Lesson Plan - Vegetables Year 7 Date: ___________________ TOPIC: Vegetables GOAL: Students will be able to:

• identify vegetable varieties; • distinguish between organic and non-organic farming methods; • establish ideas on the growing of vegetables at home or at school; • identify the health benefits of fresh vegetables; and • investigate methods of cookery to preserve the nutritional value of vegetables.

VOCABULARY: Organic, self-sufficient, orchard, germinate, seasonal, sustainable, heritage plants, cross-pollination, mulch, compost, greenhouse, nutrition READING: Useful words and phrases from From Paddock to Plate Vegetables Year 7 teacher manuals MATERIALS: From Paddock to Plate ‘Vegetables’ virtual excursion Computer, ipad, blank paper/cardboard, From Paddock to Plate book, nutrition information WARM-UP:

• Brainstorm with class to establish students’ knowledge of vegetables and their origins

• Short quiz on vegetable varieties • Platter of vegetables on display

DIRECT TEACHING: Watch From Paddock to Plate ‘Vegetables’ virtual excursion. Gather student interest and stop to answer questions when required. At the end of the video ask questions to determine student understanding.

Divide class into small groups and each group will work on one of the topics below. - Organic farming - Mulching and composting - Technology used in farming vegetables - Growing vegetables from seed - Nutritional value and storage of vegetables - Cooking vegetables to maximise nutritional value - Preserving vegetables to maximise use

ACTIVITY 1:

• Students to report to the class on their findings for each of the topics above. • Students can use powerpoint, diagrams, charts and handouts to present their

information. • Presentation should be limited to five minutes per group. • Students should explain clearly WHAT they are researching, WHY the topic is

relevant to vegetables and HOW it can be achieved.

ADJUSTMENTS: The lesson may be extended to allow for the completion of the presentations by each of the groups. TRANSITION: Students will be able to use the knowledge learnt to grow vegetables in their own gardens at home or at school. SET HOMEWORK: The completion of the group task if not completed in school time. FORMATIVE ASSESSMENT NOTES: Students can be given a short quiz at the end of the presentations to determine what they have learnt from their peers’ presentations.

Thank you to Sue Turner of Grace Lutheran College in Queensland for creating this lesson plan based on the national From Paddock to Plate Schools Program.