Lesson 6: Microwave Cooking Unit

What does a microwave do?
How can we stay safe using a microwave?
What things can go in the microwave?
What things should NEVER go in the microwave?
What do we do if food spills?

Microwave
Microwaves
Heat
Start
Stop
Timer
Hot pad
Cover
Clean
Safe
Metal (NOT SAFE)
Hot Spots
Cooking Time
Standing Time

FCS 8.2 — Demonstrate food preparation skills.
FCS 8.3 — Apply food safety and sanitation.
FCS 2.1 — Demonstrate responsible decision making.
FCS 12.2 — Practice safety in the workplace/classroom.

Reading:
Following directions
Sequencing steps
Using charts/pictures
Vocabulary building

Watch/demo: “How microwaves cook”
Build simple understanding
DOK 1
Safe vs. Unsafe Sorting
Identify materials
DOK 1–2
Model & practice using microwave
Learn routine
DOK 2
Cook lab recipe
Apply skills
DOK 2–3
Reflect: “One safety rule I used”
Explain thinking
DOK 3

Students use microwaves in various settings: home, school, work, dorms, shelters, and community centers.
Allows independence with snacks and meals.

Metal is okay if it’s small. (NO)
If it’s warm on the outside, it’s done. (May be cold inside.)
Microwave cleans itself. (Must wipe spills.)
Plastic = always safe. (Only microwave-safe plastic.)
Longer time is always better. (Burn risk.)

Picture schedules of recipes & visual timers
Color-coded steps
Hand-over-hand or partial physical prompts
Partner/peer buddy system
Extra practice at an unplugged microwave station
Sentence starters:
I see ___.
This is safe.
This is not safe.
Allow answers by pointing, circling, drawing, or verbalizing.

Sorting activity: safe vs. unsafe

Checklist during labs

Exit ticket: “Explain or show one safety rule”

Student demonstrates cleaning during labs

Ingredients for labs / Microwave

Microwave-safe bowls, cups, plates

Hot pads / oven mitts

Paper towels / Wash Clothes

Picture recipe cards

Sorting cards (metal, glass, plastic, foil, paper)

Visual step charts