Milk is one of the most regulated and safest foods available to consumers. It is also used to make a variety of dairy products such as cheese, yogurt, ice cream, and butter.

In this lesson, students will learn about the various safety and sanitation procedures milk undergoes
throughout the processing stages. They will also make butter from the cream of milk. The lesson
will also highlight the career of being a cheesemaker.

Essential Learning Questions

By the end of this lesson, students will be able to answer the following:
  • Explain various processes used to ensure milk quality and safety.
  • Identify what parts of milk are used to produce certain dairy products.
  • Calculate the experimental cream to butter ratio.
  • List the responsibilities and education of a cheesemaker.

Career Spotlight

Artisan Cheesemaker

Educational Standards

Science
Reading
Math
(PA Standards) S8.B.2.1, S8.B.2.1.4, S8.B.2.2, S8.B.1.1; (Common CORE): MS-LS1-5, MS-LS4-4, MS-LS4-5, MS-LS1-5, MS-LS4-4, MS-LS4-5, MS-LS1-5, MS-LS4-4, MS-LA4-5.
(PA Standards) R8 1.1.8. A, R8 1.6.8. A, R8 1.8.8. A; (Common CORE): CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.RI.6.4, CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.RI.6.10, CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.W.6.1, CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.W.6.1, CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.L.6.4, CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.RI.7.10, CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.W.7.1, CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.W.7.2.D, CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.SL.7.1, CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.L.6.4, CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.RI.8.10, CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.W.8.1, CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.SL.8.1, CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.L.8.4, CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.8.6.
(Common CORE): CCSS.MATH.CONTENT.RP.6.1.