Excerpt on Mise En Place DOK Activities for FACS/FCS in Middle or High School:

In the realm of Family and Consumer Sciences (FACS), an engaging way to reinforce the culinary technique known as mise en place is to incorporate Depth of Knowledge (DOK) activities in the classroom. For middle and high school students, these activities can be designed with minimal preparation, ensuring that the focus remains on learning and engagement rather than extensive planning.

To begin, teachers can introduce the concept of mise en place, which emphasises the importance of having all ingredients and tools prepared and organised before cooking. A simple activity might involve students working in pairs to gather materials for a basic recipe—such as a fruit salad or a sandwich. They should list all the required ingredients, tools, and equipment beforehand, fostering teamwork and critical thinking.

After the initial gathering stage, students could present their mise en place setup to the class, explaining their organisation strategies and the rationale behind their choices. This not only reinforces their understanding of mise en place but also encourages public speaking and presentation skills.

To further deepen their learning (DOK Level 2), students could reflect on potential challenges they might face during the cooking process if mise en place were not properly followed. This could lead to a stimulating class discussion on the importance of organisation in not only cooking but also in other areas of life.

By engaging in these low-prep DOK activities centred around mise en place, students gain practical skills while also developing essential life competencies.