Why careers in food?
From the farmer growing wheat, to the scientist testing food safety, to the chef turning raw ingredients into meals, the food system is full of fascinating roles. We wanted to help students see how varied and impactful food careers can be. It’s not just about what you eat - it’s about health, sustainability, culture, and the economy.
The lesson uses video stories from professionals in areas like sustainable farming, food science, culinary arts, nutrition, and logistics to show the diversity of skills and pathways within the sector. As students watch, discuss, and respond, they begin to connect the dots between everyday food and the people who make it possible.
An interactive learning journey
At the heart of the lesson is the Padlet Sandbox — a digital canvas where students and teachers co-create the learning process. Instead of simply listening, students post ideas, images, and reflections directly on the shared board.
The lesson is structured in three parts:
1. Curiosity sparks
Students start with discussion prompts - from imagining the role of a bug breeder to reflecting on where their families buy fresh produce. This stage encourages curiosity and gets them thinking critically about the food system.
2. Group deep dives
Students split into small groups, each exploring one career through video stories. They note the key skills, daily tasks, and impact of each job, then share their findings with the class.
3. Connecting the system
Finally, the class works together to map jobs across the food system and wrap up with a Kahoot quiz to reinforce learning in a playful way.
The value for students and teachers
For students, the lesson is a window into real-life careers that are often invisible. It helps them build awareness of opportunities beyond traditional career paths, while strengthening skills in teamwork, observation, and communication.
For teachers, it’s a flexible, cross-curricular resource that can link to career vocation, social studies, or language arts. Preparation is simple, and the built-in Padlet structure makes the activities easy to adapt for different classroom sizes and contexts.
Imagining futures in food
By the end of the lesson, students don’t just know about jobs in the food system - they’ve reflected on their own connections to food and started imagining possible futures. When students see the human stories behind food, it sparks both curiosity and ambition. They realise food isn’t just something they eat — it’s something they could be part of.
Food education isn’t just about nutrition or science; it’s also about possibilities. With A Day in the Life of… Careers in the Food System, students gain the chance to explore those possibilities, one career story at a time.
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Ready to inspire your students?
Download the Careers in the Food System lesson plan and help your class discover the people, skills, and stories that bring food to our plates.
