A few years ago, I had a great lesson on testing those props before presenting a lesson. I mean, what could wrong with candy as props, right?
The monthly theme in my class had been about grace. The classroom has been decorated like a candy shop and the opening activities had used sweets as props. This was part of the curriculum at http://whatisorange.org/252basics/.
The lesson called for inviting kids to come up and “test” candy for the rest of the class. The samples included some pretzel M & M’s, gummy candy, and Pop Rocks candy.
Test, Test, and Test
I went over the precautions. One thing I wanted to consider was choosing children that did not have food allergies. As the father of a peanut allergy sufferer, I didn’t want to put a family in the panic our family has felt in the past. I also wanted to be sure we had enough candy for the class and that the kids could sample them without putting their hands into the bag and spreading germs. (My wife says I’m much more responsible than I used to be!)
I had my samples ready to go. I had sample cups for the candy and I decided to pour the sweets into them. Everything was fine with the chocolate and gummy candy. I should have suspected something when the carbonated candy was in individual packets. After all, what causes the candy to pop?
I poured it anyway and then went about the business of making sure the room was ready for the students. When I returned a few minutes later, something told me I should recheck the candy. That was when I discovered the Pop Rocks candy had fused together in the bottom of the cup. Of course! The candy reacts to moisture!
Snap, crackle, POP!
I tried to get the candy out of the cup by tapping on the bottom of the cup. Big mistake! The candy exploded all over my shirt. Now I was really in character. The kids got a kick out of the fact I was not only eating the candy but wearing it. The pink Pop Rocks blended so well with my navy blue shirt!
Luckily, I had enough candy to go to plan B. When it was time for the activity, I had the kids close their eyes, I opened the packets and poured the candy into their hands.
I learned whether you are a guest speaker, or are teaching kids, be sure you are testing those props before the actual event. Weather and location can be a factor. The candy could be less likely to fuse on a February day than on a humid, August morning in Indiana. Even if the curriculum looks complete, there is always room for a surprise or two!
Editor’s Note: I originally published this blog on October 6, 2015. I revamped and updated it for timeliness and comprehensiveness.
