For Individuals or Groups (2–5 students per group) — Maximum points: 200 (100 per entry; 2 entries per school)
YOUR CHALLENGE: The Olmec, Mayan and Aztec people treasured cacao and regarded it as a gift from the gods. Although the flavors and uses of this prized ingredient vary widely depending on local culture and preferences, its popularity has not diminished in over 5000 years. Whether it’s used as a spice, adding depth and dimension to a dish, or shining front and center in a dessert, cultures worldwide have found creative ways to incorporate this unique ingredient. Your challenge is to research the culinary uses of chocolate and create an illustrated recipe showcasing imaginative ways to incorporate this ingredient in a sweet or savory dish. Downloadable PDF
ENTRY SUBMISSION: Monday, November 14, 2022 to Sunday, November 20, 2022
Electronically submit the following:
Uploaded PDF file to entry form includes:
Illustrated recipe
Bibliography
| ✓ Entry Requirements: |
| | Entry must be labeled with school name, student(s) name, and name for submitting teacher |
| | Illustrated recipe must feature a cacao based ingredient |
| | Maximum size 12” X 16”, incorporating original hand-rendered or computer generated imagery and explanatory text (no matting or frame) |
| | Illustrated recipe must include the following: an ingredient list with measurements, clearly articulated steps, and a pictorial representation of the recipe’s process |
| | Bibliography must be submitted citing at least 2 sources, following MLA or APA format |
| | On-time entry submission (late entries may not receive points) |
OPTIONAL STUDENT WORKSHOP: Thursday, October 13 from 10:00 am to 1:00 pm
For more information, visit our Student Workshop page. PLEASE NOTE: Registration is CLOSED.
FAIRCHILD FIELD TRIP EXTENSION:
Bring your class on a virtual field trip at Fairchild. Please visit Explorer Field Trip Programs for more information.
EVALUATION CRITERIA:
For more information on how your submission will be evaluated, see Challenge 2 Evaluation Sheet
STATE ACADEMIC STANDARDS:
This Challenge meets various state standards, visit Challenge 2 Benchmarks
CHALLENGE RESOURCES: – COMING SOON!
BACKGROUND RESOURCES:
Introduce the Challenge to your students: Green Treasures – Food of the Gods
Ted-ED: The history of chocolate – Deanna Pucciarelli (video)
Ted-ED: The history of chocolate – Deanna Pucciarelli (lessons)
Bedtime History: History of Chocolate For Kids (video)
University of Oregon Mesoamerican Cultures and their Histories: Cacao & Chocolate – UPDATED September 19, 2022
Dr. Cassandra Quave’s TeachEthnobotany: Madre Chocolate with Dr. Nat Bletter (video) – UPDATED September 19, 2022
National Geographic Educator’s Guide: Global Stories where Chocolate sparked discovery, innovation and imagination
HertiageDaily: Medicinal and Ritualistic Uses for Chocolate in Mesoamerica
Field Museum’s Educations Resources: Chocolate
Creation Myth: Chocolate Class
