Persimmons | Tomatoes | Winter Squash
Science Exploration:Cut persimmons will brown when exposed to air. Ask students to first research the concept of enzymatic browning or oxidation. Have students hypothesize what can be done to prevent this reaction from occurring. Then test students’ hypotheses in an experiment using both Fuyu and Hachiya persimmons. Students can compile information on graphs and present to their peers.
For information, visit:www.crfg.org/pubs/ff/persimmon.html
Farm to School:Ask a local tree fruit farmer or horticulturist to hold a hands-on grafting demonstration in the school garden. If possible, arrange for a demonstration using persimmon trees.
For information on Farm to School programs, visit:www.cafarmtoschool.org
Cultural Expressions:Divide students into groups to research the ancient Japanese art of hoshigaki. Have students select a topic of interest and develop a presentation to the class. Topics may include:
For background information, visit:www.sarep.ucdavis.edu/cdpp/foodsystemswww.slowfoodusa.org/ark/japanese_persimmon.html
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Tomato Technology:Many factors affect agricultural production. Techniques like selective breeding, genetic engineering and more efficient farming practices have allowed growers to produce crops that are more plentiful, safer for the environment, more nutritious and better tasting. Research how tomato production has evolved with advancing technology.
Adapted from: Catch Up on Tomato Technology, CFAITC, 2001.
Botany Introduction:Use the tomato as a model to discuss the botanical features of fruits and vegetables. Discuss why the tomato is botanically a fruit, not a vegetable. (Refer to How Do Tomatoes Grow?) Consider posing the following questions:
For information, visit:www.botany.com
Science Exploration:
Adapted from: California Agriculture in the Classroom, www.cfaitc.org
Calendar Connection:To celebrate National 5 A Day Month, have students vote for their favorite fruit or vegetable to eat. Then have the class vote on which one(s) to plant in the school garden.
For more ideas, visit:www.5aday.com/html/events/week.php
Calendar Connection:Celebrate National School Lunch Week by having students write journal entries every day of what they ate for lunch.
For more ideas, visit:www.schoolnutrition.org
Science Investigations:
For more ideas, visit:www.5aday.com/html/educators
Language Expressions:
For more ideas, visit:www.cfaitc.org
Dried Fruits | Mandarins | Cabbages
Geography Exploration:California leads the nation in total fruit and vegetable production. Have students explore California’s geography to learn why California is able to grow a diverse variety of fruits and vegetables. Topics to study may include:
For more ideas, visit:www.calraisins.org/education/foodservicewww.cfaitc.org
Problem Solving:
History Exploration:The date palm and fig (bo) trees are two of the world’s oldest fruit trees. Have students research each tree’s significance to different groups of people. Regions and cultures to study may include:
Science Investigation:As students will learn from the Student Sleuths, the USDA recognizes three species of the genus Citrus: the mandarin (C. reticulata), the citron (C. medica) and the pomelo (C. maxima). Within these species are dozens of sub-species, or cultivars, as well as natural and man-made hybrids. Common hybrids include the orange, grapefruit, lemon, lime and tangelo. Discuss the taxonomy system and how fruits and vegetables are bontanically classified. Then have students complete the following activity:
Geography Exploration:Citrus grows best between latitudes 35 N and 35 S.
Economics Introduction:
Hint: To best demonstrate supply and demand concept, continue activity for several months (e.g., note prices changes in items that are seasonal).
Adapted from: Fruits and Vegetables Galore, USDA, 2004.
Farm to School:
For more ideas, visit:www.agclassroom.orgwww.cfaitc.orgwww.cafarmtoschool.orgwww.nal.usda.gov/kids
Science Investigation:Use cabbage juice to determine whether a substance is an acid or base.
Materials:
Procedure:
Discuss results.
Sample Discussion:Acids and bases are chemicals with distinct properties. Red cabbage juice is a chemical indicator of acids and bases. This means that the juice will turn color when either an acid or base is present. (Hint: Red cabbage juice turns redder with acids and green with bases. Darker colors indicate a stronger chemical.) Common acids that can be found in the kitchen are lemons, apple juice, orange juice, black coffee and vinegar. Common basic elements include baking soda and egg whites.
Adapted from: The Science Chef Travels around the World, Joan D’Amico and Karen Drummond, 1996.
Literary Expressions:
Cabbage Patch Math:
School Garden – Class Cookbook:
It’s Still Art:
For more ideas, visit: www.nal.usda.gov/kidswww.fns.usda.gov/eatsmartplayhard/collection/main.html
Asparagus | Avocados | Peas
History Exploration:Asparagus has been cultivated for more than 2,500 years by people worldwide. It continues today to be a universal vegetable, grown and consumed in Asia, Europe, South America and North America. Have students research a historical topic of interest and then write an essay or deliver a living history presentation. Topics may include:
Introduction to Economics (Grades K-5):
Purpose:
Activity:
Introduction to Economics (Grades 6-12):Students can become virtual asparagus farmers. Have students research the harvesting process for California asparagus and complete the following exercises.
For information, visit:www.calasparagus.comwww.cfaitc.org
*Accompany with above Student Sleuths.
For more ideas, visit:www.harvestofthemonth.com
Math Solutions:
Critical Thinking and Sensory Exploration:
History Exploration:Many sources indicate that the English pea was Thomas Jefferson’s favorite vegetable. At one point, Jefferson had more than 30 different pea varieties planted in his garden at Monticello, where he studied them extensively. Research Jefferson’s writings on the English pea. Compare it with his study of other vegetation in his garden.
For more ideas, visit:www.cfaitc.orgwww.agclassroom.org
Melons | Peaches | Potatoes
Calendar Connection:
Family History Day takes place in the middle of June. Celebrate students’ family history, culture and traditions.
Hint: Coordinate with Exploring California Melons activity on page 1.
Melon Math:
No information.