Agriculture & Food Systems
10 Days
10 Days
Student Pages (Schoology Pages)
General summary of unit:
Students develop an understanding of where their food comes from and the pathways for food production / consumption.
We have an abundance of food in the world but still many people who are starving. What needs to change about the global food system and our local food system to ensure everyone has enough food to eat?
Skills students need or will develop:
Explore and understand how Food Systems work; research the Agriculture industry locally and globally; and examine food waste and the sustainability of our food system.
Food Systems & Sustainability Vocabulary List – Grade 6
This vocabulary list will help students explore the complexities of food production, sustainability, and global food equity as they develop critical thinking skills around the food system.
Food System – The process of growing, harvesting, processing, transporting, and consuming food.
Agriculture – The practice of farming, including growing crops and raising animals for food.
Sustainability – Using resources in a way that ensures they will be available for future generations.
Food Production – The process of growing, harvesting, and preparing food for consumption.
Food Distribution – The process of transporting and delivering food from farms to stores, markets, and consumers.
Food Security – Having reliable access to a sufficient amount of nutritious food.
Food Insecurity – The lack of consistent access to enough food for an active, healthy life.
Food Waste – Food that is discarded or uneaten, often occurring at farms, stores, restaurants, or households.
Local Food System – A food system that focuses on producing and consuming food within a specific community or region.
Global Food System – The interconnected network of food production, trade, and consumption across the world.
Industrial Farming – Large-scale agriculture that uses technology and chemicals to produce large amounts of food.
Organic Farming – A method of farming that avoids synthetic fertilizers and pesticides, focusing on natural processes.
Food Justice – The movement to ensure everyone has equal access to healthy, affordable food.
Farm-to-Table – A system that connects local farms directly to consumers, reducing the need for long transportation.
Food Miles – The distance food travels from where it is produced to where it is consumed.
Fair Trade – A system that ensures farmers and workers are paid fair wages and work in safe conditions.
Composting – The process of recycling organic waste, such as food scraps, into nutrient-rich soil.
Climate Change – Long-term changes in weather patterns that can impact food production and availability.
Malnutrition – A condition caused by not having enough or the right kinds of food.
Hunger Relief Programs – Organizations and initiatives that provide food to people in need, such as food banks and school meal programs.