I have a rainy day project for kids of all ages! Pull out some of your favorite drinks and snacks and read those nutrition labels. How much sugar is in your choice??? Did you know 4.2 grams of sugar equals 1 teaspoon???
Have some fun and figure out how many teaspoons of sugar are in your favorite drinks and snacks. You could even measure out the sugar for a visual aid. This is one of my favorite teaching tools when I do school presentations. I am actually prepping for a kindergarten presentation this weekend.
Math help tip: take total grams of sugar ______ divide by 4.2 grams=_____ teaspoons of sugar.
Here are a few examples:
- Pepsi 12 oz. 41g = 9.7 or 10 tsp
- M & M’s. 31g=7.4 or 7 tsp
- Skittles 46g=11 tsp
- Fruit snacks 12g= 2.8 or 3 tsp
- Gatorade 20 oz. 34g= 8 tsp
That is a lot of sugar!! Now don’t get too excited when your favorite drink contains NO SUGAR! Diet drinks usually contain acids that can still cause tooth decay!!
Read the labels and be smart!! Your teeth and body will thank you!!
– from Kim B. (Dental Hygienist)