Thanksgiving came a little early for many members of the Linden Avenue Middle School community.
Sarah Hough and Michelle Keene merged lessons in chemistry and cooking in their seventh-grade science classes to create the “Thankful for Science Fall Feast” on Nov. 21.
Students and their families – as well as many members of school staff and others – enjoyed traditional Thanksgiving foods like turkey, mashed potatoes, stuffing, gravy and pies, during their science classes. The event served as a celebration of all the lessons in science they’ve learned so far this year.
Keene said an experience at a previous school sparked the idea for the day, noting how few chances there are for families to come into classrooms and share an experience with their students once they reach the secondary level.
“When I discussed this with Sarah, she loved it and we altered the idea to be ‘Thankful for Science’ and tied the event into our curriculum,” Keene said. “This was a great time for the students to showcase their knowledge and for the parents and families to experience the classroom and share a meal together for the sake of science!”
In advance of the day, the students applied their chemistry knowledge to research the foods that would be at the feast, which they turned into colorful projects that were posted around the classrooms. The students looked at if certain foods, such as pumpkin pie, had undergone chemical or physical changes while being prepared in the kitchen; how certain mixtures, such as brownie mixes, worked; if they were natural or synthetic; and examined the foods’ atoms and molecules, among other discussion topics.
The food items and other supplies were contributed by families on a volunteer basis, with careful consideration for nut allergies, and many of the students’ family members joined them for the flavorful fun. 
“It was an amazing day that took a lot of planning, but it wouldn't have been possible without the contributions from the families,” Hough said. “I'm so thankful for everyone who helped and was part of the feast.”
Keene said they plan to make it an annual celebration.
“We have had positive feedback from the students, families and our colleagues,” she said. ‘Truly an amazing experience!”