Social Studies
Lesson Ideas: Social Studies, Report Topics
Activity Type: Social Studies
Activity Size: Large
Objective: The students will report on a specific topic related to
fruits and vegetables.
Rationale: Through this activity, students explore the
history, geography, and politics of fruits and vegetables, while
incorporating both writing and research skills.
Materials:
Report topics, reference materials
Introduction:
Have the students choose a research topic. Then discuss the nature of a research activity with the students. Point out possible sources of information available to them for research. Appropriate books, magazines, web-sites and encyclopedias may be placed in the classroom. Depending on how experienced the students are with activities of this nature, it may be necessary to model the process of writing a report.
Individual/Group Activity:
Students may work alone or in groups on the various research topics. Either way, it may be helpful for them to brainstorm the questions,
"What do we already know?" and "What do we want to know?" Have the students write down their ideas.
After the students have thoroughly researched their topic, they will need to organise their ideas and findings. They should then be able to answer the question, "What have we learnt?"
The students can then begin by forming a topic sentence, then a paragraph or paragraphs, and so on at the discretion of the teacher.
Related Activities:
- Reports may be put together in a booklet, displayed in the classroom, or shared orally by the students.
- Students may interview nutritionists, dietitians, farmers, and produce managers, or others who deal with nutrition in their jobs.
- Invite any of the people mentioned above into the classroom as a guest speaker.
- Projects may be done along with any of the reports.
Report Topics
- Countries from which we import fruits or vegetables
- Irrigation techniques
- Fruits and vegetables grown or commercially grown in New Zealand
- How to preserve fruits and vegetables
- Harvesting techniques for various fruits and vegetables
- Most popular fruits and vegetables in other countries
- Career: Farmer (choose specific fruit or vegetable)
- Career: Produce manager
- Agricultural pest control
- How fruit and vegetable plants use nutrients from the soil
- Vegetarian diets
- Any fruit or vegetable
Students' Reactions:
