Our Grade 2 science class recently dove into the exciting world of materials, exploring their incredible properties and the amazing ways they’re used in the real world. One of the most fascinating topics we discovered was the protective gear worn by workers in places like foundries, where safety is the number one priority. Students learned that the materials used for these outfits aren’t just chosen randomly—they have to be durable, heat-resistant, and comfortable enough to keep workers safe in the toughest conditions!

An Exciting Field Trip to Shanghai Totole Food Co., Ltd.

To bring these lessons to life, our students were eager to see how materials are used in a real-world setting. And what better way to do that than with a field trip to the Shanghai Totole Food Co., Ltd., one of the top companies in China’s condiment industry, and a part of the famous Swiss company, Nestlé? On Friday, November 15th , we set off an

adventure to tour the factory! The visit was a fantastic opportunity for students to see material science in action! They were able to witness workers in full safety gear on the production lines, putting everything they had learned in class into perspective.

What We Learned: A Flavorful Adventure!

At Shanghai Totole, students not only got a peek into the world of umami—the savory “fifth taste” that makes food so irresistible—but also saw firsthand how workers stay safe in the factory. Our young scientists were amazed to learn how the materials used in clothing and equipment play such a big role in keeping everyone protected in a busy, high-energy workplace. In addition to learning about materials and safety, students also explored the concept of Umami, the fifth basic taste, and its significance in food production. It was a fascinating way to connect science with real-world applications, showing how safety, hygiene, and quality control are critical in making the food we eat. This hands-on experience helped our students understand the real-life importance of material science and safety, making the learning so much more exciting and meaningful!

We’d like to give a huge thank you to Shanghai Totole Food Co., Ltd. for hosting our class and providing such an amazing, real-world learning experience. It was a day full of exploration, discovery, and plenty of “wow” moments!

Ms Maya

SLAS Grade 2 Homeroom Teacher