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