Challenge: Creating a healthy, nutritional, appetising meal

This week we have started our 'real' design challenge, therefore I got to choose what the problem was and the solution. To begin with, I was provided with a list of possible design challenges to inspire me. I chose to 'stick with what I know' and what I am passionate about and that is food. I believe that children need to be having more nutritious, healthy foods, and that a lot of the 'processed' foods they eat, can be really bad for them. My solution to this problem is to educate children from a young age, on nutritious, healthy foods and their value so they can take this with them throughout their lives, thus creating a healthier society.

The task I have set for my hypothetical classroom, of years 5-6, is to design a meal that is nutritious, healthy and appetising, using local ingredients and utensils from recycled materials. Also that any waste generated from this meal, be utilised in a compost bin, thus promoting sustainability.

The students will be required to fill out a needs assessment for why we need to design this meal, a design specification, to clarify exactly what is required during the design process e.g. costs, utensils, safety etc., and a risk assessment of their design. I have trialled this by filling out these templates, generally, to get an idea of what is required of the students.

The students will be in groups of 4 when they make their design, to ensure safety at all times when in a kitchen. Other students will be continuing with other work with another staff member whilst I am in the kitchen with the four students cooking. Before we get to that stage, the children will have to complete the whole design challenge set out in the design cycle.

By the end of this unit, the students will learn about various nutritional values of foods, the importance of using local ingredients and supporting their community, importance of using recycled material and the impact it has on society as a whole and the use and benefits of a compost bin, whilst getting to eat a delicious meal, they have learnt to prepare themselves (a benefit, their parents are sure to like) and learning about the technology design cycle and its many benefits. Teaching children how to safely use equipment in the kitchen, is another life long skill they will learn and require throughout their journey.