CULINARY
CLOSE-UP
ELEMENTARY TRACK
STEAM education is a core part of the elementary Culinary Arts experience.
Elementary scholars grow up learning that God has created for them an immense
variety of foods.
• We start in the garden, learning about plants and how we eat them in a nearly
endless number of ways.
• Children discover how their taste buds work: how to identify flavors and textures,
and how to appreciate unfamiliar foods.
• They learn to use culinary measurements, study photosynthesis, and apply basic
nutrition.
• They employ skills like packing lunch or helping with family meals, which are all
included in their lessons.
Ms. Kerry Romaniello,
Director of Culinary Arts and
OSOTA’s elective Teacher of the
Year, has awakened our schol-
ars to the craft, the artistry, the
precision, and purpose of food in
education.
MIDDLE SCHOOL TRACK
Sixth, seventh and eighth grade scholars can choose Culinary Arts as an elective
course. They are immediately immersed in the workings of a commercial kitchen
through an introduction to food safety, commercial and home equipment
identification, learning to read and write recipes logically. They discover the power
of taste and flavor by comparing home-made to processed foods.
• Scholars experience the whole process of planning, prepping, practicing
techniques, cooking, tasting and clean-up.
• They experience labs like cooking eggs, measuring and baking, preparing grains
and vegetables, and cutting/knife skills.
• They prepare treats for special OSOTA events like Honor Roll.
HIGH SCHOOL TRACK
Scholars begin the course earning their Food Safety Certificate, and are trained in
CPR/AED, and First Aid. This is a CTE (Career and Technical Education) classroom
learning and lab course of study designed for scholars pursuing a college and
employment path.
• Scholars begin the course earning their Food Safety Certificate, and are trained in
CPR/AED, and First Aid.
• They practice knife skills, and handling produce, meats, and eggs in a myriad of
applications.
• They make fresh pasta, handle cheeses, learn the art of presentation, and develop
balanced tasting techniques. Scholars study nutrition, food science, gastronomy
as part of culture and economics, as well as an introduction to molecular
gastronomy.
12
Bright Futures ®
Scholarship can be
earned through this
track resulting in free
college tuition in the
state of FL.