Teach Primary Issue 18.7

Sustainable supply chains Unpack this important issue with Chester Zoo’s Conservation Education and Engagement Team THE NEXT BIG THING [ THE DISCUSSION ] RESPONSIBLY SOURCED PALM OIL Palm oil is one of the most widely used vegetable oils today, found in 50 per cent of products on supermarket shelves ( tinyurl.com/tp-POWhatIs ). Lessons on palm oil help students become informed consumers, and the debate around its production fosters critical thinking, allowing pupils to explore complex issues. ADVOCACY THROUGH WORDS Students can write persuasive essays or letters advocating for SPO, explaining its importance in protecting rainforests and wildlife. They can also create posters or flyers to raise awareness about sustainable palm oil in their school and community. VISUALISING CHANGE Using basic art supplies, students can create visual representations of the impact of palm oil production on rainforests. They can draw or paint scenes of rainforests and the wildlife that live there, expressing their understanding and emotions creatively. Malaysia, as a leading producer of palm oil that has increasingly adopted sustainable practices, can be the moodboard! RAINFOREST SOUND BATH Using simple instruments or even household items, students can create music that mimics the sounds of the rainforest. They can perform their music for the class, helping to create an appreciation for the natural world. A VIRAL RAINFOREST MOMENT Students can use free animation software to create short videos about the journey of sustainable palm oil. They can script and storyboard their animations, learning how to communicate complex ideas in an engaging way. MICROSCOPE ON BIODIVERSITY Students can conduct experiments and observations to learn about ecosystems and biodiversity. GET INVOLVED This curriculum goes beyond learning objectives, empowering young minds with conservation-focused activities that ignite a passion for protecting our planet. Dive deeper with Chester Zoo’s resources (chesterzoo.org/schools ) where you’ll find complete lesson plans (Years 3–6 and KS3) on sustainable palm oil and inspiration for long-term school planning. You can also download the PalmOil Scan App ( tinyurl. com/tp-POApp ) – developed by Chester Zoo and partners – to understand which products use sustainable palm oil. Let’s embark on this journey of discovery together, making a difference one lesson – and one choice – at a time. They can create simple terrariums to observe how different plants and animals interact, discussing the impact of deforestation on these systems. TRACKING IMPACT Using maps and atlases, students can learn about the regions where palm oil is produced and the effects of deforestation in those areas. They can create their own maps showing the distribution of rainforests and discuss how sustainable practices can make a difference. THE ORIGIN OF FORESTS Students can research the history of deforestation and conservation efforts, creating timelines and presentations to share their findings. They can explore how past practices have changed and what steps are being taken today to protect rainforests. Contact: chesterzoo.org/schools Discover More... Ferrero, a leader in sustainable palm oil, is proud to support Chester Zoo’s education programme. The company was ranked second in the 2024 WWF Palm Oil Buyers Scorecard ( tinyurl.com/tp-BuyersCard ) . 28 | www.teachwire.net PARTNER CONT ENT