Fruits and Vegetables - where are they from?

L a n d L e a r n : Fruits and Vegetables - where are they from? - Extension and cross curriculum activities

image: strawberries

image: avocado

image: tomatoe

Fruits and Vegetables - where are they from? - Extension and cross curriculum activities

Victorian Essential Learning Standards Domains and (Levels):

Humanities - Geography (4)

Economics (4)

Students investigate the source and production of fruits, vegetables and processed products. The information can be presented on a poster or flow chart, as a brochure or powerpoint presentation.

Use the following questions as a guide:

1. Where is the chosen fruit or vegetable grown in Victoria and elsewhere in Australia? Produce maps to show this information.

2. What are the environmental, or physical requirements for this crop? (Soil, water, temperature range, growing season)

3. Describe the planting, growing and harvesting processes. Present the information in a table, flow chart, illustrated calendar.

4.	Where is most of the product marketed? Is it used locally in Australia? Is it used fresh or processed? If processed, where and how? List some products. Mark the location of processing plants on the map.
5.	Is some of Victoria's production exported? If so where to and in what form or products?
6.	What other nutritional values and dietary requirements are found in the selected product?
7.	Suggest a favourite recipe or way of serving and eating the selected fruit or vegetable.

Resources:

» Vegetables - The Workboot Series (Kondinin 2002)

» Fresh for Kids has fruit and vegetable pages and recipes.
www.freshforkids.com.au then select 'Fruit & Veg Info'

» The Golden Circle website has a "tour" via a series of photographs from orchard to consumer. www.goldencircle.com.au

» School library

Establish a vegetable garden at school to grow vegetables to cook and enjoy. If cooking is not possible grow vegetables such as snow peas which can be eaten raw.

Resources:

»	How to Guzzle Your Garden -Jackie French (Angus & Robertson 2001). This book has lots of fun activities and ideas to engage children in gardening activities.
»	See the Term 1 2005 Newsletter - School gardens and beyond . as learning environments - 'Resources - some suggestions'