The unit is being written for 3
rd
graders but can be adapted to use with fourth and fifth grades. The suggested teaching time for the unit is from 5 to 6 weeks, but can easily be extended depending on the interest of students and teacher. The general outline of topics to be covered in the unit are as follows:
I. Where does our food Supply Come From?
What do they farm in Connecticut?
What are the major agricultural areas in the U.S.?
What foods do we get from other countries?
II. How do air, water, and pesticides affect our food supply?
How does pollution work itself through the water cycle?
How do pesticides and other toxic substances influence the foo
chain.
III. How do food additives adversely affect our food?
How are we visually influenced by foods?
How do advertisers use appearance and taste to make us buy their products?
How can we make better choices?
By framing the unit into a group of questions, I hope it will keep unit and the children focused. While some basic nutritional facts will be given the unit will not be a focused on “nutrition” per se. I am interested in presenting nutrition insofar as it relates to contamination of the food supply and its affects on humans.
