Magnum Opus 2014: Latin Students Construct Edible Architecture

[FULL STORY]

 

In the 3rd annual Magnum Opus Project, 8th grade Latin students studied the ancient Roman recipe for concrete and the principle of the arch before practicing what they learned by creating edible architecture! Employing the School’s motto, Discimus agere agendo (we learn to do by doing), the Latin students got down to some serious confection construction.

 

During the last full week of classes students created famous monuments such as the Colosseum, the Pantheon, the Arch of Titus, the Chesters Roman Fort, the Aqueduct at Nîmes, and even a Roman road—using cake, Rice Krispies treats, pretzels, licorice sticks, and other delicious candies. Max Milvid received special recognition for his unique choice of the Roman Baths at Bath, England. With meticulous detail, he created a pool of green Jello over sugar-cube steps, surrounded by marshmallow columns. Each student presented his or her magnum opus, giving three details about the original monument. 

 

Students love this project, but they quickly find that it is not as easy as it seems. It can take hours of trial and error working with different materials such as pretzel columns, icing cement, or flour tortilla roofing material before a building is both structurally sound and pleasing to that palate. When the projects were done, the students had the sweet satisfaction of creative problem solving. And then came the best part – the whole class got to eat the results.