Chocolate

Topics Year 4/5
This unit is part of Maya Farming

Objectives

History

  • Undertake an in-depth study of a non-European society that provides contrasts with British history- The Maya civilization.
  • Address and sometimes devise historically valid questions about change, cause, similarity and difference, and significance.

Design and Technology

  • Understand seasonality, and know where and how a variety of ingredients are grown, reared, caught and processed.
  • Prepare and cook a variety of predominantly savoury dishes using a range of cooking techniques.

Geography

  • Describe and understand key aspects of human geography, including: types of settlement and land use, economic activity including trade links, and the distribution of natural resources including energy, food, minerals and water.

Lesson Planning

Try out a traditional recipe to make Maya hot chocolate. Find out what chocolate was used for – not just drinking, but also in sauces for food and as a currency.

Teaching Outcomes:

  • To find out about how Maya people used chocolate.
  • To try out a Maya chocolate recipe.
  • To find out about the environment in which chocolate grows.

Children will:

  • Explain how chocolate is grown and processed.
  • Follow a recipe.
  • Discuss why chocolate was so important to the Maya.

You Will Need

  • Web-enabled devices
  • Cacao nibs
  • Oven
  • Pestles and mortars
  • Mixing bowls
  • Drinking cups
  • Molinillos (or whisks)
  • Chilli powder
  • Cinnamon sticks
  • Honey