Food Miles

Food Miles

 
KS1 &2 Science based farm visits.

Working in partnership with Alvis Brothers and Farmlink the Industrial Trust, the National leader in the provision of out of classroom curriculum linked activities, can arrange and subject to conditions potentially fund your next STEM based visit.
Food Miles
Science Key Stage 1: Sc1. 1a; 2a,b. Sc2. 2b; 5c.
Science Key Stage 2: Sc1. 1a; 2a,b. Sc2. 1a,b; 2b.
Objectives: To understand that the food we eat is produced in many different countries & therefore has to travel long distances to reach its destination. These food miles need a lot of energy which, in turn, uses up the earth’s resources in an unsustainable way. There are hidden energy costs as well.
Methodology: This lesson looks at the country of origin of a variety of fruit & vegetables. These are plotted on a world map & the journey to the UK is discussed especially the distance & means of transport. The advantages of locally grown produce are also discussed & the hidden costs of packaging for example its disposal in landfill sites.
Key Words: Food miles, country of origin, trade route, trade, transport, wholesaler, motorway, packaging, southern hemisphere, landfill.
Skills & Concepts: Ask geographical questions, use globes/maps/IT, identify & describe where places are, recognise that some activities are not sustainable, discuss, express own views.
Lesson Plan Classroom activity. Resources:
Timing: Activity - Allow 30 minutes
  1. Introduction. Discover pupils’ understanding of food miles
  2. Use an apple from New Zealand. Locate NZ on a world map & discuss a possible route to the UK & type of transport.
  3. In groups discuss in detail the story of an apple’s journey including packaging, storage, grading, advertising etc.
  4. Individuals to choose a fruit/vegetable. Discuss how is cooked/used, where is its origin? Put the product in the correct place on a world map. Repeat as needed.
  5. Google Earth to Spain to show the extent of glass houses there.
  6. Discuss advantages of locally grown produce with examples.
  7. Discuss types of energy used/ fossil fuels etc & the fact that these are non renewable.

World map

Google Earth

selection of fruit & vegetables from different countries

map of UK

outline world maps
Cross Curriculum Linkages delivered by the above activities:
  • Science
  • History
  • Geography
  • Maths
  • English
  • PSHE
  • Technology
  • Other lessons

  Supported by The Ernest Cook Trust