• 1.

  Ask your family to help you choose a family recipe that reflects your ethnic background or is a long-time family favorite. Share the recipe with your class. Locate its origins, and the sources of its ingredients, on a world map.

• 2.

  Use a metric conversion chart to determine the metric measurements of quantities for each ingredient. For example, 2 cups of water is .48 liters or 473.6 mL. Write the equivalent measures on paper with Crayola® Erasable Colored Pencils. Check each other’s calculations and make corrections by erasing.

• 3.

  For a class book, write the entire recipe with metric measurements. If you make a mistake, just erase. With Crayola Scissors, cut construciton paper to make a frame page for your recipe. Use a Crayola Glue Stick to attach your recipe to the frame. Decorate the borders.

• 4.

  Work in small groups to design possible covers. As a class, discuss the merits of each cover and choose the final design. Prepare the cover for the book. Punch holes in each page. Bind your book with raffia, ribbon, or other materials.

• 5.

  If possible, prepare the recipes to share with classmates, either at home or school. Invite family members and the principal to share your delicious recipes. Why not contribute the book to your school library?

Benefits

• Children use the metric system to convert measurements from an ethnic recipe. </P>
• Students share their ethnic backgrounds and recipes with classmates to create a multicultural class cookbook. </P>
• Students connect with each other and their families by preparing recipes in the cookbook and then donating the book to the school library. </P>

Adaptations

• Research the country of origin for each recipe. Present information, including a map, on the back of the matching recipe page and share it orally with the class. </P>
• Work with your family to create a family tree. Interview family members about their favorite ethnic dishes. </P>
• Explore other ways to use metric measurement in daily life. </P>
• Assessment: Check metric conversions for accuracy, expression in decorating recipe pages, collaboration when working in small groups, and enthusiasm for preparing a class cookbook. </P>