Scone Delights: Exploring the Origins and Flavors of the British Isles

• Food Technology
• Lower Secondary (Key Stage 3)

Scone Delights: Exploring the Origins and Flavors of the British Isles

Learning Objective

At the end of the lesson, you will be able to research the origins and different types of scones found in England, Wales, Scotland, and Ireland. You will also understand why different ingredients are traditionally used in scones in each country. Finally, you will create a recipe book of sweet and savory scones from each of the four countries.

What do you already know about scones and their origins in the British Isles?

Slide 1: Introduction

I would like you to research a brief history of scones in England, Scotland, Wales and Ireland, and mention their popularity in afternoon tea, together with the history of afternoon tea.

Slide 2: Origins of Scones

Explore the origins of scones in England, Wales, Scotland, and Ireland. Mention their popularity in afternoon tea in England, together with a brief history of afternoon tea. 

Discuss how scones have evolved over time and the regional variations that can be found.

Slide 3: English Scones

Describe the characteristics of English scones, including their light and fluffy texture. Explain the traditional ingredients used, such as plain flour, baking powder, butter, and milk.

Slide 4: Welsh Scones

Discuss the unique features of Welsh scones, which are often denser and sweeter than their English counterparts. Highlight the use of ingredients like currants and buttermilk.

Slide 5: Scottish Scones

Explore Scottish scones, known for their crumbly and buttery texture. Mention the inclusion of oats and the use of Scottish regional ingredients like raspberries or cranberries.

Slide 6: Irish Scones

Explain the characteristics of Irish scones, which are often slightly sweet and have a moist interior. Emphasize the use of buttermilk and the inclusion of raisins or sultanas. Why might potato be used in place of some or all of the flour?

Slide 7: Creating a Recipe Book

Create a recipe book using PowerPoint or iMovie. Include a variety of sweet and savory scone recipes from each country.

Write down 3 things you learned in this lesson.

Have students enter three things they learned in this lesson. With this they can indicate their own learning efficiency of this lesson.

Write down 2 things you want to know more about.

Here, students enter two things they would like to know more about. This not only increases involvement, but also gives them more ownership.

Ask 1 question about something you haven't quite understood yet.

The students indicate here (in question form) with which part of the material they still have difficulty. For the teacher, this not only provides insight into the extent to which the students understand/master the material, but also a good starting point for the next lesson.