Mediterranean Diet in Arts

Introduction

This WebQuest will help you explore how the Mediterranean Diet has influenced various forms of art, including paintings, literature and films. You will discover how this diet, rich in history and tradition, has inspired artists and how it is represented in different artistic mediums. You will gain an appreciation for the cultural and artistic significance of the Mediterranean Diet.

Task

Your task is to investigate the representation of the Mediterranean Diet in different art forms and create a comprehensive presentation that covers the following aspects:

    1.    Examples of paintings depicting the Mediterranean Diet and their historical context.

    2.    Literature that features or is inspired by the Mediterranean Diet.

    3.    Films and documentaries that highlight the Mediterranean Diet.

Your final product will be a digital exhibition in Emaze, which you will present to your classmates. 

Process

Step 1: Watch and Reflect

Use the following video as inspiration

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kRzBsl46t7Q

Video summary here

Brainstorm and discuss in class the different ways art reflects the Mediterranean Diet. Consider how art influences food culture and traditions.

 

Step 2: Group formation & Research

  • You will work in national teams of 3-4 students. 
  • Divide the three topics among group members.
  • Use the provided links, Europeana, and other credible sources to research artworks (paintings, sculptures, ceramics), literature, and films connected to the Mediterranean Diet.
  • Take notes, bookmark useful websites, and organize your findings.

 

Step 3: Share your findings

Upload your findings to the Padlet https://padlet.com/meddiet4health/mediterranean-diet-in-arts-au6ywvfbftizpdxl

 

Step 4: Create a Digital Exhibition

  • Use Emaze (passwords provided by your teachers) to create a digital exhibition showcasing your findings.
  • Present it to the classroom.
Evaluation

Webquest evaluation: https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLScjtR8fxVVrJ6OtQt3gRHEzwIFZgdUxjD2_IrjYokehH1g6pQ/viewform?usp=sf_link

Students work will be evaluated according to the following rubric

Criteria 5 - Excellent 4 - Proficient 3 - Satisfactory 2 - Needs Improvement 1 - Inadequate
Content Accuracy & Depth Thoroughly covers all required aspects: paintings, literature, films; rich historical & cultural details with insightful connections Covers all required aspects with good detail and mostly accurate information Covers most required aspects with adequate detail; some minor inaccuracies Covers few required aspects; lacks detail or contains several inaccuracies Does not adequately cover required aspects; mostly inaccurate or irrelevant content
Research & Use of Sources Uses multiple credible sources, including provided links and additional research; well-documented Uses credible sources including most provided links; some additional research evident Uses some credible sources but limited variety; relies mostly on provided materials Uses few sources; questionable credibility; limited research evident Uses no credible sources or fails to research
Collaboration & Organization Clearly divides tasks among group members; notes and bookmarks well-organized; demonstrates strong teamwork Divides tasks adequately with organized notes; teamwork evident Some effort to divide tasks; notes somewhat organized; limited teamwork Poor division of tasks; notes disorganized; minimal teamwork No evidence of teamwork or organization
Presentation Quality Digital exhibition is engaging, well-designed, clear, and effectively presents findings Digital exhibition is clear and organized with good design Digital exhibition is understandable but lacks engagement or polish Digital exhibition is unclear or poorly organized Digital exhibition is incomplete or missing
Creativity & Insight Demonstrates original thinking in how the Mediterranean Diet’s influence is presented; makes insightful cultural/artistic connections Shows some creativity and thoughtful connections Shows basic understanding with limited creativity or insight Little creativity; connections are superficial or unclear No creativity or insight demonstrated
Conclusion

Through this WebQuest, you have gained a deeper understanding of how the Mediterranean Diet has both influenced and been represented in various art forms. It continues to serve as a rich source of inspiration for artists, reflecting the connections between food, culture and creativity.

Credits
Teacher Page

This WebQuest was edited by teachers of Gymnázium Cyrila Daxnera vo Vranove nad Topľou (Slovakia), 1st EPAL Nafoaktou (Greece) and 2o Esperino EPAL Acharnon (Greece), as part of the activities of the "Mediterranean Diet for Overall Health" (MedDiet4Health) Erasmus+ project (Project number: 2023-2-EL01-KA210-VET-000183592).

By completing this WebQuest, students will strengthen their research and critical thinking skills as they analyze how the Mediterranean Diet is reflected in art, literature and film. They will enhance their digital competence through the use of tools like Padlet, Europeana and Emaze, while also practicing teamwork and communication in collaborative tasks and presentations. At the same time, they will develop creativity in designing a digital exhibition and gain cultural awareness of how food traditions inspire art and express identity, competences that are highly relevant for future careers in food technology, health, nutrition, hospitality and cultural studies.

This WebQuest reflects only the author’s views. The European Commission’s support for the production of this WebQuest does not constitute an endorsement of the contents which reflects the views only of the authors, and the Commission cannot be held responsible for any use which may be made of the information contained therein.