Social Studies Idea #2
                           Report Topics


Objective:
     The students will report on a specific topic related to fruits
     and vegetables.

Rationale:
     Through  this  activity, students explore history,  geography,
     and politics of fruits and vegetables while incorporating both
     writing and research skills.

Materials:
     Report topics, reference materials

Introduction:
     Have  the students choose a research topic.  Then discuss  the
     nature  of  a research activity with the students.  Point  out
     possible   sources  of  information  available  to  them   for
     research.  Appropriate books, magazines, and encyclopedias may
     be  placed  in  the  classroom.  Don't forget  the  "5  A  Day
     Adventures" CD-ROM as a source of information!
     Depending  on how experienced the students are with activities
     of  this  nature, it may be necessary to model the process  of
     writing a report.

Individual/Group Activity:
     Students  may work alone or in groups on the various  research
     topics.   Either way, it may be helpful for them to brainstorm
     the  questions, "What do we already know?"  and  "What  do  we
     want to know?" Have the students write down their ideas.
     After  the  students have thoroughly researched  their  topic,
     they  may use a webbing technique to organize their ideas  and
     findings.   They should then be able to answer  the  question,
     "What have we learned?"
     The  students can then begin by forming a topic sentence, then
     a  paragraph or paragraphs, and so on at the discretion of the
     teacher.

Related Activities:
     *    Reports  may  be put together in a booklet, displayed  in
          the classroom, or shared orally by the students.
     *    Students   may   interview   nutritionists,   dietitians,
          farmers, county extension agents, and   produce managers,
          or others who deal with nutrition in their jobs.
     *    Invite  any  of  the  people  mentioned  above  into  the
          classroom as a guest speaker.
     *    Projects may be done along with any of the reports.

                         Report Topics

- Fruits  and  vegetables brought by Christopher Columbus to  the  New
  World

- Countries from which we import fruits or vegetables

- Irrigation techniques

- Fruits and vegetables brought by Benjamin Franklin to the New World

- Fruits and vegetables grown or commercially grown in your state

- How to preserve fruits and vegetables

- Harvesting techniques for various fruits and vegetables

- Most popular fruits and vegetables in other countries

- Career:  Farmer (choose specific fruit or vegetable)

- Career:  County agricultural agent

- Career:  Produce manager

- Agricultural pest control

- How fruit and vegetable plants use nutrients from the soil

- United States Department of Agriculture

- Vegetarian diets

- Any fruit or vegetable



 5 A Day Adventures: Social Studies Idea # 2