NASA - National Aeronautics and Space Administration

The information in this document was accurate as of the original publication date.

Audience: Educators
Grades: K-4


Astronauts select their menus for space about five months before they fly. A special taste panel is set up for the astronauts to taste a variety of foods when they are selecting their menus. This taste panel helps facilitate the selection of a desirable menu and reduces the amount of waste from unacceptable, uneaten or partially eaten portions. Students will sample food and will fill out the Taste Panel Evaluation Form, rating the appearance, color, odor, flavor and texture. The students will rate these items using the food's numerical scores.

Food Selection Activity [253KB PDF file]

This activity is part of the Space Food and Nutrition Educator Guide.


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