Rethinking Food Waste

Videos

Grades9, 10, 11, 12Biology, Civics

Scientist Reviewed

Provided by Educated Choices Program

Open Resource

What it is

This video-based lesson guides students in exploring how food waste occurs throughout the food system.
Students will learn the impacts of food waste on the environment, and the environmental and social implications of meat and dairy production.
The resource includes a video, lesson plan, guided notes, homework, activities, discussion questions, and a quiz to accompany the video and its topics.

Teaching tips

Positives

This video covers a lot of information in a short period of time.
The resource provides guided notes to keep students on task as they watch.

Prerequisites

Teachers will need to create an account to access materials.
Students should know about climate change and its impacts.
Teachers may want to define the term apartheid before students watch the Distribution portion of the video.
If teachers want to give students the link to the video, they should use the provided Student Link so they do not give students access to teaching materials.

Differentiation & Implementation

After hearing about the social implications of CAFOs, students can research other examples of environmental injustice.
After watching, students can do an audit of their personal food waste and then create an action plan for reducing their waste.
If students do not already have a school composting program, they can develop and propose one for the school or set up a classroom compost.
To make art connections, students can create posters warning others not to waste food.

From the scientist review

This resource from the Educated Choices Program offers a comprehensive video presentation guiding students through the intricacies of the food supply chain, addressing loss and waste at each stage. Enhanced with vibrant graphics and articulate narration, the video ensures clarity and understanding, with sources provided for major assertions. Additionally, an exemplary educational package accompanies the video, comprising detailed notes, homework assignments, and a quiz, forming a cohesive two-class unit. While commendable, a slight critique lies in the provision of only a 'sample of sources,' rather than a comprehensive citation for every claim. However, the resource's paramount strength lies in its rigorous examination of greenhouse gas emissions across the entire food supply chain, from production to methane emitted during food waste disposal in landfills. This resource is recommended for teaching.

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At a glance

Grades: 9, 10, 11, 12
Subjects: Biology, Civics
Other types: Lesson Plans, Assessments, Activity - Classroom, Worksheets
Format: PDF
Language: English
Location: Earth
Provider: Educated Choices Program
Authors: Educated Choices Program
Published: May 24, 2024
Last updated: July 16, 2026
: Reviewed by our climate scientists How we review

Standards alignment · HS-LS2-6. + 59 more

Core

Core Standards legacy

HS-LS2-6.HS-LS2-6. Evaluate the claims, evidence, and reasoning that the complex interactions in ecosystems maintain relatively consistent numbers and types of organisms in stable conditions, but changing conditions may result in a new ecosystem.
HS-ESS3-6.HS-ESS3-6. Use a computational representation to illustrate the relationships among Earth systems and how those relationships are being modified due to human activity.
D2.Civ.10.9-12D2.Civ.10.9-12 Analyze the impact and the appropriate roles of personal interests and perspectives on the application of civic virtues, democratic principles, constitutional rights, and human rights.
D2.Civ.14.9-12D2.Civ.14.9-12 Analyze historical, contemporary, and emerging means of changing societies, promoting the common good, and protecting rights.
CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.SL.9-10.2CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.SL.9-10.2 Integrate multiple sources of information presented in diverse media or formats (e.g., visually, quantitatively, orally) evaluating the credibility and accuracy of each source.
CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.W.9-10.7CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.W.9-10.7 Conduct short as well as more sustained research projects to answer a question (including a self-generated question) or solve a problem; narrow or broaden the inquiry when appropriate; synthesize multiple sources on the subject, demonstrating understanding of the subject under investigation.
CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.SL.11-12.1CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.SL.11-12.1 Initiate and participate effectively in a range of collaborative discussions (one-on-one, in groups, and teacher-led) with diverse partners on grades 11-12 topics, texts, and issues, building on others' ideas and expressing their own clearly and persuasively.
1.12.31.12.3 Analyze how environment and personal health are interrelated.
8.12.38.12.3 Work cooperatively as an advocate for improving personal, family, and community health.

New Jersey Climate Education Hub

New Jersey Climate Education Hub Standards legacy

HS-LS2-6.HS-LS2-6. Evaluate claims, evidence, and reasoning that the complex interactions in ecosystems maintain relatively consistent numbers and types of organisms in stable conditions, but changing conditions may result in a new ecosystem.
HS-ESS3-6.HS-ESS3-6. Use a computational representation to illustrate the relationships among Earth systems and how those relationships are being modified due to human activity.
W.WR.9–10.5W.WR.9–10.5 Conduct short as well as more sustained research projects to answer a question (including a self-generated question) or solve a problem; narrow or broaden the inquiry when appropriate; synthesize multiple sources on the subject, demonstrating understanding of the subject under investigation.
SL.II.9-10.2SL.II.9-10.2 Integrate multiple sources of information presented in diverse media or formats (e.g., visually, quantitatively, qualitatively, orally) evaluating the credibility and accuracy of each source.
SL.PE.11-12.1SL.PE.11-12.1 Initiate and participate effectively in a range of collaborative discussions (one-on-one, in groups, and teacher-led) with peers on grades 11-12 topics, texts, and issues, building on others' ideas and expressing their own clearly and persuasively.

Oregon Climate Education Hub

Oregon Climate Education Hub Standards legacy

9-10.W.79-10.W.7 Conduct short as well as more sustained research projects to answer a question (including a self-generated question) or solve a problem; narrow or broaden the inquiry when appropriate; synthesize multiple sources on the subject, demonstrating understanding of the subject under investigation.
9-10.SL.29-10.SL.2 Integrate multiple sources of information presented in diverse media or formats evaluating the credibility and accuracy of each source.
11-12.SL.111-12.SL.1 Initiate and participate effectively in a range of collaborative discussions (one-on-one, in groups, and teacher-led) with diverse partners on grades 11-12 topics, texts, and issues, building on others' ideas and expressing their own clearly and persuasively.
HE.1.12.3HE.1.12.3 Explain how environment (both physical and social) and personal health are interrelated.
HE.8.12.4HE.8.12.4 Work cooperatively as an advocate for improving personal, family, and community health.
HS.LS2.6HS.LS2.6 Evaluate claims, evidence, and reasoning that the complex interactions in ecosystems maintain relatively consistent numbers and types of organisms in stable conditions, but changing conditions may result in a new ecosystem.
HS.ESS3.6HS.ESS3.6 Use a computational representation to illustrate the relationships among Earth systems and how those relationships are being modified due to human activity (i.e., climate change).
HS.C.IR.9:HS.C.IR.9: Describe the civic behaviors that promote and strengthen a pluralistic democracy.
HS.C.DP.12:HS.C.DP.12: Using primary sources from multiple perspectives, identify and explain historical and contemporary efforts to narrow discrepancies between foundational ideas and values of American democracy and the realities of American political and civic life for traditionally underrepresented groups.
HS.C.DP.13:HS.C.DP.13: Argue and defend positions on contemporary issues in which foundational ideas or values are in tension.

Wisconsin Climate Education Hub

Wisconsin Climate Education Hub Standards legacy

HS-ESS3-6.HS-ESS3-6. Use a computational representation to illustrate the relationships among Earth systems and how those relationships are being modified due to human activity.
HS-LS2-6.HS-LS2-6. Evaluate the claims, evidence, and reasoning that the complex interactions in ecosystems maintain relatively consistent numbers and types of organisms in stable conditions, but changing conditions may result in a new ecosystem.
W.9-10.7W.9-10.7 Conduct short as well as more sustained research projects to answer a question (including a self-generated question) or solve a problem that is rhetorically authentic and culturally sustaining; narrow or broaden the inquiry when appropriate; synthesize multiple sources on the subject, demonstrating an understanding of the subject under investigation.
SL.9-10.2SL.9-10.2 Analyze and synthesize multiple sources of information presented in diverse media or formats to determine credibility and accuracy of each source.
SL.11-12.1SL.11-12.1 Initiate and participate effectively in a range of collaborative discussions (one-on-one, in groups, and teacher-led) with diverse partners on topics, texts, and issues, listening actively, and building on others' ideas and expressing their own clearly.
1:4:A51:4:A5 Analyze how environment and personal health are interrelated.
8:4:B28:4:B2 Implement an advocacy plan for a health issue.

Maine Climate Education Hub

Maine Climate Education Hub Standards legacy

HS-LS2-6HS-LS2-6 Evaluate the claims, evidence, and reasoning that the complex interactions in ecosystems maintain relatively consistent numbers and types of organisms in stable conditions, but changing conditions may result in a new ecosystem.
HS-ESS3-6HS-ESS3-6 Use a computational representation to illustrate the relationships among Earth systems and how those relationships are being modified due to human activity.
SL.9-12.1SL.9-12.1 Prepare for and participate in conversations across a range of topics, types, and forums, building on others' ideas and expressing their own.
SL.9-12.2SL.9-12.2 Integrate and evaluate information presented in diverse media and formats, including point of view, reasoning, and use of evidence and rhetoric.
1.4.9-D1.4.9-D Students analyze how one's environment and other factors impact personal health.
CivicsCivics & Government 1 (F2): Students understand the ideals, purposes, principles, structures, and processes of constitutional government in the United States and in the American political system, as well as examples of other forms of government and political systems in the world by explaining how and why democratic institutions and interpretations of democratic ideals and constitutional principles change over time.

New York Climate Education Hub

New York Climate Education Hub Standards legacy

HS-LS2-6.HS-LS2-6. Evaluate the claims, evidence, and reasoning that the complex interactions in ecosystems maintain relatively consistent numbers and types of organisms in stable conditions, but changing conditions may result in a new ecosystem.
HS.ESS3-6.HS.ESS3-6. Use a computational representation to illustrate the relationships among Earth systems and how those relationships are being modified due to human activity.
9-10SL2:9-10SL2: Integrate multiple sources of information presented in diverse formats (e.g., including visual, quantitative, and oral), evaluating the credibility, accuracy, and relevance of each source.
9-10W6:9-10W6: Conduct research to answer questions, including self-generated questions, or solve a problem; narrow or broaden the inquiry when appropriate. Synthesize multiple sources, demonstrating understanding of the subject under investigation.
11-12SL1:11-12SL1: Initiate and participate effectively in a range of collaborative discussions with diverse partners on complex topics, texts, and issues; express ideas clearly and persuasively, and build on those of others.

Connecticut Climate Education Hub

Connecticut Climate Education Hub Standards legacy

CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.SL.9-10.2CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.SL.9-10.2 Integrate multiple sources of information presented in diverse media or formats (e.g., visually, quantitatively, orally) evaluating the credibility and accuracy of each source.
CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.W.9-10.7CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.W.9-10.7 Conduct short as well as more sustained research projects to answer a question (including a self-generated question) or solve a problem; narrow or broaden the inquiry when appropriate; synthesize multiple sources on the subject, demonstrating understanding of the subject under investigation.
MW.Civ.14.a.MW.Civ.14.a. Analyze means of protecting or limiting human rights in the 20th century (e.g., Universal Declaration of Human Rights, United Nations Resolution 181, Partition of India, Dirty War in Argentina, Cultural Revolution in China, Khmer Rouge, Stolen Generations in Australia).
HS-LS2-6.HS-LS2-6. Evaluate claims, evidence, and reasoning that the complex interactions in ecosystems maintain relatively consistent numbers and types of organisms in stable conditions, but changing conditions may result in a new ecosystem.
HS-ESS3-6.HS-ESS3-6. Use a computational representation to illustrate the relationships among Earth systems and how those relationships are being modified due to human activity.

ECCLPs Climate Education Hub

ECCLPs Climate Education Hub Standards legacy

HS-LS2-6.HS-LS2-6. Evaluate claims, evidence, and reasoning that the complex interactions in ecosystems maintain relatively consistent numbers and types of organisms in stable conditions, but changing conditions may result in a new ecosystem.
HS-ESS3-6.HS-ESS3-6. Use a computational representation to illustrate the relationships among Earth systems and how those relationships are being modified due to human activity.

Michigan Climate Education Hub

Michigan Climate Education Hub Standards legacy

HS-LS2-6HS-LS2-6 Evaluate the claims, evidence, and reasoning that the complex interactions in ecosystems maintain relatively consistent numbers and types of organisms in stable conditions, but changing conditions may result in a new ecosystem.
HS-ESS3-6HS-ESS3-6 Use a computational representation to illustrate the relationships among Earth systems and how those relationships are being modified due to human activity.
W.9-10.7.W.9-10.7. Conduct short as well as more sustained research projects to answer a question (including a self-generated question) or solve a problem; narrow or broaden the inquiry when appropriate; synthesize multiple sources on the subject, demonstrating understanding of the subject under investigation.
SL.9-10.2.SL.9-10.2. Integrate multiple sources of information presented in diverse media or formats (e.g., visually, quantitatively, orally) evaluating the credibility and accuracy of each source.
SL.11-12.1.SL.11-12.1. Initiate and participate effectively in a range of collaborative discussions (one-on-one, in groups, and teacher-led) with diverse partners on grades 11-12 topics, texts, and issues, building on others' ideas and expressing their own clearly and persuasively.

Illinois Climate Education

Illinois Climate Education Standards legacy

W.9-10.7.W.9-10.7. Conduct short as well as more sustained research projects to answer a question (including a self-generated question) or solve a problem; narrow or broaden the inquiry when appropriate; synthesize multiple sources on the subject, demonstrating understanding of the subject under investigation.
SL.9-10.2.SL.9-10.2. Integrate multiple sources of information presented in diverse media or formats (e.g., visually, quantitatively, orally) evaluating the credibility and accuracy of each source.
SL.11-12.1.SL.11-12.1. Initiate and participate effectively in a range of collaborative discussions (one on-one, in groups, and teacher-led) with diverse partners on grades 11–12 topics, texts, and issues, building on others’ ideas and expressing their own clearly and persuasively.
SS.9-12.CV.5.SS.9-12.CV.5. Analyze civic dispositions, democratic principles, constitutional rights, and human rights and their impact on personal interests and multiple perspectives.
HS-LS2-6.HS-LS2-6. Evaluate claims, evidence, and reasoning that the complex interactions in ecosystems maintain relatively consistent numbers and types of organisms in stable conditions, but changing conditions may result in a new ecosystem.
HS-ESS3-6.HS-ESS3-6. Use a computational representation to illustrate the relationships among Earth systems and how those relationships are being modified due to human activity.

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