How is chocolate, the reigning monarch of confections around the world, in
          any way related to science? (Of course, that is assuming you don't count the
       exacting science of eating chocolate.) This exploration will take a look at the
     sciences involved in the growing and manufacturing of chocolate. Who knows,
this may open the door to a future for you in the sweet science of chocolate.

               Here is something to think about as you work together on the activities in this project.
       Sometimes we are unaware of problems that plague other parts of the world. Did you know
that cacao production has continued to fall around the world? Cacao is the "fruit" pod from which chocolate is made. As you read through the sites in the activities below, keep a journal. What are
the new things you learned? What are the science-related jobs that also happen to be chocolate-related? As you write in your journal, you may want to ask your mentor questions and your mentor should also ask you questions.

Access and read about the history of chocolate. What new things are you learning about the regal past of chocolate? What does Theobroma (chocolate's Latin name) mean?

Share something new with your partner that you never knew and found interesting about chocolate.

This activity will help you understand the challenges associated with producing cacao, the raw material of chocolate. Access No More Chocolate and start to create a list of the science-related jobs associated with the production of cacao. They won't be spelled out so you'll have to figure most of them out yourself. If you don't know the proper name, write a description and ask your mentor. Also make a list of the problems the cacao industry faces.

Read through the article, play the videos and keep good notes in your journal. Don't forget to start those two lists: jobs and problems!

After you have finished this site, you can also read The Impact of Plant Diseases on World Chocolate Production. It contains even more detailed information on the problems cacao producer face. Add this to your problems list.

Share your jobs and problems list with your partner and note any additional items and add to your journal list.

Now that you know what the chocolate industry faces, this article will help you to understand what can be done to improve a dismal situation. Science and agriculture are again working hand-in-hand. (Remember to keep adding to the lists of jobs and the problems.)

Can you juggle three lists? Begin a third list to record the benefits of the "new" type of cacao farm. Read A Global Chocolate Shortage?

When you have finished, here is another point of view. Remember it is important for you to know who is authoring a website. The information may be factual, but it may also be slanted towards a different point of view. Review the ACRI site.

Share your third list of benefits of the "new" type of cacao farm.

Now that you have become an expert in the production of cacao, the burning question you probably have is: "How is cacao transformed into the chocolate confections we so dearly love to eat?" This site will take you on a virtual tour of the chocolate king, Hershey's.

Take the video tour; you'll need Real Player to watch it (it's free and available at the Hershey's website). And you might want to place a couple of Hershey Kisses under your nose to get the full effect! The first thing you will probably notice when you get out of the virtual car is the aroma of chocolate. It is everywhere! As you watch and drool, add jobs to your list. Again you'll have to do some thinking about jobs because they won't be spelled out. But hey -- someone had to design those machines (hint, hint!).

Compare your list of jobs with the list of your mentor. Did you find at least 20 science-related jobs that are part of the chocolate industry? Select the one that interests you the most and do a little research about becoming that type of scientist. Have your mentor help you with this activity. You may end up being a part of the sweet science of chocolate!