Layer the wheat kernel model with the jewel bag of wheat seeds on top followed by the intact Wheat Kernel Dissection Image, page 1, 2, and 3.

Using their notes, have the students write a description of each part of the wheat kernel on the corresponding page.

Glue the bran image on page 1 of the lined kernels, the germ on page 2, and the endosperm on page 3.

Set one of the Wheat kernel Dissection Images aside and cut the bran, germ, and endosperm apart from the other.

Trace one of the images onto three pieces of lined paper, cut each lined kernel out, and number each page. Have them cut out both of the Wheat Kernel Dissection Images. Provide each student with two copies of the Wheat Kernel Dissection Image, three pieces of lined paper, a brad, scissors, and a glue stick.The flour is then packed into bags to be transported to stores, bakeries, and food processing plants. When making whole wheat flour, the bran and germ is put back into the white flour at the end of the milling process. Steel rollers break open the grain to release and separate the endosperm from the bran and the germ.The starchy endosperm is ground and sifted several times to make white, all-purpose flour. The wheat then rests for about twelve hours. To condition the wheat kernels, water is added to the grain in order to toughen the outer part of the wheat and soften the inner part. When wheat arrives at the mill, it is weighed, tested, cleaned, and conditioned. Commercial flour mills today still use the roller mill, however they are utilizing the advances in modern technology to improve the efficiency, reliability, and safety of flour production. In the 18th century, automated stone wheels, powered by wind or water, rose in popularity as a method of flour production. The invention of the roller mill in the middle of the 19th century increased the productivity of flour mills. In the Stone Age, hand-powered rotary querns consisting of a rotating circular stone on top and a stationary stone on the bottom to grind grain. In Neolithic times, saddle stones (cradle-shaped pieces of hard stone) and hand stones (cylindrical-shaped stones) were used to crush grain into coarse flour. In its natural state, the endosperm provides essential energy to the young wheat plant, allowing the plant to send roots down into the soil to absorb water and nutrients and shoot sprouts up for sunlight. The germ contains B vitamins, protein, minerals, and healthy fats. During the milling process, the germ is often separated from the flour because its fat content limits the flour's shelf-life. It is the part of the wheat kernel that will sprout and grow into a new wheat plant. The germ is the embryo or sprouting section of the kernel. Bran consists of important antioxidants, B vitamins, and fiber. The bran is the multi-layered, hard outer covering of the kernel. A wheat kernel contains three distinct parts-the bran, germ, and endosperm. The kernel is the seed from which the wheat plant grows. Wheat flour is made from the kernels of the wheat plant. The head of the wheat plant contains the wheat seeds, also referred to as kernels or berries. The leaves are responsible for photosynthesis. The stem supports the head and helps transport nutrients and water throughout the plant. The roots anchor the plant in the soil, absorbing water and nutrients and transporting them to the stem. The wheat plant has four basic parts-roots, stem, leaves, and head. Bread provided ancient civilizations with a reliable food source. In the Stone Age, solid cakes were made from crushed wheat. Wheat has been discovered in pits where human settlements existed 8,000 years ago. Loaves baked over 5,000 years ago have been found in ancient Egyptian tombs.

Store bought flour can be added to ensure there is enough flour for each group.)īread has been an important part of the human diet since early times. Wheat flour, 1 1/2 cups per group (Use the freshly ground wheat flour from Activity 2.1-quart plastic resealable storage bag, 1 per group.Wheat seeds (Hard red wheat seeds can be purchased from the grocery store.).A Wheat Grinder Kit is available for purchase from.Tools for grinding grain (two stones, mortar and pestle, coffee grinder, spice grinder, pepper grinder, hand or electric wheat grinder, etc.).* Jewel bags are available for purchase from .Īctivity 2: From Grind Stones to Roller Mills 8 1/2' x 11' piece of lined paper, 3 per student.Wheat Kernel Dissection Image, 2 per student.8 1/2' x 11' piece of paper, 1 per student.Wheat stem, 1 per student (Wheat stems can be obtained from a local farmer or Wheat Bundles are available for purchase from .).Anatomy of a Wheat Plant Diagram, 1 per student.Activity 1: Wheat Kernel Dissection Model

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