California Career and Technical Education Standards

• HTR.B.B6.1 Know the qualities and properties of food items and ingredients used in food pre...

California Academic Content Standards (Reinforced)

• ELA.9-10.W.RT.1.3 Use clear research questions and suitable research methods (e.g., library, elect...2

• Do you know the Herb? - Hooks / Set

  Students will come into class and there will be samples of at least 10 different fresh herbs on their table with index cards with the name of the herb on them.  They will be asked to work as their table group to match the cards with the herb.  About 5 minutes will be given for them to work together to try to match the herb with its name. 

  Herbs I generally use include:

  Lemon Balm

  Sage

  Tarragon

  Basil

  Oregano

  Bay

  Thyme

  Rosemary

  Mint

  Savory

  Parsley (curly & Italian)

  Chive

  Cilantro

  Dill

   

  After they have all of the cards matched up, I call on the groups one at a time and ask for their results.  What was easy, what was difficult, how familiar are they already with herbs.  Usually they can identify mint and bay, sometimes parsley, chive, basil and rosemary, but usually that is about all they know.

   
• Self Correction - Group Work

  After sharing and comparing what they thought the herbs were, students are given handouts and a book for each table with pictures and descriptions of the herbs and asked to try once again to identify each of the herbs on the table.This time around most of the groups are successful.  I walk around the room and assist as needed.

  • Herb ID chart [ Download ] A handout I give the students to assist with herb identification
• Why herbs - Lecture

  "So what is so special about herbs?  Why and how should they be used?"  Students will be shown a Powerpoint presentation and given a guided note sheet to take notes during the presentation.  They are to use these notes to complete their herb chart following the powerpoint.

  The Powerpoint/Notes are usually completed in one class period.  The next class period will be working on their herb chart.

  • Herb powerpoint [ Download ] Powerpoint Presentation -- Herbs
  • Guided notes [ Download ] Notesheet to use with Herb Powerpoint
  • Note sheet Key [ Download ] Key to the guided note sheet
• Day 2: Herb Chart - Independent Practice

  Have students get out their herb note sheet.  A variety of books/resources are available on front table.  A variety of fresh (and dried) herbs on the supply table.  Each herb is labeled with its name.  Students are to select nine of the herbs from the table and tape them down to their chart.  I usually bring in a few rolls of packing tape as the width works very well for this project.  Using their notes and other classroom resources (books, computer, charts), they are to record information about the chosen herbs.  The completed chart will be put into a plastic sheet protector and stored in their notebook.  This activity usually takes one class period. 

  I follow the activity up with a lab in which each group adds a different herb to a basic dinner roll.  Students can then taste how different herbs change the flavor of a like product.

  • Herb chart [ Download ] Chart for students to attach herb sample and fill in information.
  • Example of completed herb chart [ View Image ] [ Download Original ] This is an example of what a completed herb chart might look like
  • Student handout about herbs [ View Image ] [ Download Original ] I give this to my students as an additional resource for completing their chart.
  • Book of Herbs [ View Image ] [ Download Original ] Book that I use as a reference for students edited by Dawn Titmus
  • Complete book of Herbs [ View Image ] [ Download Original ] Book that I use as a reference for students by Lesley Bremness
  • Illustrated Encyclopedia of Herbs [ View Image ] [ Download Original ] Book that I use as a reference for students edited by Claire Kowalchik
  • "Ingredients" book by Loukie Werle [ View Image ] [ Download Original ] Book that I use as a reference for students