Introduction
There are many different types of rice grown around the world. The different categories of rice include long-grain, short-grain, sticky, whole-grain, and wild (Falkowitz, 2021). In some countries and cultures, rice is a "cultural emblem that has woven its way through history, shaping diets, economies, and traditions across the globe" (Malte, 2024). How many of you have a favorite rice dish in your household?
Task
That last question prompts a broader question - what are traditional rice dishes that are made in different countries and cultures around the world? You are tasked with finding a rice dish for each inhabited continent in the world - North America, South America, Africa, Asia, Europe, and Australia. To challenge yourself, you can try to find dishes that have unique preparation steps. For example, find a dish that requires baking, one that requires a rice cooker, etc. Bonus points are given to the group that can identify the language spoken in your selected country/region/culture, and give the word for "rice" in that language
Process
Follow the directions below to get started:
Find two classmates to form a group of three.
Decide who will be the group's note taker/scribe, leader, etc. Make sure each group member is participating and contributing in some way.
1.) Search online for a country/region/culture on each inhabited continent. Find a rice dish that is popular in each country/region/culture. Note the preperation style, whether the dish is a main dish or a side dish, and does the dish include meat and/or vegetables
2.) Using a presentation form of your choice (PowerPoint, Canva, YouTube-style video, etc.), describe each dish, the country/region/culture of origin, the dish's preparation style, whether it is a main dish or a side dish, and if you choose the challenge for bonus points, the language spoken and the word for rice in that country/region/culture
3.) Write an essay that compares a rice dish you eat at home with one of the rice dishes you have researched
Here are a few websites to help you get started:
https://www.beryl.nyc/index.php/2025/01/17/23-rice-dishes-from-around-t…
https://www.thechoppingblock.com/blog/methods-for-cooking-rice
https://translate.google.com/?sl=ja&tl=en&op=translate
Evaluation
Each group will be graded on the output of their research/project materials using the rubric given below:
Scores range from 1-4: 1 being the worst and 4 being the best. The more points you accumulate the better the grade.
If you have any questions about grading I will be happy to answer them.
Presentation:
1. The presentation is unorganized with false information
2. The presentation has reliable information and is somewhat organized
3. The presentation is easy to follow and understand; it is organized
4. The presentation flows well, is easy to understand, looks professional, and is well organized
Research and Understanding
1. Work does not answer all of the information asked, work is unorganized and sloppy
2. Work is unorganized and has a difficult job explaining the overarching question
3. Work is somewhat detailed and understandable, but moderately organized
4. Work has a detailed description covering all topics, is well organized, and clearly demonstrates the group's understanding
Grammar and Spelling
1. Student work has too many spelling errors and/or grammatical errors.
2. Written research has multiple misspellings and/or grammatical errors.
3. Written research has no more than four misspellings and/or grammatical errors.
4. Written research has no misspellings or grammatical errors.
One bonus point for each correctly translated word for rice in the language of the country/region/culture of the rice dish
Each group will also receive a grade on how well I believe they participated and communicated with each other. They will get a 1-4 (1=worst, 4=excellent).
(portions of the evaluation section were copied from or derived from "Be fit, eat smart! Web quest," n.d.)
Conclusion
The goal of this web quest is to expand your understanding of how a simple staple - rice - is used around the world in so many different ways by so many different countries, regions, and cultures. You may also find that some rice dishes in different areas may have very similar preparation style! As we discuss each group's presentation, we will talk about the similarities and differences you found.
I also want your individual feedback. You can use email, chat, or pen and paper to answer the following questions:
1. What did you like about using the web quest?
2. Write down 5 things that you learned from completing the web quest?
3. What would you change in the future if you were to perform this web quest (Your group work or aspects my web quest)? (the individual questions were from "Be fit, eat smart! Web quest," n.d.)
Credits
References
Be fit, eat smart! Web quest. (n.d.). Worksheets, Lesson Plans, Teacher Resources, and Rubrics from TeAch-nology.com. https://www.teach-nology.com/teachers/lesson_plans/computing/webquest1/…
Falkowitz, M. (2021, May 10). A guide to rice types around the world. Food & Wine. https://www.foodandwine.com/grains/rice/a-guide-to-rice-types-around-th…
Malte. (2024, March 19). Rice dishes that rule the world. Global Bites. https://food2mouth.com/rice-dishes-that-rule-the-world/
Teacher Page
Marcus Hall
EDUC652
American Military University
Dr. Michelle Cheasty-Christ
August 9, 2025
I believe my lesson is culturally relevant and increases awareness because the lesson challenges the students to pick a country, region, or culture from all the inhabited continents in the world and to see the differences or similarities in food preparation for a staple that is common to the world. I also challenge the students to research the word in that particular area's language. To integrate the learner's culture, family, and community, I challenge the learner to compare a rice dish they eat at home with one of the dishes they researched. The fact that this is a web quest supports technology as an essential tool for learning and teaching. Allowing the groups to chose their preferred presentation style (PowerPoint, video, etc.) demonstrates instructional flexibility that harmonizes with learner's strengths and preferences.