Students learn how to make sun pickles and in the process, also learn units of measurement and measurement conversions.

 

Students will discover the process that occurs when ingredients, in conjunction with the sun, are combined to change cucumbers into pickles. Students will also discover standard cooking units of measurement and how to make conversions.

 

• Students will follow a recipe to make sun pickles.

• Students will measure ingredients carefully.

• Students will discover what is needed to make a pint of pickles.

• Students will discover what is needed to convert the recipe to make a quart of pickles and a gallon of pickles.

Ohio Academic Content Standards

Science
Scientific Inquiry (Grades 3-5)

Benchmark A:
Use appropriate instruments safely to observe, measure and collect data when conducting a scientific experiment.

Indicator:
1. Select and safely use the appropriate tools to collect data when conducting investigations and communicating findings to others (e.g., thermometers, timers, balances, spring scales, magnifiers, microscopes and other appropriate tools).

Science Standard
Physical Sciences

Benchmark A (Grade 4):
Compare the characteristics of simple physical and chemical changes.

Indicator:
2. Identify characteristics of a simple chemical change. When a new material is made by comgining two or more materials, it has chemical properties that are different from the original materials (e.g., burning paper, vinegar and baking soda).

Benchmark A (Grade 6):
Relate uses, properties and chemical processes to the behavior and/or arrangement of small particles that compose matter.

Indicators:
2. Describe that in a chemical change new substances are formed with different properties than the original substance (e.g., rusting, burning).

4. Describe that chemical and physical changes occur all around us (e.g., in the human body, cooking and industry).

Mathematics
Measurement (Grade 5)

Benchmark B:
Convert units of length, area, volume, mass and time within the same measurement system.

Benchmark E:
Use problem-solving techniques and technology as needed to solve problems involving length, weight, perimeter, area, volume, time and temperature.

Indicator:
5. Make conversions within the same measurement system while performing computations.

Materials

• Ingredients listed in recipe below

• Pint jars (Mason jars) with lids and rings

• Hot mitts for handling hot items

• A hotplate to boil water, or access to the school’s kitchen
  

Procedure

Make sun pickles using the recipe below.

For each 500 ml (1 pint) jar:

Small cucumbers

Enough boiling water to cover the cucumbers

1 sprig of dill and a few dill seeds

2 tablespoons vinegar

1 tablespoon sugar

1 teaspoon salt

1. Wash the cucumbers. With a knife, make a lengthwise cut in them; pack them vertically into the jars in tight rows.

2. Add all the aromatic ingredients (dill, dill seeds, vinegar, sugar, salt); cover with boiling water (to ensure student safety, teacher should handle water and seal jars); mix well and close tightly.

3. Place the jars outdoors in full sunlight for 3 to 5 days, depending on the size of the cucumbers; taste to check progress.

4. Refrigerate afterward to stop the fermentation.

5. Have individual students fill in a chart (use included chart and make copies), showing conversion of ingredients needed to make a quart of pickles and a gallon of pickles.

 

 

Evaluation

Evaluate the students based on the completion of their charts. Give a percentage for the number of correct answers.