California Academy of Science
Sustainable Food Solutions: Weighing the Pros and Cons
A growing demand for sustainable food systems comes from schools and even some cities. So what are some solutions? Scholars consider four different ways to approach sustainable food solutions and list the pros and cons of each. The fifth...
California Academy of Science
Rapid Brainstorming: How Can We Improve Our Global Food System?
In 2018, the average fast food burger cost $2.64 while a salad averaged $4.14. Does the price difference matter to public health? Scholars consider that question and others in a brainstorming session about improving our global food...
Curated OER
Toward a Sustainable Agriculture
Your class considers a case study of a sustainable agro-ecosystem and view a PowerPoint presentation about a sustainable farm. They complete a case study worksheet. Extension activities are included.
Curated OER
Toward a Sustainable Agriculture
Read about sustainable agriculture and complete related Internet activities. After reading background information about the economics of sustainable agriculture and the problems with the industrial food system, your students click on...
Kenan Fellows
Sustainability: Learning for a Lifetime – Soil
Do great gardeners really have green thumbs—or just really great soil? Environmental scholars discover what makes Earth's soil and soil quality so important through research and experimentation. Learners also develop an understanding of...
California Academy of Science
Our Hungry Planet: Design Thinking Challenge
Scholars investigate an issue associated with food systems and design their own solutions. Working collaboratively, they follow each step in the design process to complete the 10th lesson of the 13-part Our Hungry Planet series.
Curated OER
Fruits and Vegetables in the Food System
Learners examine the importance of local markets. In this horticulture lesson, students examine the importance of local markets and food systems that can provide profit for growers, freshness, variety and quality.
Food Project
Introduction to Sustainable Agriculture and Food Systems
A series of hands-on, outdoor activities increase understanding of agricultural terms, soil management, pest control, and more. Plan ahead for this one as it requires a number of supplies and could be messy. Activities include...
Channel Islands Film
Human Impact on the Food Web of Santa Cruz Island
What happens when a non-native species is introduced onto an island? Santa Cruz Island, part of the Channel Island chain located off the coast of southern California, provides the perfect laboratory for young environmental scientists to...
California Academy of Science
Exploring the Impacts of Feeding the World
Approximately 50 percent of people in the world who are chronically hungry work in agriculture. While it seems counter-intuitive, the farther you live from a farm, the more food options are available. Scholars explore concepts related to...
Curated OER
Field Crops in the Food System
Students complete activities related to food production and distribution. In this agriculture instructional activity, students read and discuss the crops grown in Iowa and Wisconsin and the ways the crops are used. They complete...
Curated OER
AP Environmental Science-Food Fight
The content in this lesson is of a controversial nature. Please review to make sure it is suitable for your class. A video, The Meatrix is shown to the class, and then they discuss the emotionally-charged language that it uses. They are...
Pennsylvania Department of Education
The Digestive System
Fourth graders simulate how the digestive system works. In this hands-on simulation, 4th graders complete six group activities that help students visualize how our body breaks down food into nutrients.
Curated OER
Sustainable Lifestyles vs. Lifestyles of Excess
Students examine the concept of sustainability and Vietnam. They compare/contrast the Vietnamese lifestyles with those in the U.S., and analyze how water, land use, transportation, food systems, and homes effect sustainability.
Curated OER
What makes agriculture "sustainable"?
Students define terms and distinguish between the goals and practices used to achieve sustainable agriculture. In this sustainable agriculture lesson students demonstrate awareness of the different impacts of agriculture.
Consortium for Ocean Science Exploration and Engagement (COSEE)
Arctic Smorgasbord
Though the walrus spends roughly one third of its time on land, it eats organisms that live on the bottom of the ocean. The first in a series of five, the lesson uses a variety of plant and animal cards to have scholars build an arctic...
Curated OER
Ecological Footprint--How Does The Way We Live Affect Earth?
Young scholars demonstrate an awareness of the global implications of decisions that individuals and families make about their needs and wants. They identify environmental and health issues related to the production and consumption of...
Curated OER
An Introduction to Nutrition
Whether you need a new textbook for your health class, or a few exercises and passages for your lesson on nutrition, you'll find what you need with a thorough nutritional science resource. With 15 chapters that cover elements of...
Curated OER
Food Myths Critical Thinking and Reading
Students read a series of statements made by students about the hazards and benefits of various foods. They distinguish the "facts: from "opinions" in the dialogue, summarize the facts in a short paragraph, and write an essay...
Curated OER
Enzymes Help Us Digest Food ~ Introduction to Sugars and Enzymes
After an explanatory introduction to sugars and enzyme activity, biochemists discover whether lactase is needed to digest lactose, sucrose, and milk as a whole. High school science lab skills are required for these investigations.
Curated OER
Nutrition and Food Security
Examine the three basic nutrients and their effects on the body. Fifth graders will research data to construct a bar graph and then demonstrate the relationship between malnutrition and food security. This is a very comprehensive...
Howard Hughes Medical Institute
Creating Chains and Webs to Model Ecological Relationships
The sustainability of an ecosystem depends on many factors and changes constantly. Young scholars consider these factors as they use a set of cards to create food webs. They review key scientific vocabulary such as predator, prey,...
Curated OER
The Big Picture: Systems
Students study the ways that agro-ecosystems function to support sustainable agriculture. For this investigative lesson students examine the different cycles of ecosystems and food systems.
Curated OER
Food Insecurity in a Global World: Perspectives from Africa
Students investigate food shortages. In this global issues lesson, students examine how food scarcity issues have impacted the people of Easter Africa. Students use the information they gather to determine methods of providing food to...