- Taste disagreements: Normalize differences (“Different tongues, different preferences”) and use respectful sentence stems.
- Too many ideas: Limit teams to 1–2 variables per test round (e.g., sweetener amount + one add-in).
- Allergies/dietary needs: Use a checklist early; keep flavourings optional and clearly labelled.
- Time drift over weeks: Use a visible timeline board: “This week we research; next we test; then we plan; then we host.”
- Hygiene + safety: Clear routines: wash hands, use clean cups, no sharing cups, teacher manages knives if any are used
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