Set the Scene:
Let’s start with some engaging questions to connect your everyday life to the subject of corn production and processing:
- What is your favorite breakfast cereal, and do you know how it’s made?
- Have you ever wondered how corn is harvested and processed into the food products you consume daily?
- How do you think the production of corn flakes affects the environment and the economy?
- What role do you think technology plays in the production and processing of corn?
- Can you think of any other products that use corn as a main ingredient, and how are they made?
Featured Image Analysis & Prediction:
Look at the featured image and answer the following questions:
- What do you see in the image?
- What do you think this activity will be about based on this image?
- How does the image relate to the production and processing of corn?
Introduction:
Please read the introduction to the activity, which provides an overview of corn production and processing.
Video Engagement:
Watch the video associated with the activity, CORN FLAKES EXPOSED! What’s Really Going on in Those Factories? This is How Cornflakes Are Made!, and pause at the following strategic points:
- Pause the video after the introduction to corn production and processing, and discuss:
- What are the main stages involved in corn production and processing?
- How does the video relate to your everyday life and the food products you consume?
- Pause the video after the explanation of kernel separation and milling, and discuss:
- What is the purpose of kernel separation, and how is it done?
- How does the milling process contribute to the production of corn flakes?
- Pause the video after the explanation of corn flake production, and discuss:
- What are the main steps involved in producing corn flakes?
- How does the production of corn flakes affect the environment and the economy?
For more information, visit the original post: https://maestrocursos.com.br/quizzed-esl-activities/corn-flakes-exposed-whats-really-going-on-in-those-factories-this-is-how-cornflakes-are-made/
Key Vocabulary:
| Term | Definition | Example Usage |
|---|---|---|
| Corn Production | The process of growing, harvesting, and processing corn for various uses. | The US, China, and Brazil are among the top countries in corn production, with over 1 billion metric tons produced annually. |
| Harvesting | The process of gathering crops, in this case, corn, from the fields. | Freshly harvested corn is loaded into a hopper and directed to a conveyor system for initial processing. |
| Laser Inspection | A quality control method using lasers to scan for imperfections and contaminants in products. | Advanced laser inspection is used to scan harvested corn for imperfections and contaminants, automatically removing subpar products. |
| Corn Cob Processing | The stages involved in preparing corn cobs for further use, including husk removal and washing. | Cobs are transported to a husk remover, where rotating brushes detach the husk from the cob, and then washed in a rotary drum washer. |
| Kernel Separation | The process of detaching kernels from corn cobs. | The cobs are then transported to a corn sheller machine, which detaches kernels from cobs, and the separated kernels are collected. |
| Corn Milling | The process of grinding corn kernels into flour or other products. | Kernels undergo a multi-stage corn milling process to produce corn grits and refined cornflour. |
| Corn Flake Production | The process of making corn flakes from corn kernels, involving cleaning, heating, flavoring, and grinding. | Corn flakes are produced in a semi-automated plant, starting with cleaning and conditioning of kernels, followed by heating, flavoring, and grinding. |
| Automated Production | The use of machines and computers to manufacture products with minimal human intervention. | The plant can also produce cereal loops using automated systems, mixing corn with sugars, flavors, and colors, and then extruding the mixture into loop shapes. |
| Packaging and Distribution | The process of preparing and transporting products to consumers. | The final products are packaged using automated systems and loaded onto trucks for distribution to stores, ensuring the product reaches consumers in optimal condition. |
| Husk Remover | A machine used to remove the husk from corn cobs. | Cobs are transported to a husk remover, where rotating brushes detach the husk from the cob. |
| Rotary Drum Washer | A machine used to wash corn cobs or kernels using high-pressure water sprays. | The cobs then undergo inspection for foreign materials and are washed in a rotary drum washer with high-pressure water sprays. |
| Air Classifier | A machine used to separate lighter materials like dust and debris from heavier materials. | Kernels are transported to an air classifier to separate lighter materials like dust and debris. |
Vocabulary Quiz:
- Which word means ‘a device that removes the outer covering of corn cobs’?
- A) Conveyor system
- B) Husk remover
- C) Rotary cutter
- D) Dewatering roller
- What is the term for ‘the process of separating kernels from cobs using a machine’?
- A) Milling process
- B) Kernel separation
- C) Corn shelling
- D) Dehusking
- Which stage involves ‘using high-pressure water sprays to clean the cobs’?
- A) Harvesting
- B) Washing
- C) Dewatering
- D) Rotary drum washing
- What does ‘air classifier’ refer to in the context of corn processing?
- A) A device that separates lighter materials like dust and debris from kernels
- B) A machine that grinds kernels into flour
- C) A system that conveys kernels to the milling process
- D) A tool that removes husks from cobs
- Which term describes ‘the process of filling bags with precise portions of product using automated systems’?
- A) Packaging
- B) Distribution