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Food Science and Nutrition Workshops

Throughout the year, we send current undergraduate and postgraduate students to schools and colleges to deliver subject specific taster workshops to Key Stage 3, 4 and 5 students.  These one hour workshops are designed to inspire your students to study food science and to give them an insight into an area of STEM and build upon their current subject knowledge.

These workshops are free of charge to schools and colleges. Please be aware that due to a limited budget we can only deliver live in person workshops to schools which are within one hour of the university by public transport.

To book a subject taster workshop please contact stem@leeds.ac.uk

Unlocking the Mysteries of Food Science

This enlightening talk delves into the fascinating world of food science. Discover how this multidisciplinary field combines biology, chemistry, and engineering to enhance the quality, safety, and sustainability of the food we eat every day.

Your students will learn about the core principles that drive innovations in food production and preservation while exploring how food scientists work to improve the nutritional value of our meals. They will also get a glimpse into the future of food science, including emerging technologies and sustainable practices.

This workshop is designed with Y7 - Y10 students in mind.

Discovering Food Textures and Non-Newtonian Fluids

Embark on a thrilling adventure into the captivating realm of food science through our workshop, 'Discovering Food Texture.' Engage in an interactive and hands-on exploration of food texture and rheology, allowing participants to uncover the secrets behind the textures of their beloved treats. Delve into the fundamentals of fluid flow behaviour using everyday food examples and explore the significance of texture in the food industry. Our overarching goal is to demonstrate to students how the principles of food science seamlessly apply scientific knowledge to real-world industry applications. Join us for an enlightening journey where science meets the delectable world of culinary delights! 

This workshop is designed with Y9 and Y10 students in mind.

Cool Science of Ice Cream

Discover the Art of Ice Cream Making! In this delightful workshop student will learn the secrets to creating their own delicious, creamy ice cream from scratch. Students will explore the science behind the ways in which materials mix together and how they can behave under different circumstances. Developing their knowledge about immiscible liquids and emulsions, and understanding where these are found in everyday life and why they are important to scientists.

This workshop is designed with Y8 - Y12 students in mind.

The Sweet Secrets of Chocolate Crystallisation

Explore the science behind everyone’s favourite treat—chocolate! This interactive workshop reveals how crystallisation transforms melted chocolate into the smooth, shiny, and delicious form we know and love. Students aged 13–18 will dive into the fascinating world of cocoa butter crystals, learn the secrets of tempering, and take part in a hands-on activity to try it themselves. Combining science, teamwork, and critical thinking, this session connects real-world food production to key STEM concepts. Perfect for sparking curiosity, encouraging experimentation, and showcasing the everyday relevance of science in a fun, memorable way!

This workshop is designed with Y8 - Y12 students in mind.

Digital Nutrition: Analysing and Tracking Our Diets

Discover the power of technology in understanding and improve dietary habits in this engaging workshop! Dive into the fundamentals of dietary assessment and explore how digital tools can revolutionise the way we track and analyse nutrition. Through hands-on activities, participants will gain practical experience using online dietary assessment tools, interpreting nutritional data, and identifying ways to
optimize dietary choices. Whether you're curious about how technology shapes nutrition science or looking to enhance your understanding of personal health, this session offers valuable insights and skills applicable in real-world contexts.

This workshop is designed with Y10 - Y12 students in mind.