YEAR 8 GEOGRAPHY

Farm Fresh

As part of their unit on Urbanisation, Year 8 Geography students recently visited a number of small farms on the Mornington Peninsula.  The purpose of the visit was to investigate the pressures facing small farms as new housing developments rapidly expand into areas once thick with market gardens.

A range of farm types were visited including an organic vegetable farm, a large potato farm, and beef and lamb farms. Each of the farms was located in a green wedge (zoned agricultural) but with nearby housing development taking place. Students were able to observe Melbourne’s rapid growth and were also able to identify the negative consequences associated with this expansion.

Our students got to experience farm life and discuss issues such as food security and food quality with the farmers.  They even got to pick carrots, corn and other fruits and vegetables. Many returned home with bags of fresh potatoes, apples and beetroot they purchased at the farm gate.

A huge thank you to our farmers who gave us their time during their very hectic work day. They all felt that it was vitally important to let young people know where and how our food is sourced and to raise awareness of the challenges small market gardens will face in the future.

Graeme Hope

Geography

It was Amazing

Year 8 Geography class went to Hawkes Farm in Rosebud recently. 

The amount of potatoes and carrots and the machinery and how it can transport vegetables, was amazing. .

It was quite fun.  I really recommend it. Thank you to the teachers for organising the excursion.

Lachlan Billington 8D