Introduction
The Mediterranean diet is celebrated worldwide for its health benefits and cultural significance. However, like many traditional diets, it has been influenced by modernity and globalization, leading to changes in food choices, eating habits and cultural practices. In this WebQuest, you will explore how modern influences and globalization have impacted the Mediterranean diet and reflect on their implications for health, culture, and sustainability.
Task
Through this WebQuest students will:
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analyze how modernity and globalization affect the Mediterranean Diet.
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practice research and critical use of credible sources.
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use digital tools to present and share findings creatively.
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reflect on the Mediterranean Diet as both cultural heritage and healthy lifestyle.
Process
Task 1: Explore the impact of Modernity on the Mediterranean Diet.
Consider:
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Introduction of fast food and processed foods
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Lifestyle changes and eating habits
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Influence of modern agricultural practices and food production
Useful links:
https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC12345705/?utm_source=chatgpt.com
https://www.athensjournals.gr/mediterranean/2018-4-3-4-Claval.pdf?utm_source=chatgpt.com
Task 2: Explore the effects of Globalization on Mediterranean Food Culture.
Consider:
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Spread of non-Mediterranean foods and culinary practices
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Role of global supply chains in ingredient availability and affordability
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Impact of tourism on local food traditions
Useful links:
Task 3: Organize Your Findings
Choose how you prefer to present your work. Post your work in whatever form you want on the Padlet https://padlet.com/meddiet4health/mediterranean-diet-in-the-age-of-modernity-and-globalization-q1qkg7s9lt309jab in the appropriate section.
Task 4: Share your conclusions
Summarize how modernity and globalization are reshaping the Mediterranean Diet and what this means for its future. Upload your work- in whatever form you want in the same Padlet.
Evaluation
- Webquest evaluation: https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSfzwYddUuQ3FEQ5WyNp3RS0MWPBZg-TNe6MLHnjc8DqYAU_Qg/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 - Unsatisfactory |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Analysis of Modernity Impact | Insightful, comprehensive analysis of modernity’s effects on Mediterranean diet including fast food, lifestyle, and agriculture with strong examples | Clear analysis with good examples of modernity’s impact on diet; minor details missing | Basic analysis covering some aspects of modernity’s influence, but lacks depth or examples | Limited analysis with minimal examples; important aspects overlooked | Analysis missing or incorrect, lacks understanding of modernity's impact |
| Exploration of Globalization Effects | Thorough examination of globalization’s influence on food culture, supply chains, and tourism with detailed support | Good exploration of globalization effects with relevant examples, some details lacking | General exploration with limited detail or some inaccuracies | Minimal exploration, superficial understanding of globalization effects | No exploration or misconceptions about globalization's influence |
| Use of Credible Sources | Effectively integrates multiple credible sources with accurate citations and critical evaluation | Uses credible sources with mostly accurate citations; some evaluation evident | Uses some credible sources but lacks critical evaluation or consistent citations | Few sources used, questionable credibility, or citations incomplete or absent | No credible sources used; lack of citation or reliance on unreliable information |
| Digital Presentation & Creativity | Presents findings creatively and clearly using digital tools; engaging and well-organized | Good use of digital tools; presentation clear and organized with some creative elements | Adequate presentation with basic digital tools and organization | Presentation unclear or poorly organized; limited use of digital tools | Presentation missing, unclear, or no use of digital tools |
| Reflection on Cultural & Health Implications | Thoughtful, well-articulated reflection on Mediterranean diet as cultural heritage and healthy lifestyle | Clear reflection showing understanding of cultural and health aspects | Basic reflection with limited insight into cultural or health implications | Minimal reflection; superficial understanding of cultural or health relevance | No reflection or irrelevant content |
| Summary & Conclusions | Comprehensive, insightful summary linking modernity and globalization impact with implications for future | Clear summary covering key points and future implications | Basic summary touching on main ideas but lacking depth | Incomplete or unclear summary; future implications not addressed | No summary or conclusions provided |
Conclusion
Through this WebQuest, you will have explored how modernity and globalization are reshaping the Mediterranean Diet. You will have examined the impact of fast food, processed products, lifestyle changes, global supply chains, and tourism on food choices, traditions, and cultural identity. At the same time, you will have reflected on the importance of preserving the Mediterranean Diet as both a model of healthy living and a symbol of cultural heritage, ensuring its continuity for future generations.
Credits
Teacher Page
This WebQuest was edited by a teacher of Gymnázium Cyrila Daxnera vo Vranove nad Topľou, Slovakia, as part of the activities of the "Mediterranean Diet for Overall Health" (MedDiet4Health) Erasmus+ project (Project number: 2023-2-EL01-KA210-VET-000183592).
By engaging in these activities, students not only gain theoretical knowledge but also develop essential practical skills for their future careers. They strengthen their ability to research and critically analyze information, improve their digital competence by using online tools to present and share work, and enhance their communication and teamwork through collaborative tasks. At the same time, they build cultural awareness and vocationally relevant skills connected to food technology, health, nutrition, and hospitality, preparing them for real-world professional contexts.
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.