Learning Objectives

students will:

-be introduced to urban agriculture and other options within the global food system;
-understand where food comes form, the method used to grow the food, the impacts of importing food, and the waste generated by importation;
-learn about the nutritional and environmental benefits of growing food locally;
-become familiar with recipes and meals from different cultures;
-bring together different members of the community for a shared meal;
-understand the food cycle and ways to reduce and reuse our waste;
-start seeds and use them to the benefit of the community.

Teaching Process

How to use this guide

Look over the Activities and Creative Projects

The Roots Around the World guide includes three modules, each containing three activities, geared towards the elementary cycles and the first year of high school (or junior high school outside of Quebec). Each module of three activities is each geared towards a specific learning cycle and builds towards a creative project. All of the activities and creative projects can be easily adjusted to fit the needs of any learning cycle. As such, it is suggested that teachers look over the activities and creative projects and use or adapt those they find most interesting and useful for the learning styles, needs, and interests of their students.

Plan when you will be planting seeds

The Roots Around the World guide also includes a Seed Starting Activity. This activity (in the annex) provides information necessary for students to learn how to start seeds and care for seedlings, and includes three ways to use the seedlings to benefit the surrounding community. It is important that this Seed Starting Activity is begun in the spring so that the seedlings are ready to be planted outside in warmer weather. See the Seeding Calendar (on page 66) for dates to start specific seeds. It is recommended that the other activities start in the fall or winter and build towards the Seed Starting Activity. A harvest party could be held at the beginning of the following school year.

Talk about the suggestions in the “What Can I Do?” boxes with the students

There is a “What Can I Do?” box at the end of each activity. Talk with the students about these suggestions. Ask the students which things they would be able to do and to add other ideas. Suggest these ideas as things that the students can work on at home, or find ways that the class can engage in these actions together.

Use the Rooftop Garden Project as a resource

The Rooftop Garden Project and other local organizations are available should you need assistance. Be sure to contact us if you have any questions about urban agriculture, container gardening, rooftop gardens or any other parts of this guide!