The Great Depression

To integrate current events into units of studies allows students an opportunity to make connections, see parallels within their lives to those in history, and it helps develop empathy and understanding.

Hardships. Stress. Death. Unemployment. Financial loss. 

What do you associate these words with? Most people would think of the Covid-19 pandemic that became worldwide in 2020. However, it isn’t too far of a stretch to connect it to the Great Depression of the 1930s. We often state that history has a way of repeating itself. If that is the case, then here we go again! In this course, students make connections between current and past events, while "making the best out of a hard time" and cooking with rationed goods! 

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Recipe: Depression Cake Ingredients:

3/4 cups all-purpose flour

1/2 cup sugar

1/8 cup unsweetened cocoa powder 1/2 teaspoon baking soda

1/2 teaspoon salt

1/2 tablespoon white or apple cider vinegar

1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract

3 tablespoons vegetable oil

1/2 cup cooled brewed coffee (or water)

Instructions:

Preheat to 375°F. Grease an 8-inch round pan.

Mix the flour, cocoa, baking soda, salt and the sugar. Poke three holes into the mix. Pour the vanilla, vinegar, and oil into each hole — or depression (see what I did there?) — respectively.

Add the coffee and stir the ingredients until well blended. Add to the pan.

Bake for 20-30 minutes, or until the top is set but springy. Cool the cake in the pan, then top with the frosting of your choice or enjoy plain.

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