Service Learning

                  Creating a blog is a great way to motivate an individual to do research by producing a sense of ownership. Through this experience I learned more about my topic, formed stronger opinions, and thought of ideas on how this topic could tie into an elementary curriculum.

What I learned

·      Genetically modified organisms are in the food we eat(especially soy beans) and do not need to be marked on the label

·      Eating organic plant based diets can reverse the effects of cancer

·      Organic farming helps our environment by increasing soil fertility, encouraging natural organisms to flourish, and allowing plants and animals to boost their natural resistance to disease instead of relying on antibiotics or fungicides.

·      Scientists now know what we consumers have known all along: organic food tastes better. It makes sense that strawberries taste yummier when raised in harmony with nature, but researchers at Washington State University just proved in taste tests when the organic berries were consistently judged as sweeter.

·      Research suggests that pesticides have harmful effects on humans, specifically pregnant women and children. One study found that the frequency of leukemia in children was 650% greater in homes where indoor and garden pesticides were used.

Where I stand

·         GMOs should be labeled

·         Local farms should be utilized by locals

·         Organic food tastes better

·         Organic food is safer on humans and the environment

How could this information tie into an elementary curriculum?

·         Science lesson on fruit seen growth process

·         Field trip to a local farm

·         Cutting fruit into fractions, taste test between organic and non-organic

·         Policy on labeling of foods

·         Effects of pesticides on humans and environment

Service Learning Project

                         I have decided that a great service learning project for my topic would be to bring in organic fruits for the children I work with during their snack. They are used to fruits that come from far off places and large amounts of pesticides are used. I will leave out the organic apples and while they eat them I will explain that they are organic and what that means.

If I had a 4^th grade class, I would have them set up an organic fruit stand in town. The students would be informed about the benefits of organic food that they could share with any customers that come to the stand. This website has great ideas for service learning projects: http://www.kidsconsortium.org/resources.php?gclid=CNvnov-IxK4CFYOo4AodUAk8dQ

By: Tom Gillespie

 Organic Healthy Living & Local Farming

I learned that before doing this current event blog that I did not know much of anything about organic food. I thought that I had a pretty good idea, but after getting into it I realized I had a lot more to learn and still do. Organic farming helps our environment by increasing soil fertility, encouraging natural organisms to flourish, and allowing plants and animals to boost their natural resistance to disease instead of relying on antibiotics or fungicides.  

For the Kiddos
Research suggests that pesticides have harmful effects on humans, specifically pregnant women and children. One study found that the frequency of leukemia in children was 650% greater in homes where indoor and garden pesticides were used. Studies show that pesticides can adversely affect the nervous system, increase the risk of cancer, and decrease fertility.  

On the Rise
According to Organic Farming Research Foundation, as of 2007 there are approximately 13,000 certified organic producers in the U.S. compared to about 2500 as tracked in 1994. More and more organic farms are coming around, because the demand in the products are rising. 

I am 100% for organic food and local farming, and for the policy that wants the FDA to have to tell label exactly what we are eating. Signing the petition was one way of showing my support, and want to become more involved.


Elementary Curriculum
You could tie this topic into an elementary curriculum with current events by bringing students to a local farm. Students could see with their own eyes in a real life situation about what organic farming really is. Instead of just informing them and having them create their own pictures of what they think is going on they would be able to be there and witness how it really works. Bringing children on a field trip will get them excited about the topic, involved in their community, and they will learn from the experience. 

 

By: Autumn