Exploring the Five Senses
The five senses are the core of the ability to experience the flavor of this cake and other foods. This section delves into the exploration of this relationship. My kinderscholars will already have learned that they have five senses and how each sense is used. Originally, I had planned to include the background for how the five senses work into this unit. Upon reflection, I decided that information is better served in a unit about the five senses. I have included a resource that delves into that topic which will be included in the teacher resource section. This unit will explore how smell and taste combine to effect flavor.
As a child, I recall pinching my nose to be able to eat some horrid vegetable set on my plate. It was never a choice not to eat it. Thus that coping mechanism was formed without thought. As an adult, I never stopped to ponder why it worked until I began researching this unit. If the receptors on my tongue are responsible for taste then how did plugging my nose change the flavor of the vegetables? This research led me to discovering that taste and smell function as a cohesive team. They blend together to create a whole experience when we eat. Our brain is quite the clever magician too. It fools us into thinking that when we drink a chocolate milkshake we are tasting all the nuances of the ingredients. Actually, what is happening is the receptors are tasting salty and sweet. That is all that we are tasting! Our sense of smell absorbs the scent of chocolate, dairy, a hint of vanilla and egg.15 Then, the stimulus is sent to our brain via electronic pulses and bam the chocolate milkshake illusion is complete. After allowing this to render me speechless for a few moments, I realized that this reinforces my idea that science is modern day magic. Every person carries within them the capacity to perform magic. They are doing it every day when they enjoy a meal. The more knowledge each person attains, then the better magician they can become.
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