Energy Density (Halloween Edition)

Exploring Energy Through Candy

The Energy Density (Halloween Edition) lesson transforms trick-or-treat candy into a fun, data-driven exploration of the science behind energy storage. Students investigate the concept of energy density—the amount of energy contained in a substance per unit of mass—by calculating the energy content of various Halloween candies. This hands-on activity bridges chemistry, nutrition, and energy science to make an abstract concept engaging and tangible.

Lesson Components

Students begin by learning how to define and calculate energy density using the formula: Energy Density = Calories ÷ Grams.
They then collect nutrition data from a list of popular candies or real candy wrappers and predict which will have the highest and lowest energy densities. Using this data, students calculate the calorie content per gram for each treat, rank them, and optionally create a bar graph to visualize their findings.

In the discussion and reflection, students compare energy-dense and nutrient-dense foods, linking their results to larger questions about human health and energy systems. The lesson concludes by connecting food energy density to real-world fuel comparisons, helping students understand why materials like coal and uranium store more energy than biomass or wood.

Learning Outcomes

• Define and calculate energy density.
• Compare foods and fuels by energy per unit mass.
• Interpret and visualize data through charts or graphs.
• Connect food science to real-world energy systems.

Aligned with NGSS physical science and chemistry standards, this lesson works as a one-period investigation or a seasonal extension to Introduction to Natural Gas – Energy + Density Lab.