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S1-30007

Food Waste and Composting

Many go hungry daily worldwide while we waste food. Identify problems watching and learn how composting helps solve shortages. Talk with teachers and groups to explore ideas.

Activity Time

STEM Concept

Subject & Grades

Problem-Solving

15

minutes

All

K-5th

Connections between STEM Concepts, Learning Targets and Standards

Learning Objective

  • Students will identify and apply problem-solving techniques to solve problems.

  • Students will understand how these skills relate to their confidence and success.

Success Criteria

  • Students will be able to explain the steps involved in problem-solving.

  • Students can identify and use the appropriate problem-solving technique.

  • Students can apply problem-solving techniques to arrive at a solution.

Pathway 6: Students collaborate to explore genuine inquiries throughout their studies. 

Pathways 7:  Students learn STEM/STEAM independently with the guidance of skilled educators who facilitate their learning effectively. 

Pathway 11: Presentations serve as evidence that STEM culture is being implemented. 

Pathway 14: STEM/STEAM students use research to support claims, collect evidence, analyze data, and use evidence-based arguments to ensure daily integration of STEM concepts.

Activity Introduction

There are people who are hungry everyday all over the world, yet we waste so much food. As you watch this video what problems can you identify and how does composting food waste help towards solving the food shortage problem? You may have your own ideas or questions- explore your ideas through conversations with your teacher and table groups.

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[Click image to enlarge]

Prompts for group activities

What’s the real problem? Use these questions as prompts before the students watch the video to guide their thinking about problems and solutions.


  • Children are starving worldwide, and schools throw away so much food daily! How could your school help with preventing food waste?

  • What do you think you can do to help solve the hunger problem and prevent food waste?

  • Is it better to compost food, keep it and send it to homes, or do both? Can you explain your thoughts and ideas?

  • Is composting good for communities and the environment?

  • Other than composting, what else would be another way to reduce food waste and support the hungry?

Step 1: Watch the video

Food Waste and composting

Activity Tips

  1. Remind the students to write down words they don’t understand or questions that immediately come to mind about the topic they’re watching.

  2. Tell them to be ready to share with their group.



Step 2:
Group Session

After the video, divide students into groups of 3 or 4 and let the students begin their discussions while you circulate; it’s all about what THEY think and feel. Ask them to listen carefully to their friends as they might have different opinions of them.



Step 3:
Assessment

  • Ask the students who they believe the best listeners and best team players are from this activity. 

  • Ask them to justify their answers in a simple sentence. 

  • Explain to them that the idea is everyone improves both their listening and teamwork skills over time.

  • Ask the students to summarize the video in 6-8 words only.

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