Objective

By the end of this lesson, you will be able to understand the history of confectionery, candy, and chocolate and its impact on different cultures and societies.

Materials and Prep

Materials: Notebook, pen/pencil

Prep: None

Activities

• Research: Use the internet or books to research the history of confectionery, candy, and chocolate. Take notes on important events and discoveries.
• Timeline Creation: Create a timeline of significant moments in the history of confectionery, candy, and chocolate. Include dates and brief descriptions.
• Map Exploration: Look at maps to see where different types of confectionery, candy, and chocolate originated from and how they spread to different parts of the world.

Fifth Grade Talking Points

• Confectionery, candy, and chocolate have been enjoyed by people for thousands of years. You can say, "Did you know that the ancient Egyptians were some of the first people to enjoy sweet treats made from honey and fruits?"
• Explorers like Christopher Columbus and Hernán Cortés played a significant role in bringing chocolate and other confectionery to Europe from the Americas. You can say, "When Christopher Columbus arrived in the Americas, he discovered cacao beans, which were used to make chocolate. This discovery changed the way people in Europe enjoyed sweets."
• Many different cultures have their own unique confectionery and candy traditions. You can say, "In Japan, there is a tradition of making colorful and artistic candies called 'wagashi,' which are often served during tea ceremonies. Each culture has its own special sweets."