1. April 26, 2016  Entry task: Describe hot spots in the microwave. How can you prevent hot spots from occurring?  Target: Demonstrate the proper way to clean a microwave.

2. Microwave Experiment!  What foods heat best in the microwave?  Water  Fat  Sugar  We are cooking marshmallows, what are marshmallows high in?

3. Microwave Experiment!  What are acceptable coverings for a microwave?  Plastic wrap  Wax paper  Paper Towels  What are acceptable microwaveable dishes?  Glass  Paper  Plastic Only use plastic containers that are labeled "microwave safe". Harmful chemicals may leak into food is you use a plastic container that is not made for microwave use.

4. Marshmallow Test Trial 1  Test for hot spots in the microwave. – Square formation  Hypothesize, what will happen?  Place wax paper on the bottom on the microwave.  Place marshmallows in each corner then one in the center.  Cook in microwave for 30- 45 seconds  Observe and record findings  Discuss

5. Testing hot spots  Now try circular placement.  Hypothesize  Place 5 marshmallows in a circular pattern.  Cook in microwave for 30-45 seconds  Observe, record findings  Discuss

6. Write in entry task notebook then discuss  What did you observe?  What were the similarities?  What were the differences?  What does this tell you about how a microwave heats?  Why is this important information?

7. Time to clean!  Microwaves were GROSS after labs this week  Clean your microwaves  Also clean around the microwaves  How to:  1 mug of water  Set microwave for 4 minutes  Let sit for one minute  Take a damp towel and wipe down the inside. Repeat if needed.  Take out microwave turn table and wash in sink

8. Cool Microwave Tricks!  Did you know microwaves…

9. Cool Microwave Tricks!  Poached eggs  It is so quick and leaves practically no mess to clean up at all. Simply crack two eggs into a mug with a drip of water (really, you hardly need any water at all). Pop it in the microwave for 30 seconds. Let sit in the microwave for 10 seconds, and heat again for 30 seconds. When you remove your eggs should be poached to perfection.....you can increase or decrease the time of the second heating session depending on how runny you like your yolks.  *** The reason for the two heating sessions is to prevent the egg from over heating all at once and splattering all over the microwave.

10. Cool Microwave Tricks!  Drying Herbs:  You can dry your own herbs in a microwave - think of the thrill of creating your own herbal teas strait from your garden ! Pick your fresh herbs and make sure there is no moisture on them (it will cook the herbs rather than dry them). Place them in between some paper towel to make sure. Place them in between the paper towel in the microwave and cook on high for 2 mins. Tah dah !! herbs for cooking and herbal teas in an instant !

11. Cool Microwave Tricks!  Ripen an Avocado:  Microwave avocado on Medium (50%) for 2 minutes. Turn over, microwave 1 minute more.

12. Cool Microwave Tricks!  Increase your lemon juice Want to get the most juice from fresh lemons? Before squeezing fresh lemons, warm them in the microwave oven for about 40 seconds. You’ll get twice as much juice from each and every lemon.

13. Cool Microwave Tricks!  Don't toss out crystallized honey, microwave it. Remove the lid, and microwave at 50% power for 2 minutes  Soften hard packed brown sugar by placing it in a bowl with an apple slice or a slice of bread, cover with a lid, microwave on high for 30 seconds.

14. Lava Cake  EACH of you will make your own mug cake.  You will need to be patient and wait your turn for the microwave  Place a paper towel under the mug cake because some do tend to explode… it eases cleaning.  Only one person at a time gathering ingredients  Only one scoop of ice cream