Mrs. Moss's class goes global!

My gifted 5th graders just wrapped up their "Eating Around the World" unit, and it was a feast for the senses! Over the last few weeks, we didn’t just look at maps—we explored how geography, history, and agriculture shape what people eat across the globe.

Through their research, students discovered that food is a universal language of community and tradition.

Each day, we had a tasting event where students braved new flavors and expanded their palates. Whether it was trying chewy mochi from Japan or fragrant curry from Thailand, the highlight was seeing their curiosity turn into genuine appreciation. It turns out, the world feels a little smaller—and a lot more delicious—when you share a meal from it!

Below, you will find pictures and descriptions from each country. 

Thailand:

This was a very FLAVORFUL and AROMATIC dish! We started the presentations with the strongest flavors. Despite the new flavor profile, students rated the Thai yellow curry dish with a score of 7 (out of 10). Not bad for brand new flavors never tried before!

Brazil:

We finished our research by creating brigadeiros, a popular chocolate truffle-like dessert. Learning about the world never tasted so good! Overall, the students rated the sweet treat a 9.8 out of 10!

Japan:

After researching the rich food culture in Japan, my 5th graders culminated their studies by sampling various types of mochi (filled with ice cream)! They explored the unique texture and taste, connecting their research to a real-world, hands-on experience.

Germany:

After researching regional dishes, culinary traditions, and the history behind German cuisine, they completed their project in the most authentic way possible—by sampling Bratwurst! 🌭

Canada:

After diving deep into Canadian culinary traditions, my gifted 5th graders completed their research with a taste test of Nanaimo bars. Named after the city of Nanaimo in British Columbia, these creamy, chocolaty, no-bake squares were the perfect way to bring our lesson to life.

China:

My gifted 5th graders just wrapped up an incredible dive into Chinese food traditions! We explored how the cuisine emphasizes family, balance, and the history behind dishes like fried rice, which began as a clever way to reduce food waste. To top it all off, students tried traditional fried rice. The consensus? A flavorful success! 🥢🍚

Vietnam:

Our gifted 5th graders just wrapped up an immersive dive into Vietnamese food culture, exploring how geography and history shape the flavors on the plate. To conclude their research, they didn't just read about Phở—they experienced it! Since it was their first try, we kept it simple with the aromatic broth and rice noodles. Trying this iconic comfort food turned abstract research into a vibrant, delicious reality. A perfect blend of culture, history, and culinary adventure!

Greece:

My 5th-grade gifted learners finished their unit on Greece by researching foods that are a staple of Mediterranean diet and tradition. Bringing in chicken souvlaki allowed them to experience the blend of oregano, lemon, and olive oil firsthand, bridging the gap between research and real-world experience. We served it with traditional tzatziki sauce and warm pita bread. We were so ready to chow down that I failed to grab any other pictures!

France:

We finished the France unit by tasting delicate French macarons—a hands-on, cultured experience these students won't forget. Who knew history could taste so good? We tried the following flavors: pistachio, vanilla, raspberry, coffee, chocolate, and lemon. Delicious! We were so excited to try them that I failed to grab any other pictures!

Russia:

They say pelmeni are the heart of Russian cuisine, and our 5th graders agree! To conclude our research on Russian traditions, we tasted these savory dumplings. It was wonderful to see them connecting their research to a sensory experience.

Mexico:

Today, we brought that research to life by tasting pozole!

The students learned how this hearty hominy stew is a celebration staple. The verdict? A resounding success! Many tried it for the first time, developing a new appreciation for authentic Mexican cuisine.

England:

Learning about English food culture is great, but tasting it is better! My 5th-grade gifted students concluded their England unit by creating the traditional Eton Mess. They learned that the best recipes sometimes come from mistakes, specifically a dropped dessert at a cricket match. Mixing meringue, cream, and mixed berries was the perfect hands-on way to end a fun unit. This dish was most students favorite of the entire Eat Around the World unit! Big hit!