CP: CORN FLAKES EXPOSED! What’s Really Going on in Those Factories? This is How Cornflakes Are Made!

Class Plans
Featured Image

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:

  1. 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?
  2. 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?
  3. 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:

  1. 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
  2. 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
  3. Which stage involves ‘using high-pressure water sprays to clean the cobs’?
    • A) Harvesting
    • B) Washing
    • C) Dewatering
    • D) Rotary drum washing
  4. 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
  5. Which term describes ‘the process of filling bags with precise portions of product using automated systems’?
    • A) Packaging
    • B) Distribution