Dalton News

Food at the Crossroads of the Middle World

As part of their study of the Middle World, 7th grade students spent time in the Dalton Teaching Kitchen and other class workshops to explore the intersection of food, culture, and history.
Over the year, 7th graders have studied many important Middle World topics including the birth of Islam, the expansion of the Islamic territories and its rise to a Golden Age. To expand on these classroom lessons, students joined House Advisors in classrooms and on Dalton’s new 14th floor to examine an equally important cultural component in this flavor-laden geographic location: food. Students rotated through three distinct sessions:

  • Flavors of the Middle World, led by MS Math Teacher Cory Cowles and Chef Charlie Stewert, who coordinates our culinary program, teaching kitchen curricular integrations and interdisciplinary projects.
  • Exploring the Cuisine of the Abbasid Dynasty through Poetry, led by Museum Specialist Stephanie Fins.
  • Reflections on Culture and Religion: Ramadan in Turkey, led by Dalton Parent Ozlem Koldemir.
In these sessions, students considered important questions such as “How does food reflect the trade and travel habits of the medieval world? The modern world?” and “How has food changed in the Middle East from the Golden Age to the present day?” Afterward, each class regrouped in the Teaching Kitchen to sample the meals they prepared and debrief on a fun, tasty, and insightful day.

Thanks to teachers Charlie and Stephanie, parent Ozlem Koldemir, and 7th grade House Advisors for organizing this memorable lesson.

Story submitted by MS Social Studies Teacher & Department Chair Deirdre Mingey.
 
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