For this semester’s Free Inquiry project, I will be exploring various virtual resources to learn how to make different types of bread. I’ve made some basic breads in past years, but never have made anything that requires more than a few hours of work. For my Free Inquiry Project, I wanted something I could apply to a personal interest of mine as well as being cross-curricular (science, history, and ADST).

Introduction

I chose bread-making for my project because its history and chemical processes have always fascinated me. In the early stages of my research I have come to discover that bread has played a much more important role in human history and civilization than I had initially thought.

The earliest forms of bread date back more than 14,000 years ago in the country of Jordan, where an ancient stone fireplace was discovered with remnants of bread crumbs. During this time period (and dating back over 100,000 years), people would grind cereal grains and mix it with water to form a paste. It is still unclear how exactly this paste was further prepared, but researchers believe that at some point this paste was turned into the world’s first flatbread (Alfaro, 2020).

Ancient Egypt Alive

Between 14,000 and 10,000 years ago, it is believed that the discovery of yeast was discovered accidentally, likely when someone left out the water-flour substance for enough time to let it ferment and form small gas bubbles. Thus, the world’s first sourdough starter was born.

For my project, I plan to research the history, science, and methodology of bread-making to be able to create my own loaves at home, and eventually in the classroom with my future students. Bread-making is great for many different grade levels, and can be applied to multiple subject areas:

  • Science: Bread-making is great for many different grade levels, as it helps show certain chemical processes, such as the role of yeast in fermentation and the production of CO2.
  • Mathematics: Measurement, ratios, fractions, and percentages.
  • History: A food source that has been a staple for thousands of years in many different countries and civilizations.
  • Geography & Social Studies: Explore how regional differences influence types of bread made within certain cultures.

Through my inquiries, I will be able to explore a cross-curricular project suitable for many different grade levels. To stay organized while researching, writing, baking, and reflecting on my project, I will use a Trello board, which is a free online resource (pictured below) to help you organize your daily and weekly tasks.

Sources

Alfaro, D. (2020, March 11). A definitive timeline of bread. The Spruce Eats.

https://www.thespruceeats.com/bread-history-timeline-4783245 

Egyptian Hieroglyphics photo from https://ancientegyptalive.com/2022/06/01/bread-in-ancient-egypt/

Trello Board https://trello.com/b/ybHRqbFx/edci-336-free-inquiry-project