Activity: Where Do Your Fruits/Veggies Grow?

In this math and geography lesson, students will recognize where various fruits and vegetables are grown and realize the importance of eating locally.

Materials

• Map
• List of where fruits and vegetables are grown (optional)
• Ruler
• Calculator (optional)
• Pencils

Set up options

• Students can work individually or as teams
• Students can research where fruits/veggies are grown or you can provide a list of for students

Activity

• Using a map, have students calculate the number of miles it takes to ship a fruit/vegetable from where it is grown to your school.
• Have students label the map to identify where the fruit/vegetable is grown.  Using the ruler draw a line from the place of origin to your school.
• Have students use the scale on the map to calculate the number of miles the fruit/vegetable travels.
• Compare and contrast the distance between various items.
• As a class, discuss the importance of growing/buying locally. 
• What is the environmental impact of shipping fruits and vegetables?
• What sorts of fruits/vegetables should students try to buy/grow locally? 
• Are any of these items being grown in your garden?
• What are the advantages/disadvantages of being able to ship these products across the country/world?

To find what fruits and vegetables are local to your state and to others, visit The National Resource Defense Council website. Use this site to create a list of fruits/vegetables and their locations for your students to map. This website also allows you to search by season!