Delicious Origins: Hamburger, Mac and Cheese, and Cheesecake

Delicious Origins: Hamburger, Mac and Cheese, and Cheesecake

Learning Objective

At the end of the lesson you will be able to describe the origins of the hamburger, mac and cheese, and cheesecake.

Introduce the learning objective and set expectations for the lesson.

What do you already know about the origins of some of America's favorite foods?

Hamburger

The hamburger originated in Hamburg, Germany in the 19th century as a way to make beef more palatable. It was brought to America by German immigrants and gained popularity at the 1904 World's Fair in St. Louis.

Explain the origins of the hamburger and its journey to America. Ask students if they know any other interesting facts about the hamburger.

Mac and Cheese

Mac and cheese originated in Italy in the 14th century as a way to use up leftover pasta. It was brought to America by Thomas Jefferson after his travels to Italy, and it became popular during the Great Depression as an inexpensive and filling meal.

Discuss the origins of mac and cheese and its popularity in America during the Great Depression. Ask students if they have any favorite variations of mac and cheese.

Cheesecake

Cheesecake dates back to ancient Greece, where it was served to athletes during the first Olympic games in 776 BC. The modern cheesecake we know today was developed in New York City in the early 1900s.

Talk about the ancient origins of cheesecake and its development in New York City. Ask students if they have ever tried any unique flavors of cheesecake.

Hamburger Fun Fact

The largest hamburger ever made weighed over 3,000 pounds and was cooked in California in 2012.

Share a fun fact about the hamburger and ask students if they have any other interesting hamburger facts.

Mac and Cheese Fun Fact

The largest serving of mac and cheese weighed over 2,000 pounds and was made in Wisconsin in 2010.

Share a fun fact about mac and cheese and ask students if they have any other interesting mac and cheese facts.

Cheesecake Fun Fact

The largest cheesecake ever made weighed over 6,000 pounds and was made in New York City in 2012.

Share a fun fact about cheesecake and ask students if they have any other interesting cheesecake facts.

Summary

In summary, the hamburger originated in Germany, mac and cheese in Italy, and cheesecake in Greece. These delicious foods have evolved over time and continue to be enjoyed by people all over the world.

Recap the lesson and ask students if they have any questions or comments.

What is the fun fact about the largest cheesecake ever made?

1. It weighed over 6,000 pounds
2. It was made in 2010
3. It was served at a wedding
4. It was made in Italy

What was the original purpose of mac and cheese?

1. To use up leftover pasta
2. To cure illnesses
3. To celebrate weddings
4. To feed the poor

When was the modern cheesecake developed?

1. Ancient Greece
2. Medieval Europe
3. Early 1900s
4. 19th century

Who brought mac and cheese to America?

1. George Washington
2. Christopher Columbus
3. Abraham Lincoln
4. Thomas Jefferson

Where did the hamburger originate?

1. New York City
2. Rome, Italy
3. Paris, France
4. Hamburg, Germany

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.