The Arizona STEM Acceleration Project
Creating an Eyeball Cookie
Creating an Eyeball Cookie
A 3rd-4th grade STEM lesson
Author: Elsa Costello
Date: 12/07/23
Notes for teachers
This lesson, is one to make your students taste buds jump for joy as they get to create their very own edible eyeball cookie.
This is a great STEM lesson to use when learning about the parts and function of the eye.
List of Materials
Standards
3. P2U1.1 Ask questions and investigate the relationship between lights, objects, and the human eye.
3.L1U1.5
Develop and use models to explain that plants and animals (including humans) have internal and external structures that serve various functions that aid in growth, survival, behavior, and reproduction.
Standards
Students will be creating their own model of the human eye ball while understanding the various parts of it and the purpose of the internal and external structures of the eye.
Students will use ELA skills to demonstrate understanding of how parts of a text build on each other.
Students will be able to locate evidence in the text to support answers and opinions
Objectives:
Today students will be able to create an eyeball using various edible materials.
Students will be able to identify various external parts of their eye and their amazing functions.
Agenda (50-60 minutes)
Phenomena: Turn off the lights and turn them on again. Repeat two-three times. Have students look into their partners eye and watch what happens to the black part(the pupil) as the light turns on and off.
What do students observe?
Have a class discussion about their findings.
Watch The Human Eye and Its Parts - Sight - Senses for Children
Informational text will be provided on parts of the eye called: Eyes and Vision
Each student will have their own lab sheet as they create their eyeball cookie. Students must write part of the eye they are creating and the function it serves.
Teacher will review lab page with class
Intro/Driving Question/Opening
Turn off the lights and turn them on again. Repeat two-three times. Have students look into their partners eye and watch what happens to the black part (the pupil) as the light turns on and off.
What do students observe?
Explain how their pupils allow light in?
What is the purpose for the pupil expanding and contracting?
Discuss Various Parts Of The Eye
Watch The Human Eye and Its Parts - Sight - Senses for Children
You may have different answers now to the questions asked
Informational Text
Take 5 minutes to read the article titled: Eyes and Vision
We will read it aloud together once you have had a chance to review it.
This article will be helpful when determining the part of the eye your food represents and the function/purpose of each part.
Hands-on Activity Instructions
Assessment
How successful were you at creating an eyeball out of your ingredients?
Check your work to see how you did!
Example
Differentiation
Teacher will provide assistance to struggling readers with informational text.
Partner Reading
Highlight key details of text
Small group reading centers can be implemented
Remediation
Extension/Enrichment
How do our eyes see color? You may have students ask you this question. Extend lesson by diving into this concept.
Engaging video to test students eyesight: How Good are Your Eyes