WIREDGOV

School children are being given an insight into the impact that food has on climate change thanks to a group of University-based researchers.

Each weekday in June, The Take a Bite out of Climate Change team will be releasing free online educational materials aimed at 7 to 14-year-olds. This includes videos, activity worksheets and interviews with experts.  If your child has any questions, the team will also be answering questions and showcasing the work sent in.

The Take a Bite out of Climate Change project received funding and support from the Science and Technology Facilities Council’s (STFC) Global Challenges Research Fund as well as the STFC Food Network+.

The STFC Food Network+ brings together researchers from STFC and different disciplines in the agri-food sector with the aim of solving some of the world’s greatest food sustainability challenges. The Global Challenges Research Fund (GCRF) is a £1.5 billion fund to support cutting-edge research that addresses the challenges faced by developing countries.

It all started when the researchers won a place at the Royal Society Summer Science Exhibition 2019, where they showcased their work to more than 9,750 visitors. Since then they have been spreading fun facts around the world, from Brazil to India.

The Take a Bite out of Climate Change team lead, Professor Sarah Bridle, from the University of Manchester said:

“With the advent of COVID-19, many of us are thinking about food more than ever before, and we have become increasingly aware of the way that humans are dependent on the natural world

“We’ve had such fun over the past year talking with students and other members of the public about the impact of food on climate change, and we wanted to bring something online, that people can do easily at home.” 

All the worksheets will be made available one week in advance, so that schools can use them in their learning from home content.

You can find out more about the project and sign up to their mailing list at the Take a Bite out of Climate Change website.

Find out more about the STFC Food Network+ and the other projects being funded on their website.