Our amazing team of LEAF Regional Education Consultants are usually very busy at this time of year organising and delivering farm visits but in light of the current situation they have been using their talents in other ways, mainly in the production of exciting new resources for teachers and farm educators.
Our amazing team of LEAF Regional Education Consultants are usually very busy at this time of year organising and delivering farm visits but in light of the current situation they have been using their talents in other ways, mainly in the production of exciting new resources for teachers and farm educators. Here are some examples:
The Conscious Consumer Project
These activities were designed for the PSHE curriculum, but explore topical issues that span boundaries of agriculture, food and society which link closely to Geography, Science, and Food Preparation & Nutrition. They can be completed independently or in school.
https://www.countrysideclassroom.org.uk/resources/1445
#VirtualFarmMyFood
In 2019, hundreds of Business and Food students took part in #FarmMyFood; a farm visit and activity day with curriculum linked workshops, demonstrations, farm tour, group activities and careers advice. Due to the impact of Covid19 in 2020, a virtual version has been developed, including information, films, curriculum links, and tasks. It will help students understand how food and farming is relevant to their subject, and hopefully a desire to bring their learning to life on a real #FarmMyFood visit in the future.
https://www.countrysideclassroom.org.uk/resources/1460
A film of the visit in 2019 can be viewed here: leaf.eco/news-and-media/videos/farmmyfood-gcse-activity-day-leaf-education
Future Farming - independent learning activity
Future Farming is an exploration of key issues and careers and is suitable for use as an independent learning activity.
This resource is an adaption of the original Future Farming workshop resources: https://www.countrysideclassroom.org.uk/resources/1325
These resources provide students with the opportunity to discover the broad range of career opportunities the agricultural sector provides and to consider the impact population growth has on food production.
https://www.countrysideclassroom.org.uk/resources/1436
Super soil - why is soil so important?
Why is soil so important and how do farmers test the quality of the soil on their farm?
This resource provides an introduction to soil plus 7 on farm activities that allow students to assess the quality and type of the soil on a farm. Using the information from the 7 activities students can look at how the soil could be improved and what crops are best grown on the farm.
https://www.countrysideclassroom.org.uk/resources/1442
How do you choose what you eat?
This resource encourages students of all ages to recognise the different elements of food production that can affect both the taste and nutritional value of food. As students prioritise what they feel is the most important factor when making food choices, the workshop introduces, and enables them to use, common food-assurance schemes to help make informed food choices.
https://www.countrysideclassroom.org.uk/resources/1444
How to plan safe, curriculum linked visits to farms: a handbook for teachers
Although we can’t carry out farm visits at present, we need to be optimistic and look to the future when visits will resume and when teachers may need support.
The handbook covers all the essential aspects of organising school farm visits; from what to include in a risk assessment, to linking visits to the curriculum. There is also information on the types of farms offering visits as well as what to look for on a pre-visit.
https://www.countrysideclassroom.org.uk/resources/1416
New Dairy Resources
Teachers and farm educators - need some help talking about milk matters? Find here a quiz, discussion starters and a PowerPoint about milk production to get you on your way with all things dairy.
https://www.countrysideclassroom.org.uk/resources/1439
https://www.countrysideclassroom.org.uk/resources/1438
https://www.countrysideclassroom.org.uk/resources/1437
Local Food Enterprise/English persuasive language
Students initially research locally produced food and create a food map of where they buy their food and what's available in the area. They then create a new product using local ingredients. Analysis of persuasive devices follows before students must market their own product with a pitch to 'investors'.
https://www.countrysideclassroom.org.uk/resources/1461
Leckford Estate's Rapeseed Oil - production and processing
Growing and processing the rapeseed oil on the Leckford Estate provides an opportunity to explore the decisions being made at every stage of production. Spanning the primary, secondary and tertiary sectors the case study explores the use of new technology, staff motivation and the need to balance environmental concerns with a healthy crop. Curriculum linked worksheets (with answers) enable students to become experts in the market for oil seed rape, both locally and on the global commodities market.
https://www.countrysideclassroom.org.uk/resources/1459