Introduction

This is a yummy way to learn about the layers of skin!

Objectives

To demonstrate the different layers of skin

Materials

• Clear plastic cup (approx. 5 oz)
• White mini marshmallows
• Chocolate pudding
• Crushed graham crackers
• Red sprinkles
• Shoestring potato crisps (optional)
• Spoon
• Paper towels

Procedure

Put a layer of marshmallows in the clear plastic cup. Dip a few spoonfuls of chocolate pudding over the marshmallows. Do not stir. Now place some crushed graham crackers on top of the chocolate pudding to form a third layer. Dash a few red sprinkles on top of the graham crackers. Stick the shoestring potatoes down until they touch the chocolate pudding. Eat up!

Conclusion

 An edible skin model has been created. The skin is the largest organ in the human body. The marshmallows represent the hypodermis which is the base layer of skin. The hypodermis contains fat that acts as an insulator and conserves body heat. It also helps protect the organs in the body from injury.   The chocolate pudding represents the second layer, the dermis. This layer gives the skin its elasticity.  The dermis contains blood vessels, oil glands, water, sweat glands, and hairs. It stores most of the body's water supply. The crushed graham crackers represent the last layer, the epidermis. This is the layer that flakes off. At the bottom of the epidermis, new skin cells form and the dead skin cells flake off the body.   The red sprinkles represent freckles. Freckles (ephelides) are clusters of the pigment melanin often brought out by exposure to sunlight. The shoestring potatoes are the hairs that grow from the dermis up through the epidermis.