Food and Culture - Interdisciplinary Research Project

This lesson helps students explore the effect of culture on a person's food choices. After discussing the dietary guidelines of the USA (MyPlate), the students will look globally to explore food guides from countries around the world, and how they are reflective of that culture. Additionally, students will employ the Columbia University Teacher's College method of "boxes and bullets" to practice writing main ideas and providing supporting details for their writing and research aligned with the Common Core.

This lesson was designed for the iPad as that's what my school uses, but could also be on individual chromebooks or other devices.

The links that guide the research in this lesson are hosted on a public "Symbaloo" webmix, and the access QR code is on both the lesson plan (included) and project packet for students. Here is also a direct link to that Symbaloo: https://www.symbaloo.com/home/mix/13eP26Pc8a

Steps:

1. Students view slideshow of global food guides and select one to research. Students explore the specifics of this guide.

2. Students explore more about the food, history, and culture of this country.

3. Using the photo website for the text HUNGRY PLANET: WHAT THE WORLD EATS by Peter Menzel and Faith D'Aluisio, students will compare what a "typical" family in this country eats to what they "should" eat according to their food guide.

4. Using the iPad app PicCollage (free), a similar collage creator on other devices, or even on paper, students will create a collage to report their findings.

This Word Document Includes:

-Student Project Packet with QR Codes, Lesson Plan, and Symbaloo Guide (everything you should need!)

Help your students take a fascinating look at food and culture with this 21st Century Interdisciplinary Lesson!