Microwave...Day 1

This six-day Microwave module is an overview of how a microwave works, methods for using the microwave safely, and what procedures and utensils work best while using the microwave. Overall, the student will be able to:
---describe how microwave cooking differs from conventional cooking.
---describe the operation of a microwave oven.
---list four factors that affect cooking time in a microwave oven.
---explain the purpose of covering food in the microwave.
---list five advantages and disadvantages of microwave cooking.
---prepare a recipe in the microwave that demonstrates defrosting, cooking, and melting of food.

Objectives:
By the end of today's class, you should:
--be able to explain how a microwave works.

Instructions:
1. If you have not already taken the Microwave pretest on Mygradebook.com, go back there and do so now.
2. Locate the textbook, Adventures in Food and Nutrition. Read carefully pages 110-113 and page 122.
3. Put the FACS header in the upper right corner of a clean piece of paper. On the top left line,write "Activity 1" and answer the following questions in complete sentences. Remember: points will be taken off for incomplete sentences and illegible (can't be read) work.
--A. What part of a microwave oven converts electricity into microwaves?
--B. What causes the food to heat in a microwave oven?
--C. Describe three differences between a microwave oven and a conventional oven.
--D. Foods cook faster in a microwave oven when _____.
-----1. large amounts of food are cooked.
-----2. food is cut into square chunks.
-----3. food is placed near the side of the oven.
-----4. food contains little fat.
--E. Rub your hands together quickly. Study the diagram below called "How a Microwave Works". Explain what happens in the picture and how that is related to microwave cooking.
--F. Look at the chart in the yellow box on page 112. Answer the question "what might happen if you cooked foods at power settings higher than the ones given?" (use as an example "defrosting frozen foods")
--G. What advice would you give someone who wants to prepare muffins in a microwave oven?
--H. Explain why microwaves are so easy to clean.
--I. Explain why you should wipe up spills and spatters from the microwave oven.
4. It's time for an experiment. In the foods lab, locate two measuring cups of the same size and fill each with one cup of water. Place one cup in the center of the microwave and the second cup on the outside perimeter of the tray. Heat both on high (10 Power Setting) for 1.5 minutes. Using a potholder, take the cups out of the microwave and measure the water temperature with a thermometer.
--J. Which cup of water was hotter? Explain why.
5. Clean up your module area stacking the books neatly. Restart the computer. Push your chair under the desk.

Materials:
Paper
Pen/pencil

Equipment:
Computer
Microwave
Measuring cups (2)
Thermometer
Potholders

Instructional Materials:
Microwave Pretest
Adventures in Food and Nutrition textbook
"How a Microwave Works" guidesheet (on blog)