Spark STEM Curiosity With FoodPrints
FoodPrints enhances academic learning through our PK-5th grade food and garden education curriculum, which features a total of 63 lessons, 29 of which align with Next Generation Science Standards (NGSS) and STEM, the related disciplines of science, technology, engineering, and math. These adaptable lessons can be utilized across various settings, from supplementing classroom instruction to enriching garden-based or culinary learning experiences. Covering a wide array of topics—from plant structure and ecosystems to food chains, photosynthesis, pollination, soil, and conservation—each lesson provides an engaging and hands-on approach to STEM topics.
To celebrate National STEM Week (March 14 to 23), FRESHFARM is thrilled to share examples of how STEM topics and NGSS are integrated into the FoodPrints Curriculum. We hope these examples inspire you to incorporate these lessons into your own teaching or activities at home.
Pollinators & Flowering Plants
Second graders explored their school garden to deepen their understanding of pollination and pollinators. Acting as bees, students visited flowers, collected nectar, and participated in the pollination process. During this hands-on activity, they observe real bees busy gathering pollen, with some daring students getting an up-close look by gently petting a carpenter bee! Back in the classroom, students use flowers and magnifying glasses to create detailed observational drawings of the flower parts involved in pollination.
This lesson supports the Next Generation Science Standard: Develop a simple model that mimics the function of an animal in dispersing seeds or pollinating plants.
Compost Stew
In this lesson, kindergarteners discover the fundamentals of composting and its vital role in the garden. Students worked together to create their own “compost stew,” brainstorming and drawing the various ingredients that contribute to compost. The lesson highlight was when students eagerly observed worms in their classroom vermicomposting bin, learning about their role in the decomposition process. One student even exclaimed, “Worms are just amazing!”
This lesson supports the Next Generation Science Standard: Use observations to describe patterns of what plants and animals (including humans) need to survive.
Water Conservation
Fifth graders embraced the role of conservationists as they explored the significance of water protection and conservation. In small groups, students designed and built their own water filtration systems, gaining hands-on insight into the complexity of cleaning polluted water. One student remarked, “I can’t believe how much work it takes to keep water clean!” After completing their projects, students read Why Water’s Worth It by Lori Harrison and created their own water-themed poetry. One student wrote, “Save the water and the beautiful sea.”
This lesson supports the Next Generation Science Standard: Obtain and combine information about ways individual communities use science ideas to protect Earth’s resources and environment.
FoodPrints NGSS-aligned lessons are crucial in supporting STEM education by engaging students in active learning and problem-solving. These joyful, hands-on experiences with STEM concepts enhance critical thinking, creativity, and collaboration skills, all while making learning more interactive and fun. FoodPrints lessons help students develop the confidence and skills necessary for success in STEM fields as they learn and grow. The entire FoodPrints Curriculum of interdisciplinary, academically aligned lessons available for free to anyone online.
