KS3 ENQUIRY UNIT
How Do We Farm for a Better World?
An eight lesson, science-led enquiry exploring farming, ecosystems and food systems. Developed in collaboration between Veganism in Education (VinE) and the Ministry of Eco Education (MEE).
Primarily aligned with Science, Geography and Citizenship, with further cross-curricular opportunities, the unit supports the Sustainable Development Goals, explores British Values and SMSC (Spiritual, Moral, Social and Cultural Development), and develops key skills alongside clear assessment and differentiation strategies. It forms part of a progressive curriculum pathway from Early Years through to KS4, ensuring continuity and skill development across key stages.
PURPOSE
Farming shapes climate, biodiversity, land use and food security. This KS3 unit enables students to examine agricultural systems through biology, ecology and ethical enquiry. It is structured, evidence-informed, and classroom-ready
COLLABORATION
VinE was founded by Michelle St John to support thoughtful, evidence-based exploration of sustainability and animal ethics in schools. As an MEE Activator, Michelle worked closely with Dr Meryl Batchelder of the Ministry of Eco Education to develop these resources.
The Ministry promotes curriculum-wide climate and sustainability learning, equipping young people for sustainable futures. This unit reflects a shared commitment to embedding ecological literacy across the curriculum.
DR MERYL BATCHELDER
Dr Meryl Batchelder combines doctoral research in environmental geochemistry with classroom teaching experience. She completed post-doctoral research with the Natural History Museum and trained as a secondary Chemistry teacher.
She is Coordinator for the Ministry of Eco Education, a Climate Ambassador with STEM Learning, and a TeachSDG Ambassador, advocating for embedding climate and sustainability across the curriculum to equip young people for sustainable futures.
GROWING NATURE ACADEMY
This unit forms part of the Growing Nature Academy, a collaborative initiative between VinE and the Vegan Organic Network, advancing vegan organic growing, ecological stewardship, and healthy sustainable living in schools.
INCLUDED
Eight lesson plans
Eight slide decks
Teacher guidance
Parent guide
Student glossary and activities
THE 8-LESSON PROGRESSION
- What does farming look like?– Challenging assumptions; introducing sentience and farming systems.
- Selective breeding & food chains– Applying biology to efficiency, ethics and sustainability.
- Soil, crops & biodiversity – Understanding ecosystems and human impact.
- Is nature-friendly farming the future? – Comparing chemical-intensive, organic and vegan organic systems.
- What are community farms? – Exploring social, ethical and local food solutions.
- Can community farms feed people? – Scale, realism and technology.
- How can we communicate these ideas? – Creating a video to synthesise learning.
- Can schools play a role? – Translating learning into civic action and collective responsibility. Practical growing projects connect students directly with nature and food production.
ACCESS
All resources are free to download. Enter your email to access lessons and receive updates from VinE.
COPYRIGHT & USAGE
© 2026 VinE (Veganism in Education) & Ministry of Eco Education. All resources are provided for educational use only in classrooms, schools and related teaching settings. Content may not be reproduced for commercial purposes without written permission.
