Summer Unit Study

Summer Unit Study: Soda, Pop, or Coke?

by Megan Mora Fuentes

You can make a fun summer unit study out of something you might already have in your refrigerator! Soda–or pop or coke!–is a great example of the differences in regional dialect, has a fascinating history to explore, can be used in a number of hands-on science experiments, and can be made at home in a fun family activity. Check out this Homeschool Living for some great ideas for ways to incorporate different activities into a summer unit study for your homeschool.

Do you call it soda or pop? Or even something different? You’ve probably heard both terms used, and if you’ve got family or friends in other parts of the country, maybe even argue about which one is correct! This is one of those times in which neither is wrong–they’re simply different. This map demonstrates an interesting break-down of the regional usage of different terms for soft drinks. Can you think of other terms that have a specific regional use? One example is hoagie, hero, and submarine. What others do you know?

Summer Fun with Soda

How long has soda pop been around? Believe it or not, people were drinking carbonated water as far back as the 1700s, though it wasn’t the sugary-sweet sodas we’re used to today. Check out this cool timeline to explore the history and development of soda pop.

Did you ever wonder how soda gets its bubbles? Check out the chemistry of soda here.

Sometimes good old-fashioned, hands-on, messy science experiments leave the most lasting impression. Check out these five coolest experiments to do with Coke.

Did you know that you can make your own soda from scratch at home? You’ll use yeast and sugar to create the carbonation. Check out this blog post from Seed to Pantry for some great tips and advice for making your own soda as part of your homeschool. Try one of the included recipes or this one for root beer. If you time it right and plan to make your soda in the last week of June (and look out for a fun unit study in the Homeschool Living post on June 30!) you can celebrate the 4th of July with root beer floats made with homemade ice cream and root beer.