Taste of Memories: A Narrative Journey

12th Grade Project 4 weeks

Taste of Memories: A Narrative Journey

Dale R

CCSS.ELA-Literacy.W.11-12.3

Content Expertise

Effective Communication

Self Directed Learning

Academic Mindset

+ 1 more

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Purpose

This project aims to help students craft a personal narrative memoir that weaves together memories, emotions, and cultural heritage influenced by food, fostering a deep understanding of their identity, growth, and future aspirations. Through engaging storytelling, culinary exploration, and collaboration with community partners, students will create meaningful artifacts, such as a memoir-based physical book and digital cookbook app, which document their personal evolution and the cultural connections shaped by cherished recipes. The project encourages self-discovery, effective communication, and critical reflection while meeting educational standards and developing essential competencies.

Learning goals

Students will develop narrative writing skills by crafting personal memoirs connected to food and memories, meeting essential grade-level writing standards. They will investigate cultural traditions through culinary stories, enriching their understanding of both personal and collective identities. By engaging with community partners and utilizing multimedia tools, students will enhance their communication and critical thinking skills, creating physical and digital storytelling products that reflect their academic and socio-emotional growth. Throughout the project, students will engage in self-reflection and critique, fostering self-directed learning and forging meaningful community connections.

Standards

[Common Core] CCSS.ELA-Literacy.W.11-12.3 - Write narratives to develop real or imagined experiences or events using effective technique, well-chosen details, and well-structured event sequences.

Competencies

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.
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 memoir-based physical book, incorporating narrative Food Maps and personal stories that resonate with their individual memories and emotions tied to various recipes. This book will be a reflection tool for their future, with blank pages for continued storytelling post-graduation. Additionally, students will develop an interactive narrative cookbook app, integrating their stories, recipes, and culinary maps into a digital platform that allows exploration of cultural traditions and emotional food memories through technology.

Launch

Begin the project with a captivating 'Sensory Storytelling Experience' where students partake in a blind taste test of diverse ingredients, including evocative spices and flavors. As they engage their senses, they document their sensory reactions and associations that arise from these tastes. Students then craft initial stories inspired by these sensations, setting the stage for personal narrative exploration connected to food memories.

Exhibition

Students will showcase their personal narrative cookbooks and digital portfolios during a school exhibition where community partners, family members, and peers are invited. Participants will engage in discussions with attendees about their experiences with food and memories, explaining the emotional and cultural significance behind their storytelling journey. The event will include reading excerpts, interactive apps demonstrations, and a tactile experience with personal journal entries.

Rubric

Competency Progression Rubric Competency-first rubric

Category	Learning Goal	Stage 1	Stage 2	Stage 3	Stage 4
Deeper Learning Competencies	Content Expertise	I can identify and describe the cultural significance of the ingredients in my food memories, using specific details and personal connections I am able to express how these experiences shape my identity and aspirations, while crafting a narrative that includes well-chosen details and a clear sequence of events.	I can create a narrative that thoughtfully connects my sensory experiences with food to my personal memories or imagined scenarios, using descriptive details and a clear sequence to convey emotional depth Through reflecting on my past and future culinary aspirations, I demonstrate my understanding of how food intersects with culture and identity.	I can effectively develop my memoir-based narrative by using vivid sensory details and well-structured event sequences to convey personal experiences with food, thus deepening my understanding of how culinary traditions intersect with my identity.	I can craft a compelling memoir that intertwines personal food memories with cultural insights, using vivid descriptions and effective storytelling techniques to evoke emotion and present clear, well-structured narratives.
Deeper Learning Competencies	Effective Communication	I communicate effectively by clearly sharing my sensory experiences through narrative writing, using vivid details and structured sequences that help others understand the emotional connections between food and memories.	I can express my ideas clearly by sharing stories that have well-structured sequences and include thoughtful details My narratives show my ability to connect food memories to identity, using sensory descriptions to make my personal experiences relatable and engaging, while ensuring my writing is understandable and organized.	I effectively share my personal narratives by weaving sensory details and emotional depth into my memoirs, clearly reflecting food memories and their connections to my identity I create a well-structured and engaging Food Map that thoughtfully integrates text and photographs, and I communicate my stories in ways that invite meaningful discussions during both the physical and digital showcases.	I can create a compelling and well-structured narrative that vividly connects sensory food experiences to my personal memories and cultural identity My story uses detailed description and empathetic communication to engage my audience, allowing them to understand and feel the emotional significance of the culinary connections I have explored.
Deeper Learning Competencies	Self Directed Learning	I can recognize my areas of growth in narrative writing and seek out constructive feedback from peers to refine my storytelling I actively develop my personal stories by applying effective literary techniques and including well-chosen details that connect my food memories to my identity in a meaningful way.	I actively seek feedback and reflect on my writing progress by pinpointing areas of improvement in my narrative technique and detail selection I use feedback to enhance my stories, focusing on how sensory details and event sequences can link personal memories with wider cultural significance.	I can effectively use feedback from my peers and teacher to refine my narrative, ensuring that my food-related memories are vividly portrayed with detailed descriptions and well-structured sequences, while thoughtfully connecting these experiences to my personal growth and identity.	I can independently use feedback from my peers and teacher to refine my memoir narratives, ensuring they reflect a deep connection between my food memories and my personal identity My narratives use vivid details and well-structured sequences to effectively convey my experiences, and I demonstrate my growth by setting specific personal goals to enhance my storytelling skills.
Deeper Learning Competencies	Academic Mindset	I understand and celebrate my unique culinary history as part of my identity Through my project, I thoughtfully connect food memories to my sense of belonging and demonstrate this by confidently sharing deeply personal stories, using descriptive details to convey emotion and setting.	I can connect food memories to my personal identity by writing narratives that include sensory details and emotional depth I confidently share my stories and reflect on how my culinary experiences shape who I am, ensuring my narrative has clear sequences and well-chosen details.	I can thoughtfully connect my food memories to my identity by crafting narratives that use detailed descriptions and strong, structured storytelling techniques, effectively expressing the emotional depth of my personal experiences.	I can confidently craft narrative stories that connect my food memories to my identity, using vivid details and well-organized sequences to engage readers I reflect deeply on my personal journey, recognizing and articulating the cultural and emotional significance of my culinary experiences while engaging with community feedback to enhance my storytelling.
Deeper Learning Competencies	Critical Thinking & Problem Solving	I explore different perspectives and use relevant narrative techniques to craft stories that connect food memories to my identity I draw upon sensory experiences and cultural contexts to illustrate complex ideas in a way that invites meaningful reflections My narratives feature well-structured sequences that reveal both personal and imagined experiences, enhancing the emotional depth and engagement of my storytelling.	I can identify and explore various elements of my cultural and food traditions, but I am still developing my ability to consistently integrate these details into my narratives with emotional depth and clarity I use sensory experiences as a basis for storytelling, yet I am working on enhancing the structure and sequence of events to better convey my personal journey.	I can proficiently connect my food experiences to a broader cultural or historical context, using detailed sensory descriptions to enrich my narrative My stories include a clear sequence of events that highlight my personal growth, effectively interweaving food memories with emotional depth to address complex themes.	I can thoughtfully analyze and creatively incorporate a variety of narrative techniques to craft my personal stories, ensuring each story effectively connects food memories to my identity Through these narratives, I address and understand complex cultural and emotional questions I use well-chosen details and deliberately structured sequences to captivate and engage my audience, reflecting not only my understanding of the cultural and historical contexts of food but also my growth as a self-directed learner and cultural thinker.

Learning Journey

Empathize

Students will engage in sensory storytelling by conducting interviews with local chefs, participating in culinary workshops, and researching the cultural significance of traditional dishes to understand the emotional and cultural connections between food, memories, and personal narratives as a basis for their own projects.

Days 1 - 3

Milestone Activities

Chefs Immersion Interviews

Launch 60m

Students connect with local chefs through brief interviews and a kitchen observation activity to uncover emotional connections between food, memory, and culture. They document sensory details, personal memories, and perceived user needs, creating initial empathy artifacts to inform their memoir-focused storytelling.

CCSS.ELA-Literacy.W.11-12.3

Content Expertise

Effective Communication

Critical Thinking & Problem Solving

Empathy Artifacts & Maps

Deliverable 90m

Students synthesize interview and observation data into empathy artifacts, including interview notes (minimum three per student), empathy maps, and journey maps. They test these artifacts with a chef or peer, gather feedback, and iterate to refine their understanding of user needs and cultural context for their sensory storytelling memoir.

CCSS.ELA-Literacy.W.11-12.3

Content Expertise

Effective Communication

Critical Thinking & Problem Solving

Define

Students will distill their research and sensory storytelling experiences into a concise problem statement that articulates the emotional impact of culinary traditions and memories, crafting a compelling narrative that addresses the essential questions.

Days 4 - 6

Milestone Activities

Culinary Memory Problem Definition

Deliverable 90m

Students conduct a focused interview with someone connected to their food memories (family member or community member) to surface the emotional drivers behind culinary traditions. They create an empathy artifact (such as an empathy map or persona sketch) and craft a point-of-view (POV) statement that centers the user's need and the insight to deliver. They generate 3–4 How Might We questions to reframing the challenge and build a problem tree or systems map that reveals root causes and interdependencies shaping the emotional experience of food memories. Each student compiles a User Persona profile and a Problem Definition Packet, shares a draft with a real user for feedback, and iterates the problem definition accordingly.

CCSS.ELA-Literacy.W.11-12.3

Content Expertise

Effective Communication

Self Directed Learning

Critical Thinking & Problem Solving

Ideate

Students will brainstorm and sketch diverse ideas for their narrative Food Map, considering emotional, cultural, and historical connections to their chosen dishes, while engaging with peer critiques and storytelling workshops to refine their concepts and expand their storytelling techniques.

Days 7 - 10

Milestone Activities

Narrative Concepts Sprint

Deliverable 90m

Students conduct a brief interview with a peer or family member to uncover emotional and cultural connections to their chosen dishes, creating empathy artifacts (e.g., a quick persona or user needs map). They develop multiple concept ideas for their narrative Food Map and produce brainstorm documentation (quantity over quality), create concept sketches or storyboards for each idea, and build a feasibility/impact matrix to compare potential concepts. Each student selects their Top 3 concepts with written rationales and prepares to share findings for peer feedback in the next session.

CCSS.ELA-Literacy.W.11-12.3

Content Expertise

Effective Communication

Self Directed Learning

Critical Thinking & Problem Solving

Prototype

Students will create prototype versions of their personal narrative food maps, combining written memories with research findings on cultural significance, and refine their narratives to ensure emotional depth and clarity through peer and community critique sessions.

Days 11 - 15

Milestone Activities

Prototype Iteration Log

Deliverable 60m

Students develop a first version of their personal narrative food map, starting with low-fidelity sketches (paper maps and memory notes) and moving toward a functional medium-fidelity prototype (storyboard or interactive mockup). In paired sessions, each student tests their prototype with a partner acting as a user, collects empathy artifacts (quotes, needs statements), and records design changes in an iteration log with rationale.

CCSS.ELA-Literacy.W.11-12.3

Content Expertise

Effective Communication

Self Directed Learning

Academic Mindset

Critical Thinking & Problem Solving

Test/Present

Students will present their memoir-based narrative Food Map books to the community, engaging in meaningful dialogue that reveals personal insights and experiences, while receiving feedback to refine their emotional storytelling and cultural expression skills.

Days 16 - 20

Milestone Activities

Empathy Interviews Kickoff

Launch 60m

Students plan and conduct short interviews with 2-3 community members who hold meaningful food memories. They gather quotes, stories, and images to inform the memoir Food Map design, creating empathy artifacts and a needs map that surfaces emotional touchpoints and cultural considerations.

CCSS.ELA-Literacy.W.11-12.3

Effective Communication

Narrative Sketch Prototypes

Deliverable 60m

Applying empathy insights, students create 2-3 page prototype sketches of their physical memoir pages and a basic app flow. They run quick, in-class testing with a peer audience and log feedback to guide iteration.

Final Iteration & Prep

Deliverable 60m

Using reader feedback, students implement revisions to page sketches and app wireframes, finalize a concise rehearsal script, and prepare to showcase their memoir Food Map, ensuring readers are included in the final presentation if possible.

Plan

Week 1	Day 1	Day 2	Day 3	Day 4	Day 5
Phase	Empathize Define
Activities	Chefs Immersion Interviews Launch 60m	Empathy Artifacts & Maps Deliverable 90m	Crafting Culinary Memory Problem Statements Knowledge/Skill Building 60m	Culinary Memory Problem Definition Deliverable 90m	Sensory Story Mapping for Food Memories Knowledge/Skill Building 45m
Preparation

Week 2	Day 6	Day 7	Day 8	Day 9	Day 10
Phase	Define Ideate
Activities	Draft Narrative Food Map Sketches Project Work 60m	Peer Gallery Walk and Revision Planning Project Work 60m	Narrative Concepts Sprint Deliverable 90m	Memoir Techniques for Food-Based Memory Knowledge/Skill Building 60m	Prototype Draft Narrative Food Map Project Work 60m
Preparation

Week 3	Day 11	Day 12	Day 13	Day 14	Day 15
Phase	Prototype
Activities	Prototype Iteration Log Deliverable 60m	Critique Protocols for Narrative Food Maps Knowledge/Skill Building 60m	Apply Feedback to Food Map Drafts Project Work 60m	Sensory Detail Studio for Memoirs Knowledge/Skill Building 60m	Exhibition Prep and Final Polishing Project Work 60m
Preparation

Week 4	Day 16	Day 17	Day 18	Day 19	Day 20
Phase	Test/Present
Activities	Empathy Interviews Kickoff Launch 60m	Narrative Sketch Prototypes Deliverable 60m	Peer Gallery Walk for Memoir Feedback Project Work 60m	Final Iteration & Prep Deliverable 60m	Final Exhibition: Narrative Food Map Project Work 60m
Preparation