⁣Lesson Plan: ⁣Raw Brain Taste Test - Exploring the Unique Flavors and Textures

⁣Lesson Plan: ⁣Raw Brain Taste Test - Exploring the Unique Flavors and Textures
Grade Levels: 11-12

Objective:
- To introduce students to the concept of adventurous eating and food exploration.
- To explore the taste, texture, and sensory experience of raw brain.
- To encourage open-mindedness, critical thinking, and cultural understanding when it comes to different food preferences.

Common Core Standards:
- CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.RST.11-12.8: Evaluate the hypotheses, data, analysis, and conclusions in a science or technical text, verifying the data when possible and corroborating or challenging conclusions with other sources of information.
- CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.SL.11-12.3: Evaluate a speaker's point of view, reasoning, and use of evidence and rhetoric, assessing the stance, premises, links among ideas, word choice, points of emphasis, and tone used.

Materials:
- Fresh raw brain (from a reputable source, such as a butcher or specialty market)
- Safety gloves and utensils for handling the raw brain
- Plates, napkins, and water for cleansing the palate
- Optional: Informational articles or videos about the cultural and culinary significance of brain consumption

Procedure:

1. Introduction (10 minutes)
- Begin the lesson by discussing the concept of adventurous eating and exploring different food cultures.
- Introduce the idea of tasting raw brain as a unique culinary experience and explain the objective of the lesson.

2. Safety and Hygiene (5 minutes)
- Emphasize the importance of safety and hygiene when handling raw brain.
- Instruct students to wear safety gloves and use separate utensils for handling and tasting.

3. Raw Brain Tasting (20 minutes)
- Carefully distribute small portions of raw brain to each student.
- Instruct students to observe the appearance, texture, and smell of the raw brain before tasting.
- Encourage students to take small bites, focusing on the taste and texture sensations.
- Provide napkins and water for cleansing the palate between tastings.

4. Group Discussion (15 minutes)
- Facilitate a group discussion about the taste and texture of the raw brain.
- Encourage students to describe their experiences, using appropriate vocabulary to articulate their thoughts.
- Discuss any cultural or personal associations that may influence individual perceptions of the taste.

5. Cultural Context (10 minutes)
- If available, share informational articles or videos about the cultural and culinary significance of brain consumption in different cultures.
- Discuss the historical, social, and traditional aspects of brain consumption, promoting cultural understanding and empathy.

6. Individual Reflection and Writing (15 minutes)
- Instruct students to individually reflect on their experience tasting raw brain and write a short reflection paragraph.
- Encourage students to consider their initial expectations, their actual experience, and any insights gained from this unique tasting.

Common Core Labels Correlations:
- CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.RST.11-12.8
- CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.SL.11-12.3

Taste test of brains from five different animals: chicken, lamb, goat, pig, and cow.BuzzFeed editor Gavon Laessig eats all of the brains and gives his opinion of each. Pro tip: watch out for skull!Special Thanks: Madani HalalPat LaFriedaFleischer's Grassfed and Organic Meats