Resources

Lipid chemistry and dietary fats

A close-up photograph showing circles of yellow-gold cooking oil floating on water

Source: © Getty Images

Explore practical experiments, case studies and other activities for 11–16 year olds to learn about the chemistry of fats in the context of food and diet.

In this collection of activities, students explore a variety of chemical ideas relating to fats and oils (or lipids) in our diets. Created for 11–16 year olds, the resources use familiar examples to provide context for activities ranging from class experiments (including a cooking-based investigation) to case studies, giving students the opportunity to apply what they have learned.

Stimulate and engage your students while teaching topics such as:

  • The structure and properties of lipids, including fats and oils
  • The differences between saturated, unsaturated and polyunsaturated fats
  • Taste, smell and the chemistry of flavour
  • How fats fit into a healthy, balanced diet

Each activity includes instructions for students, as well as editable worksheets and resources available for download.

Thanks for using the RSC’s education resources. You can view one resource per month as a visitor, or two resources per month when you’re logged in with a personal account.

A photograph of a teacher standing in a white lab coat, speaking with a class of children in a laboratory, is superimposed on a colourful background. Text reads "Teach Chemistry means support for classroom and staff room".

Register for Teach Chemistry for free, unlimited access

Registration is open to all teachers and technicians at secondary schools, colleges and teacher training institutions in the UK and Ireland.

Get all this, plus much more: 

  • unlimited access to resources, core practical videos and Education in Chemistry articles
  • teacher well-being toolkit, personal development resources and online assessments
  • applications for funding to support your lessons

Set up your Teach Chemistry account

Already a Teach Chemistry member? Sign in now.

Not a science teacher or technician based in the UK or Ireland? Don’t worry – you can also access all our resources with Royal Society of Chemistry membership.