More than 200,000 primary school pupils are delving into the world of food and farming in one of the country’s biggest virtual classrooms this week, as the National Farmers’ Union (NFU) broadcasts live lessons to celebrate British Science Week.
Children up and down the UK will be putting their Science, Technology, Engineering and Maths (STEM) knowledge and skills into practice as they tackle topics from the lifecycles of farm animals and plants to how future technology can benefit the environment, in lessons designed and delivered by the NFU’s education team.
Welsh sheep farmer Sioned Davies is kicking off the NFU’s Science Farm Live programme by bringing the lambing shed into classrooms where children will have front row seats to experience lambs being born.
The following lessons will include:
- A deep dive into how robots and technology can help solve farming problems with engineering experts from Harper Adams University;
- Founder of Eggucation Deb Howe asking the age-old question – which came first, the chicken or the egg?;
- A farming themed climate science show hosted by Techniquest, the Welsh science museum;
- Vet school with industry-renowned farm vet Navaratnam Partheeban.
A ‘huge appetite’ for learning
NFU president Minette Batters said: “The sheer number of students signed up to our live lessons demonstrates the huge appetite from children and teachers alike to learn STEM subjects through agriculture, and the NFU’s education programme is a fantastic way to deliver this.
The UK’s multiple lockdowns have been really difficult for our educators. By switching to a virtual model we have been able to create programmes and resources that make it much easier for teachers to deliver really effective STEM learning, whether children are at home or in the classroom.
“Inserting farming and rural life into the classroom is hugely important as it connects the nation’s future with its heritage.
“Holding virtual live lessons enables children to have that exciting farming experience, even if they aren’t able to physically visit a farm, and they will provide fantastic content for their first week back at school.
“These lessons also come a time when there is a growing focus on climate-friendly, high-welfare food production, so it’s fantastic that schools want to provide their pupils with greater understanding about how UK farmers produce the food on their plates,” she concluded.
