Consumer Reports has been published by Consumers Union since 1936 with information on product safety, food, health care, and financial services. Over 100 experts work in 40 labs to test, analyze, evaluate, and rate products purchased by staff members or anonymous “secret shoppers.” Sensitive instruments such as a liquid chromatograph are used to measure the caffeine in coffee. Food tasting is done by people trained in food science, nutrition, statistics, and psychology.

The Consumer Reports Auto Test Center covers 300 acres in rural Connecticut. Each year, about 50 cars and trucks are pushed to their limits, driven hundreds of thousands of miles. Vehicles tested are those with the style and options most often bought by consumers.

More than 50 vehicle aspects are assessed, including acceleration, braking, emergency handling, emissions, fuel economy, headlights, ride comfort, safety features, trunk and cargo space, and off-road capability for vehicles designed for that type of driving. Subscribers to the magazine provide vehicle reliability and satisfaction survey data.

Action items:

1. Locate an online article related to testing of appliances, food, or another product. Explain the process to another person, and have them comment on how the testing procedures might be improved.

2. With the use of an online article and visuals related to the testing of appliances, food, or another product, create a visual (photo, poster, flowchart) or brief video to report the testing procedures.