The Tomato Salsa Challenge
Provided by: Center for Ecoliteracy|Published on: October 27, 2022|Last updated: September 26, 2026
Grades: 3, 4, 5
Type: Lesson Plans
Subjects: Science, English Language Arts, Health
Authors: Center for Ecoliteracy
This resource has been reviewed by SubjectToClimate's climate scientists and verified for scientific accuracy and up-to-date information. Learn about our review process →
This resource has been reviewed by SubjectToClimate's climate scientists and verified for scientific accuracy and up-to-date information. Learn about our review process →
Synopsis
- This lesson plan and activity is a fun and engaging way to teach students about tomatoes and the food we eat.
- Students will learn facts about tomatoes and will create their own salsa recipe using locally grown tomatoes.
- Eating more vegetables and eating more locally are two individual climate solutions that everyone can participate in!
Teaching Materials
Positives
- This resource is interactive and engaging; students will enjoy this activity.
- All the included materials are ready to use in your classroom, including a vocabulary list, reproducible worksheets, salsa recipe cards, and instructions.
Additional Prerequisites
- This activity requires materials for implementation, including copies of the worksheets, several varieties of tomatoes, tortilla chips, other salsa ingredients, knives, cutting boards, serving materials, and a blender.
Differentiation
- Connections can be made in math classes working on ratios, health classes discussing healthy eating habits, and language arts classes practicing reading and following directions.
- Consider turning this resource into a mini-project, where students can add on to their salsa recipes with other California-grown tomato recipes. Students can create cookbooks, or serve their meals to customers in their school.
- After implementing this activity, have students reflect in writing about their experience.
This resource is a more in-depth lesson on nutrition on California grown tomatoes, providing history and facts about them. This resource is recommended for teaching.
Teaching Tips
Standards
Resource Type and Format
Scientist Reviewed
This resource has been reviewed by SubjectToClimate's climate scientists and verified for scientific accuracy and up-to-date information. Our review process ensures that every resource in our library reflects the current state of climate science.
Learn about our review process →
