Students will be exposed to Thai food as an example of one cultural aspect that defines the country and, more specifically, a particular region of the country.  In order to get a feel for the food they will be preparing and cooking, students will first be given an overview on the country and watch a digital slide show presentation showing important parts of Thai history, the king and queen, city and tribal village life, elephants, rice paddies, school life, temples, open food markets, street vendors, various types of foods cooked and served and other depictions of daily life. 

Following recipes to cook rice, making Thai specific foods and using Thai spices will provide students with the sensual, visual and actual impressions while working toward developing a respect and understanding for a country other than their own will help them form a focus for how to approach any new cultural experience.  Students will then create cultural boards and a five minute oral presentation of their topic and overall impression of what they have learned. An additional written paper is optional.

•  Why is Thai cuisine an important part in understanding Thai culture while gaining and understanding and respect for the concept of "cultural diversity" in the world?

a. Students analyze how and why cultures continue and change over time by describing the contributions of various cultural groups to the world, both past and present.