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 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 and members.
Lessons will include adeep dive into how robots and technology can help solve farming problems with engineering experts from Harper Adams University, and afarming themed climate science show hosted by Welsh science Museum Techniquest.
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.
“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.”
