UAE
UAE Segment Summary
American School of Dubai (ASD) showcases how a whole-school food design program teaches sustainability, science, culture, and life skills through hands-on experiences.
The Food Design Program
ASD has a dedicated Food Design teacher working with students from Pre-K to Grade 12. Learning happens in three main spaces:
Sustainable Garden
Where every plant is planted by students.
Teaching Kitchen
Used by all grades to cook, experiment, and dye fabrics.
On-Campus Apiary
For learning about ecosystems and pollination.
“Seed to Table” – Week Without Walls
Grades 7–8 spend a week entirely outside conventional classrooms, organized into three symbolic teams: Seeds, Leaves, and Community Table.
Day 1: Michelin-Level Cooking
Students work with Chef Magnus (Food Nation) on a garden-to-kitchen workshop.
- Science of Cooking: Blanching herbs to preserve chlorophyll and flavor.
- Zero-Waste: Using all parts of ingredients.
- Plating: Understanding that presentation determines how flavors are experienced.
Day 2: Seeds, Soil & Tech
- Tulsi (Holy Basil): Learning medicinal/cultural significance and ethical harvesting (“ask the plant”).
- Vertical Farming: Visit to UNS Farms (hydroponics in the desert). Tasting “buzz buttons” (electric sensation).
- Soil Science: Student-led workshop mixing sand, soil, and compost.
Day 3: Fermentation
- Sourdough Workshop: With baker Sven. Learning that long fermentation (48h) supports gut health.
- Microbiology: Connecting yeast/bacteria to science lessons.
- Lesson: “Good things take time”—patience is key for sustainability.
Art, Design & Fine Dining
Ceramics & Aesthetics
Students create bowls/plates, learning that clay, like sourdough, requires time. They connect plating design to restaurant values—sustainability is embedded in materials and décor, not just ingredients.
Michelin Green Star Visit
Visit to Teible (referred to as “Table”). Students observe:
- Zero-Waste: Trimmings fermented into vinegars/marinades.
- Design: Walls made from upcycled date palm bark.
Impact on Students
Skills & Habits
- Teamwork: Cooking and cleaning together.
- Confidence: Comfortable cooking for families at home.
- Respect: Understanding the labor behind every bite.
Why it Sticks
You can’t learn plating or soil texture from a textbook; you need to touch, taste, and do. Sensory memories make learning emotional and memorable.
Main Entities and References
Below are the main organizations and initiatives referenced in the UAE segment.