See below for some key acronyms, definitions and FAQs that may assist you in implementing the Australian Organic Schools Program.
Featured Acronyms
| ACARA | Australian Curriculum, Assessment and Reporting Authority |
| AO | Australian Organic |
| CFU | Check for Understanding |
| FOA | Food & Agricultural Organization of the United Nations |
| GMO | Genetically Modified Organism |
| HASS | Humanities & Social Sciences |
| RPL | Recognition of Prior Learning |
| WALT | We Are Learning To |
| WILF | What I’m Looking For |
Definitions (as per relationship to program)
Introduction: exploring an idea or concept
Body: developing understanding of an idea or concept
Conclusion: reflecting on what has been learnt/taught relating to the theme idea or concept of a lesson.
a. Sustainability1: Everything that we need for our survival and well-being depends, either directly or indirectly, on our natural environment. To pursue sustainability is to create and maintain the conditions under which humans and nature can exist in productive harmony to support present and future generations.
b. Sustainability3: a production system that sustains and improves the health of soils, ecosystems, and people.
Biodiversity2: variety of all life forms on earth—the different plants, animals and micro-organisms, their genes, and the terrestrial, marine and freshwater ecosystems of which they are a part.
Organic Agriculture3: a production system that sustains the health of soils, ecosystems, and people. It relies on ecological processes, biodiversity and cycles adapted to local conditions, rather than the use of inputs with adverse effects. Organic Agriculture combines tradition, innovation, and science to benefit the shared environment and promote fair relationships and good quality of life for all involved.
Key references can be found at this link.
Some Questions and Possible Answers
How can I fit these lessons into my weekly program?
Because lessons have been designed to align with a variety of Learning Areas, lessons could be included as part of Science, HASS or Design Technologies just to name a few.
How long do the lessons take?
Lessons have been designed to last approximately 30 to 40 minutes. Lessons have been created with flexibility in mind and can be shortened or expanded upon (through utilisation of the Fast Finisher activities) ensuring ease of integration into existing curriculum.
How many lessons are there?
For most year levels, there are 10 fully resourced lessons, with the intention of being taught once weekly over the course of a ten week term.
Why would you choose to use this program?
Why not! Created by a teacher for teachers the content is curriculum aligned, concise and interesting! Short easy to follow lesson plans, comprehensive resources, simple to understand background information and help if you need it (email: organicschools@austorganic.com).
Does it matter if I don’t know anything about organics?
Absolutely not! This program caters for all – the organic beginner to the fanatic. The purpose of this program is to raise awareness about the Australian Organic Industry; not just for the student but for the teacher as well!
