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  • Investigating the difference between organic and non-organic food: Introducing STEM Careers

Investigating the difference between organic and non-organic food: Introducing STEM Careers

Carrying out a fair test through a blind trail into the difference between herbs

This resource is part of the SAPS Careers in Science series, a set of resources to support science teachers in integrating STEM careers information with practical activities. This resource is aimed at KS3 / ages 11-14.

In this investigation, students learn about carrying out a fair test, by running a blind trial of organic and non-organic herbs to see if they can identify any differences in taste. The investigation is put into a STEM careers context through an initial case study of James Seymour, a scientist who works as a Product Manager for a company growing herbs for major shops and supermarkets

Students consider how they can carry out a fair test into the taste of plants produced under different conditions. They compare plant samples for their taste and record their results, using a blind trial. The worksheet can be used for a brainstorm and short discussion or for a longer lead in to a lengthier class discussion of those factors which affect the saleability and profitability of crops.

This resource includes full teachers' notes, foundation, higher, extension and plenary activities, a case study, a students' worksheet and technical notes for the practical.

Resources

  • Starter activity: Career case study and questions
  • Foundation activity: Investigation: carrying out a fair test, through a blind trial of different plants
  • Higher activity: Thanet Earth
  • Extension activity: Plants grown in different conditions
  • Plenary activity: Growing crops to sell

 

Aims

Careers education

Pupils should have opportunities to appreciate that science has a vital role in career opportunities and recognise the importance of understanding the applications of scientific knowledge, understanding and skills outside the classroom.

How science works

Pupils should be taught to:

  • collect data from primary and secondary sources, including using ICT sources and tools
  • evaluate methods of collection of data and consider their validity and reliability as evidence

 

Experimental and investigative science

Pupils should

  • design a fair test
  • understand the need, where appropriate, to repeat observations or measurements
  • interpret and evaluate results using, where appropriate, simple calculations.

 

Tags: 11 -14 (KS3), Practical, STEM careers

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  • SAPS - STEM Careers - Investigating the difference between organic and non-organic food

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