In this interdisciplinary project, students looked at the essential question: “Should I eat that?” Inspired from student voices criticizing our school’s lunch program, we dove deeply into a holistic investigation about the food we eat. The voices of our students were clear, they wanted to create a product that would have lasting value and impact. Students read The Omnivore’s Dilemma, watched various documentaries, and explored the nutritional values and science behind the everyday food they were consuming. Using the magic of the Maker movement through muppet building and filmmaking, our students transformed their learning about food justice, urban farming, and making healthy food choices into a professionally produced movie, using muppets as a way to engage kindergarten students at neighboring school High Tech Elementary.

Teacher Reflection:

We are always amazed by our students’ craftsmanship and professionalism when given an authentic audience beyond our classroom walls. The result is attention to detail and motivation for learning that had previously been unmatched. Authentically engaged in their work, our students learned, not because they had to, but because they wanted to, and the results were far beyond what anyone expected. This has been a true deeper learning experience.

Student Reflection:

Sharing the message of eating and living healthy using muppets was an idea that seemed far-fetched and wild from the beginning. Now, staring around the classroom, I marvel and bask in the glory of our beautiful work. I’m so glad to have been able to participate in such a wonderful and unique project, and to know that I left a positive impact on my Kindergarten friends and families, helps me understand that I have the power to make a difference.

—Adrian S.

To learn more about this project and others, visit
https://sites.google.com/a/hightechhigh.org/edrick-macalaguim-s-dp/projects/the-meals-and-muppets-project