Educational Media Reviews Online

This short film presents the story of a collaboration between a “school farm” in the state of Washington and local school children in grades K-12. Interviews with and narration by the scientist/farmer and teachers, as well as commentary from the students, are intercut with footage of these same individuals working on the farm and also preparing, serving and eating food grown on the farm. The film provides an excellent overview of the nature and benefits of this type of collaboration.

An easy to follow summary of the curriculum for each grade clarifies the details of the practical connection between the real world experiences students gain on the farm and the learning objectives of the classroom and existing “science standards.” The basics of food and garden safety procedures are also clarified with respect to the steps required for the food grown on the farm to be served in the school cafeteria. A food industry professional and school superintendent are interviewed, as are numerous volunteers, to provide insight into the experience of serving food that the children have grown themselves.

This film is technically sound and engaging. It provides inspiration and basic guidelines for establishing a school farm program similar to the one shown, but not a detailed guide on exactly how to do so. It will be of interest to those in the field of education, and perhaps agriculture, as well as to parents and children. It is suitable for all ages and has a clear menu dividing the main film into seven accessible chapters. This film provides a useful resource for anyone interested in learning about school farms, as well as for teachers and administrators wishing to incorporate any aspect of farming into their curriculum.

Awards:

• Science Books and Films Best Films List 2017