Teach Secondary 13.8

Conservation education Unpack this important topic with Chester Zoo’s Conservation Education and Engagement Team THE NEXT BIG THING [ THE DISCUSSION ] SUSTAINABLE PALM OIL Palm oil is one of the most widely used vegetable oils today, found in 50% of products on supermarket shelves. Lessons on sustainable palm oil help students become more informed consumers, while the debate around its production fosters critical thinking, allowing pupils to explore complex issues. Here are some suggestions for discussing sustainable palm oil with students. ENGLISH – WRITTEN ADVOCACY Challenge students to champion sustainable palm oil, and to take an active interest in its supply chain. Students can carry out their own research and write persuasive letters to interested parties or stakeholders highlighting the benefits of sustainable palm oil. Take land efficiency, for example – palm oil supplies 35% of the world’s vegetable oil, from just 10% of the global land dedicated to oil crops. HISTORY – PALM OIL’S PAST Students can look back at history, through the advent and impacts of global trade and increasing living standards, to understand the growth in demand for palm oil, and thus the importance of sustainable palm oil. SCIENCE – ECOSYSTEMS AND BIODIVERSITY Using Google Maps, students can track urban encroachment across rainforests around the world. This can tie into their studies of human geography, through exploring the social reasons for population expansion within certain areas. GEOGRAPHY – MAPPING THE IMPACT OF PALM OIL Students can learn about the geographical distribution of palm oil production, and its social and economic impacts on local communities. DESIGN & TECHNOLOGY – BUILDING AND DESIGNING FOR CHANGE Challenge students with projects promoting sustainable practices! They could create brochures, or models DISCOVER MORE Dive deeper with Chester Zoo’s resources ( chesterzoo.org/schools ) , where you’ll find complete lesson plans (for 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 better 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. showcasing the benefits of RSPO (Roundtable on Sustainable Palm Oil)-certified palm oil, which reduces deforestation and protects biodiversity. PE – EXPLORING ECOSYSTEMS Combine physical activity with environmental education by organising a local nature walk alongside older residents or elderly relatives, noting changes in land use, bird populations and technology over time. Consider how adverse impacts could be addressed. For example, research by Chester Zoo shows sustainable palm oil plantations can coexist with rich biodiversity, if managed correctly. DIGITAL STORYTELLING Students can use digital tools to create animated videos or social media content explaining the journey of sustainable palm oil, from farm to product – or else help to communicate some of the themes they’re exploring through their other studies. Contact: chesterzoo.org/schools 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) . PA R T N E R C O N T E N T 11 teachwire.net/secondary