As part of their Grade 8 Humanities Renaissance wrap-up, students traded textbooks for aprons in a hands-on activity that brought history to life — through food.
Throughout the unit, students explored how the Renaissance sparked innovation in art, science, architecture and daily life. To culminate their learning, they prepared and shared two no-bake Italian recipes: strawberry tiramisu and bruschetta.
The Renaissance was not only a time of artistic and intellectual flourishing, but also a period of cultural transformation that shaped many traditions we still recognize today — including the importance of food as a shared experience. By making and enjoying these recipes together, students were able to connect with history in a tangible, memorable way. Food, after all, is one of the most accessible gateways into culture, and this final class served as a joyful celebration of the creativity, collaboration and curiosity that defined the Renaissance spirit.
Throughout the unit, students examined how Renaissance thinkers and artists blended science and imagination, and how cities like Florence became cultural powerhouses through trade, political innovation and artistic patronage. Themes of legacy, identity and progress were explored through creative writing, character studies and in-depth analysis of Renaissance art and primary sources. In their cooking activity, students revisited these same themes — considering how recipes evolve, how ingredients travel, and how a shared meal can reflect cultural values.
What made the activity especially meaningful was how the food was enjoyed: family style. Students gathered outside on picnic blankets in the sunshine, transforming the school field into a lively outdoor café. They passed plates, shared stories and reflected on their learning, enjoying a relaxed and joyful celebration of their time together. This small moment of community echoed the social rituals of Renaissance banquets, where food was not only sustenance, but a symbol of connection, celebration and culture.
In the end, the cooking activity served not only as a wrap-up, but as a culmination of learning, creativity and community. It gave students a chance to experience history not as something confined to the past, but as something that continues to shape how we live, create and connect today.
