What sustainable practices can schools adopt to reduce food waste and combat hunger in the community?
Duration
6 - 7 weeksGroup Size
4 - 5 studentsGrade Level
High School, 9th, 10th, 11th, 12thSubjects
Economy, Health, Interdisciplinary, Science, Social Studies, UN SustainabilityProject Description
This project challenges students to explore the causes and impacts of food waste in their school and community. They will conduct research, collect and analyze data through a cafeteria waste audit, and brainstorm actionable strategies to reduce food waste and redistribute surplus food to combat hunger. By working in teams, students will design and present innovative solutions while learning about sustainability, resource management, and community engagement. The project is aligned with Common Core and NGSS standards and includes rubrics for clear assessment of student progress and outcomes and it addresses the UN sustainability development goal #2 (Zero Hunger).
Why Use this Project?
This project provides students with an opportunity to address a real-world issue, making their learning experience meaningful and impactful. It fosters critical thinking, collaboration, and communication skills while introducing them to principles of sustainability and community problem-solving. The project’s structured design, aligned with educational standards, ensures that teachers can guide students effectively and assess their performance with ease. With its focus on actionable solutions, this project inspires students to create positive change in their schools and communities.
What's Included
- General Guidelines:
Students work in teams, assigning roles and following structured steps to complete the project collaboratively and effectively. - Brainstorming:
Students generate creative ideas to address the problem, evaluate their feasibility, and prioritize solutions using guided techniques. - Project Planning and Designing:
Students use the Goal Sheet Template to outline objectives, assign tasks, create timelines, and organize resources for their solution. - Project Execution:
Teams implement their plans, iterate based on feedback, and reflect on challenges to refine their solutions. - Experimenting:
Students conduct a food waste audit in the cafeteria, gathering and analyzing data to identify patterns and inform their solutions. - Presentation: Students present their findings and solutions using one of three methods: slide decks, posters, or videos, emphasizing clarity, creativity, and engagement.
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