use/edit)(
Additional 43 Minute Lab Ideas
- This link will take you to a list and you can scroll down through the page to see additional 43 minute lab ideas.
