Organic Fortnight 11 - 16 year olds
Summary information
Age range: | 7 - 11 years |
Curriculum links: | Science and initiatives such as Healthy schools, Growing schools |
Time needed: | 15 minutes |
Sustainability learning outcome(s): | Pupils will understand that some of our food is treated with substances that are harmful to people and the environment |
Preparation:
- As assembly for 7-11 year olds.
- For additional useful links see:
www.chewonthis.org.uk
www.rushallfarm.org.uk/main.php
Resources needed:
- Items listed for assembly for 7-11 year olds
- A display on a table at the front of the assembly hall of fruit and vegetables e.g. some oranges, apples, green beans, cabbages, cauliflower; two cans of food e.g. peas, green beans
Procedure:
- Carry out the activity with organic and non-organic carrots as in the 7-11 year old assembly, but point out that chemical substances called pesticides are used to grow the fruit and vegetables we eat, unless they are marked organically grown.
- The problem is that some pesticides are known to be harmful. During their manufacture and use, pesticides and other chemicals are released into the environment where they are absorbed by wildlife and humans through their skin or taken in with food and water.
- Pesticides belong to a group of chemicals that remain in the environment for a very long time and do not readily break down. This means their levels build up in the environment, including in the bodies of humans. Tell older pupils this process is known as bio-accumulation. Developing young are especially at risk.
- Draw pupils’ attention to the table display. Ask for two more volunteers and ask them to read out the contents of a couple of cans of food. This time the point to get over is that you have to read the list of ingredients and look for evidence of organic production when buying canned food and look out for organic labelling of fresh vegetables.
Reflection
Brainstorm with children a list of things that they can do to eat food that is good for people and for the environment. Record these on a flip chart or white board. Suggest that this might be part of the school’s Healthy Eating Code.
To help you probe for good ideas see the following list
- Wash and peel fruit and vegetables before eating
- Try to eat fresh, frozen or dried food instead of canned food
- When shopping with your family try to persuade them to buy some organic food
Grow some of your own vegetables without using chemicals in your garden at home - or at school. The Growing Schools scheme provides help.
- Try to persuade your family not to use chemicals in the garden
- Encourage your family to buy locally grown food
- Encourage your family to buy food that is in season
Ask the children to carry out as many actions on the list as they can. They can make a start during Organic Fortnight.
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