Development and Pilot of a Microgreens Project to Integrate Food Security in Grade 8 Science Using Systems Thinking

Abstract

Among other countries, the Philippines faces the issue of food security, which must be addressed through education. However, the lack of coherence in teaching science content hinders Filipino junior high school students’ holistic understanding that science lessons are interconnected to food security. This study explores how systems thinking can be utilized to integrate food security into science topics. The pilot of the developed module on a microgreens project was implemented using systems thinking tools to tackle lessons on biodiversity, ecosystems, and the human digestive system within the context of food security. Data from end-of-scaffold check-ins, individual scaffold assessments, group performance task scores, teacher-observers’ rating sheets, and feedback from students and teacher-observers gathered through end-of-unit focus group discussions showed that integration of food security brought about a potential for a transformative impact in the long term. Responses suggest that using systems thinking developed students’ critical thinking skills that supported the understanding of science. Further research must be conducted to determine the long-term impact of systems thinking in science and other subjects. Show more