Spices Unveiled: A Sensory Exploration into the Age of European Exploration

To acquaint students with one of the primary motivations behind the surge in European explorations during the 1400s (the quest for the spice islands), students will be engaged in an activity involving the identification of spices based on smell, sight, and taste (the last is optional).

Now, will students be assessed on their knowledge of spices in state testing? No. Is it an interactive activity that encourages collaboration among participants, fosters the formulation of simple hypotheses, and promises an enjoyable experience? Absolutely.

The lesson is straightforward. Equipped with a chart, students move around the room attempting to identify up to 16 spices using their senses of sight and smell (with the option to taste). They are also required to guess the region of origin for each spice. On the board, a slideshow features a word bank of potential answers for both spices and regions. At the end of the allocated time (which can be adjusted for your class), students grade their charts to determine who accurately identified the most spices and their respective origins.

In the end, this spice-filled exploration not only adds a flavorful twist to the historical context but also spices up the classroom atmosphere with a dash of friendly competition and engaging learning.

This lesson includes:

• Google Doc
• Page 1-2: Introductions and step-by-step instructions
• Page 3-4: Student Chart and Teacher Chart 
• Page 5: Spice list, with additional spice options
• Page 6-7: Photos for four of the spice stations

• Google Slideshow