About This Lesson
Thinkalong.org is a free, evidence-based interactive tool for students to develop media literacy skills by applying the 5 Key Questions of Media Literacy to public media content. Importantly, the tool does not require registration for teachers or students, abides by student privacy laws, and is advised by a board of both youth and educators.
Each module consists of:
- a compelling and timely question;
- related current and age-appropriate public media content including audio, video, and text;
- extension resources for advanced or highly-interested students;
- student graphic organizers;
- a simple debate tool;
- a teacher's guide to the module;
- and a guide to the 5 Key Questions of Media Literacy.
This Teacher's Guide supports the Should food-related businesses be responsible for reducing food waste? module on thinkalong.org. Here is the full module and below is a summary.
While millions of Americans face food insecurity, the US Department of Agriculture estimates that thirty to forty percent of the food supply in America is wasted each year. Most of that food ends up in landfills, where it rots and contributes to greenhouse gas emissions. Farmers, grocery stores, and restaurants are increasingly under pressure to combat the problem but so are consumers. Is food waste the result of bad business practices or is it more about picky eaters?
To use this module with learners in any setting, we recommend using one of the structured discussion formats outlined at thinkalong.org/structuring-discussions. You can find options for a small or large group, so that all students or just a few participate, and examples of some discussion formats.
