Implementation Resources And Estimated Budget
This curriculum unit is designed to be implemented in a culinary arts laboratory or adapted for a traditional classroom using portable cooking equipment and commonly available kitchen supplies. At Hearne High School, instruction takes place in a fully equipped culinary laboratory that provides students with authentic experiences in food preparation, food safety, and scientific investigation. Schools with limited facilities may successfully implement the curriculum using hot plates, countertop appliances, and basic kitchen equipment.
Students use recipes, laboratory investigation guides, science journals, Nutrition Facts labels, grocery advertisements, digital resources, and molecular model kits to explore the chemistry of cooking.
The estimated consumable budget for a fourteen-week implementation is approximately $3,400, including ingredients for weekly cooking investigations, laboratory demonstrations, grocery shopping and meal-planning activities, and a Thanksgiving capstone meal prepared and served to approximately fifty family members, school personnel, and community guests. Additional costs include molecular modeling materials, sanitation supplies, disposable serving items, and replacement kitchen utensils as needed.
Schools may reduce implementation costs by developing partnerships with local grocery stores, restaurants, school nutrition departments, churches, food banks, agricultural organizations, Cooperative Extension offices, civic groups, parent organizations, and community businesses. These partnerships may provide food donations, reusable kitchen supplies, guest speakers, workplace learning experiences, and financial support for student projects.
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