Exploring the Geography of Food
Introduction
Food is a basic human need, and right. The production, acquisition and consumption of food occupies everyone to some extent, and connects everyone with the environment, the water cycle, interdependence, global trade and aid, and the changing nature and location of industry. This family of courses explores the development of the coming 'perfect storm' and the relationships between food and the geography curriculum.
This series of courses complements the CPD units on Food Security which look more deeply at the issues surrounding food security and the 'global food crisis'.
By engaging with these courses, you will be able to develop and extend your geographical expertise in both stand-alone and inter-disciplinary contexts. You will have a better understanding of the connections that food can create within the classroom, and have the opportunity to develop your digital and media literacy by engaging with a range of web-based resources.
You can complete all of the courses or alternatively you may wish to select the courses which suit your particular needs.
Each course is made up of smaller components and resources that can be developed as stand-alone activities for personal and/or staff development. Note that the timings given below are the minimum. The scale of your involvement could range from 15 minutes to several weeks.
The Courses
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Getting Started My learning journey - what will I focus on and how will I achieve this? Minimum course duration: 1 hour |
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Why is hunger a geographical issue? This course looks at some of the central geographical issues related to hunger. Minimum course duration: 1.5 hours |
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OXFAM and 'The Perfect Storm' How is increased food production and a worsening of environmental conditions contributing to a 'perfect storm'? Minimum course duration: 45 minutes - 1 hour |
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Climate change and food supply How does climate change impact upon food production and supply? Thinking about possible futures. Minimum course duration: 1.5 hours |
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Plenty more fish in the sea? This course introduces the issues surrounding sustainability and looks at measures designed to overcome these issues. Minimum course duration: 1 hour |
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Cooking up a storm? This course explores the implications of different methods of food preparation for the environment. Minimum course duration: 1.5 hours |
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Plenary: Thinking about food futures What is the future of our food supply? This course also provides a framework for reflection and suggests how you might share your learning. Minimum course duration: 45 minutes |
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The Take Away: Weblinks and further resources Links and further resources. |
The images of food in these courses, unless otherwise attributed, are by Alan Parkinson and available to use under a Creative Commons Licence.
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7 Comments
Miss Conlan
GA Member
18:47 - 13/04/12
I'm really interested in completing the Geography of Food online courses however do I need to register somewhere that I would like to complete them? I'm not working in a specific school at the moment does that make a difference? Is there a fee to complete the course? If I'm not enrolled with the TLA is there still accreditation/certificate for completing the activities/?
As I haven't found a job yet since moving back to Edinburgh I'm keen to update my CPD and this looks ideal.
GA Member
09:48 - 16/04/12
Hello!
These courses are free to do and there's no need to register. Everything is open access on the following pages and you can work through the courses at your own pace. I'm afraid there's no certificate available for completing them.
Hope this helps!
Anne
Miss Conlan
GA Member
20:31 - 16/04/12
Thanks Anne!
Miss Conlan
GA Member
20:03 - 29/04/12
This is great! I've completed all the sections within Geography of Food and I'm now going to write a scheme of work around the topic. Thanks for putting these on the web-for free lol!
GA Member
08:50 - 30/04/12
You're very welcome - really glad you're finding the course so useful!
Anne
Stuart Hopkins
GA Member
12:26 - 12/07/12
This is a great theme and, I believe, a really important one for children to learn about. I see that this material is intended for KS3, would a scheme of work around this theme be work with a Year 6 class too?
John Lyon
GA Staff
10:34 - 30/07/12
Hi Stuart, I think the material will work very well for a Y6 class. The idea was always that it should be adaptable to suit a range of ages and is developed in accordance with our curriculum making principles that you can use the resources to adopt, adapt and create new material as appropriate for your classes. I'm sure your students will find the ideas engaging and that you will enhance them in a variety of ways to suit your classroom. If you do we are are always happy to hear your experiences. Good luck with developing a scheme of work.
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