Year 9 & 10 students
Australian Curriculum v9.0
Design & Technologies (AC9TDE10K05): Analyse and make judgements on how the sensory and functional properties of food influence the design and preparation of sustainable food solutions for healthy eating.
Health & Physical Education (AC9HP10P09): Critique health information, services, and media messaging about health decisions and behaviours to evaluate their influence on attitudes and actions.
- This lesson is designed as a flexible tool.
- Teachers can adapt and build upon.
- 60-minute lesson.
- Stand alone.
- Customise to fit the unique needs of the classroom.
Design and Technologies
Health and Physical Education
Nutrition, Sensory Evaluation, Recipe, Eating, Food Design, Health, AC9TDE10K05, AC9HP10P09
The Secret Life of Broccoli lesson, part of the Brassicas Unplugged program, is an engaging, interactive way for students to learn about nutrition, food science, and media literacy. It combines hands-on sensory analysis with critical thinking about health messaging, giving students the tools to make informed, evidence-based food choices while promoting sustainability and reducing food waste.
Lesson Objectives
- Understand how the sensory and functional properties of broccoli affect its preparation and acceptance.
- Evaluate health information and media messages about broccoli and healthy eating.
Key Concepts Taught
- Nutrition: Broccoli provides vitamins, minerals, antioxidants, and fibre; preparation affects nutrient retention.
- Culinary Science: Cooking methods (blanching, steaming, roasting) alter flavour, texture, and colour.
- Sustainability: Broccoli is a sustainable crop due to efficient growth and low environmental impact.
- Food Waste Reduction: Innovative uses of whole broccoli plants reduce waste and contribute to food security.
- Media Literacy: Students learn to question food marketing, recognise persuasive techniques, and seek scientific evidence.