Homeschooling High School, Coffee Beans, Nutrition and Wellness

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Have you ever wondered if there could be high school credit in coffee beans?

Mike, I, and our daughters arrived at Nanny’s as my adult son measured a batch of green coffee beans. Something exciting was about to happen!

We gathered around and he poured the beans into the roaster. My girls were enthralled, asking questions, curious. Interest kept them engaged. The energy of learning radiated as the beans whirled and spun. Questions surfaced as my daughters watched.

Though my son is grown—graduated eight years ago—I couldn’t help think of the high schoolers I know. Each one has unique interests, some cultivating independent projects their parents never dreamed possible. I wondered,

Maybe there’s a middle or high schooler interested in roasting his or her own coffee?

As I watched the energy of learning increase and smelled the roasting beans, I realized the potential of this new found hobby. What if a middle or high schooler had the same interest—researching the roasting process of coffee beans. And, what if that interest grew into a dream project of roasting different types of coffee? I envisioned this independent study as part of a learner’s Nutrition and Wellness credit, yet I also understood how the content could be related to or bring application to geography, marketing, business strategies, and economics.

How, you ask?

Let’s investigate.

My son had an interest. He researched—determined and motivated—comparing cost to store bought beans, purchasing supplies, and learning the roasting process. Those seem obvious, but let’s look a bit deeper.

What are the additional learning possibilities for an interest in coffee roasting?

“I wonder” questions spark investigation

  • I wonder how coffee beans are grown and harvested?

  • I wonder how many types of beans exist and where they are grown?

  • I wonder how coffee beans vary in taste?

  • I wonder if the roasting process changes the taste of the coffee?

  • I wonder what equipment is needed to roast beans?

  • I wonder where green beans can be bought locally?

Investigation fuels deeper learning

  • What is the history of coffee? (history, science, geography)

  • What is the vocabulary associated with this interest? (vocabulary)

  • How does the cost of roasting beans compare with purchasing roasted beans from a store? (math, economics)

  • Can the green beans be bought locally? (agriculture, geography)

  • Where are the majority of beans grown? (agriculture, geography)

  • What is the difference between sun-grown coffee and shade-grown coffee? (environmental science, geography)

  • How does climate impact of coffee growing? (agriculture, geography, science)

  • How do coffee companies vary in social responsibility? (ethics, sociology, marketing)

  • How do coffee companies vary in environmentally sustainable solutions? (environmental science, ethics)

  • How do coffee companies support their farmers? (ethics, sociology)

  • What does the term Fair Trade mean and how does it apply to coffee? (global economics, environmental science, ethics, marketing)

  • How does marketing affect customer buying habits? (marketing, economics)

  • What is the nutritional value of coffee? (nutrition)

  • What is the caffeine content of different types of coffee or roasts? (nutrition, wellness)

  • How does drinking coffee affect one’s health? (wellness)

  • How does drinking coffee affect me personally? (wellness)

  • How does home roasting effect freshness, taste, and nutritional value as compared to store bought coffee? (economics, nutrition)

  • What is the time commitment of roasting and processing and will this process fit into my schedule? (personal development)

An interest in coffee roasting is packed full of endless learning possibilities—experiences which start with something that matters to a high schooler.

What areas of interest do your middle or high schoolers want to explore, to learn more about? Maybe it’s photography? Perhaps film editing or production? Maybe nursing or caring for aging grandparents? These interests matter and the knowledge base and information gained from the experiences is more likely to be retained—remembered.

If there’s an interest, lean in and listen. The end results might be greater than you every imagined.

Every. Moment. Matters.

Disclaimer: This blog post is intended as a resource of possible activities for content development. It is not assumed that any one idea or activity would equate to a half- or full-credit course (though with extensive hours and depth of study it may). These ideas and activities are suggested to be used in combination with other ideas, content, and resources to develop a bonafide course.