High School Grade  Project 1 week

Beastly Patisserie: Sweet Sculptures Unleashed!

Jannelly H
CCSS.ELA-Literacy.CCRA.SL.4
CCSS.ELA-Literacy.RI.11-12.1
CCSS.Math.Content.HSS-MD.A.4
9-12.AF.7.2
CCSS.Math.Content.HSS-ID.C.9
+ 8 more
1-pager

Purpose

This project aims to immerse high school students in a creative exploration of French patisserie art, using it as a medium to narrate the classic tale of Beauty and the Beast. By integrating culinary skills with artistic principles, students will engage in a hands-on learning experience that fosters critical thinking, self-directed learning, and effective communication. The project encourages students to synthesize cultural and historical contexts with personal expression, culminating in a unique dessert sculpture that tells a meaningful story. Through this process, students will develop a deeper understanding of narrative art and the cultural significance of French cuisine, while honing their ability to present and reflect on their work.

Learning goals

Students will develop skills in patisserie techniques such as piping, molding, and glazing while applying artistic principles to create narrative dessert sculptures. They will analyze and synthesize cultural and historical elements of French cuisine, integrating them into their designs inspired by Beauty and the Beast. Through self-directed learning, students will engage in critical reflection, peer feedback, and iterative design processes to enhance their artistic expression and storytelling. Additionally, they will practice effective communication by presenting their work and articulating the journey and themes represented in their sculptures.
Standards
  • [Common Core] CCSS.ELA-Literacy.CCRA.SL.4 - Present information, findings, and supporting evidence such that listeners can follow the line of reasoning and the organization, development, and style are appropriate to task, purpose, and audience.
  • [Common Core] CCSS.ELA-Literacy.RI.11-12.1 - Cite strong and thorough textual evidence to support analysis of what the text says explicitly as well as inferences drawn from the text, including determining where the text leaves matters uncertain.
  • [Common Core] CCSS.Math.Content.HSS-MD.A.4 - (+) Develop a probability distribution for a random variable defined for a sample space in which probabilities are assigned empirically; find the expected value.
  • [Next Generation Science Standards] 9-12.AF.7.2 - Evaluate the claims, evidence, and/or reasoning behind currently accepted explanations or solutions to determine the merits of arguments.
  • [Common Core] CCSS.Math.Content.HSS-ID.C.9 - Distinguish between correlation and causation.
  • [National Core Arts Standards] VA:Cn10.1 - Through art-making, people make meaning by investigating and developing awareness of perceptions, knowledge, and experiences.
  • [National Core Arts Standards] VA:Cn10.1.Ia - Document the process of developing ideas from early stages to fully elaborated ideas.
  • [National Core Arts Standards] VA:Cn10.1.IIIa - Synthesize knowledge of social, cultural, historical, and personal life with art-making approaches to create meaningful works of art or design.
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.
  • Content Expertise - Students develop key competencies, skills, and dispositions with ample opportunities to apply knowledge and engage in work that matters to them.
  • Effective Communication - Students practice listening to understand, communicating with empathy, and share their learning through exhibiting, presenting and reflecting on their work.

Products

Students will create a series of intricate dessert sculptures that visually narrate the story of Beauty and the Beast, utilizing French patisserie techniques to symbolize character journeys and themes. Each sculpture will incorporate design principles such as balance and contrast to transform desserts into narrative art pieces. The final products will be showcased in a video presentation, where students will narrate the inspiration and story behind their designs, offering a creative synthesis of culinary arts and storytelling.

Launch

Kick off the project with an immersive 'Beauty and the Beast Movie Night,' where students watch the film together to identify key themes and characters. Follow this with an interactive brainstorming session to discuss how these elements can be translated into dessert sculptures. Encourage students to sketch initial ideas and share them with peers for immediate feedback, setting the stage for their creative journey.

Exhibition

Students will participate in a 'Sculpture Showcase' video project, where they will film and narrate the story behind their dessert sculptures. This video will be shared on social media platforms or the school website, allowing a broader audience to appreciate their work. Additionally, students will host an in-person gallery walk, inviting peers, teachers, and family members to view their creations and engage in discussions about the artistic and narrative elements of their sculptures.