6th Grade  Project 2 weeks

"French Feast: Tasty Language Adventure!"

Danielle E
MS-LS1-7
MS-LS1-7
LS.1.C
Self Directed Learning
Academic Mindset
+ 1 more
1-pager

Purpose

This project aims to immerse students in the rich culinary traditions of France while integrating scientific principles related to food and energy flow in organisms. Through hands-on activities and community engagement, students will gain a deeper understanding of French culture, language, and dining etiquette. They will develop critical thinking and problem-solving skills by exploring the historical and cultural significance of French cuisine, and they will enhance their self-directed learning and academic mindset through reflective practices and peer collaboration.

Learning goals

Students will develop conversational French skills by engaging in role-playing activities that simulate real-life dining scenarios, enhancing their ability to order food and inquire about menu items in French. They will explore the cultural significance and historical origins of French cuisine, fostering an understanding of diverse cultural practices and traditions. Additionally, students will apply critical thinking and problem-solving skills to design creative virtual menus and multimedia presentations, showcasing their research and language proficiency. Through reflection and peer feedback, students will cultivate self-directed learning habits, improving their ability to monitor and refine their work collaboratively.
Standards
  • [Next Generation Science Standards] MS-LS1-7 - Develop a model to describe how food is rearranged through chemical reactions forming new molecules that support growth and/or release energy as this matter moves through an organism.
  • [Next Generation Science Standards] MS-LS1-7 - Develop a model to describe how food is rearranged through chemical reactions forming new molecules that support growth and/or release energy as this matter moves through an organism.
  • [Next Generation Science Standards] LS.1.C - Organization for Matter and Energy Flow in Organisms
Competencies
  • Self Directed Learning - Students use teacher and peer feedback and self-reflection to monitor and direct their own learning while building self knowledge both in and out of the classroom.
  • Academic Mindset - Students establish a sense of place, identity, and belonging to increase self-efficacy while engaging in critical reflection and action.
  • Critical Thinking & Problem Solving - Students consider a variety of innovative approaches to address and understand complex questions that are authentic and important to their communities.

Products

Students will create a series of French dining etiquette videos, demonstrating cultural practices while narrating in French with English subtitles. They will also develop a digital French recipe book, featuring researched dishes with historical context and step-by-step instructions in both French and English. These products will showcase students' understanding of French culinary traditions and their language skills, culminating in a presentation at the 'French Food Festival' where they share their virtual menus and offer samples of researched dishes.

Launch

Kick off the learning experience with 'Taste of Tradition,' a virtual cooking class led by a chef from a local French restaurant. Students will follow along to make crêpes, discussing the historical and cultural significance of the dish. This interactive session will set the stage for exploring French cuisine and dining etiquette, sparking curiosity and setting the tone for the project.

Exhibition

Students will host a 'French Food Festival' where they set up interactive booths showcasing their virtual menus and offering samples of researched French dishes. Parents and community members will be invited to taste the dishes and learn about their cultural significance through student presentations. The event will include multimedia displays and etiquette demonstrations, creating an immersive experience that highlights students' language skills and cultural understanding.