Around the World with Cooking, Customs, and Crafts- New Hampton High School
Mrs. April Schmitt (Family & Consumer Science Teacher at NHHS) was awarded the McElroy Excellence in Education Enrichment Grant in the amount of $2,000 and the Iowa Agriculture Literacy Foundation for $200 for a project called, "Around the World with Cooking, Customs, and Crafts." This was a project based learning class with the essential question, "How does culinary and customs differ in other cultures around the world compared to Northeast Iowa?" This 15 day class during J-Term allowed the students to think outside of their small community into a global world of possibilities. It allowed the students to see people around the world have many similarities and embrace the unique differences that make cultures so vast and interesting.
The students immersed themselves in making fresh pasta for Italy, a pastry called ebleskivers for Denmark, made kolaches for Czechoslovakia, dined at Rancho Viejo Mexican Restaurant for Mexico, dined at Lucky Bamboo for China, and made recipes using a wok for Japan. The class of 24 students went to The Galleria De Paco to view their amazing artwork compared to the Sistine Cahppel painted by a European immigrant and learned about Puerto Rico from two chefs at Isle of Capri along with some Salsa dancing. This was a memorable opportunity also funded by area New Hampton businesses: State Bank, Hometown Appliance, and Fareway Grocery Store, plus NHHS. It is so wonderful to teach in such a great community.
Project Description: Students will discover cuisine and customs of cultures around the world by exploring the question, "How do culinary customs differ in other cultures around the world compared to Northeast Iowa?" Local field trips to visit guest speakers will allow for first-hand accounts relating food and culture. Community members, parents, and students will be invited to a showcase and be given a "passport" allowing them to taste food originating from different countries. There will also be art and crafts presented in the same fashion.
Amount awarded: $2,000.00
Grade level: 9-12
School: New Hampton High School
District: New Hampton
Teacher(s) name(s): April Schmitt, Tisha Macon
