European kids learn where food comes from
Urban populations in the European Union (EU), and in particular young people, feel disconnected from farming as the source of their food, according to recent studies. Young people are also unaware of the wider role played by farmers – in our society and economy – not just in providing food, but also in protecting the environment and natural resources, and in safeguarding the vitality of the countryside and rural areas.
The pack is designed to plug this knowledge gap. Available in 23 languages, the pack is a collection of ready-to-use teaching and learning resources designed to raise awareness among Europeans aged 11-15 of the importance of food and farming for Europe.
Teachers from a wide range of disciplines could use it – in lessons such as geography, science, citizenship, economics, European studies, home economics, agricultural science, information and communications technologies and social science.
The pack comes with an educational animated clip introducing the basics of European agriculture, accompanied by a lesson plan. Alternatively, teachers can use a slideshow presentation to introduce the topic.
Through a selection of diverse and complementary tools and activities, teachers can help students explore three relevant themes - food, the environment and the countryside – with the aim of showing how agriculture benefits everyone.
The whole pack or any of the modules can be downloaded from the commission website. Paper copies can be ordered from the EUBookshop.