Introduction
In this WebQuest, you will compare the Mediterranean Diet with Vegetarian and typical Western diets by analyzing case studies and using carbon footprint calculators. You will discover how food choices can reduce emissions and conserve resources, and finally you will design a campaign to showcase the benefits of a diet that supports both personal well-being and the planet.
Task
Through this WebQuest you will:
1. Explore the Mediterranean diet’s environmental benefits.
2. Compare the carbon footprints of Mediterranean, Vegetarian, and Western diets.
3. Use research tools to calculate and analyze environmental impacts.
4. Promote the Mediterranean diet through a campaign highlighting its health and sustainability benefits.
Process
Step 1: Mediterranean diet as a holistic option for environmental sustainability
The Mediterranean diet, known for its health benefits, also positively impacts the environment. It emphasizes plant-based foods, leading to lower greenhouse gas emissions, reduced land and water use, and support for biodiversity. Additionally, its focus on local and seasonal produce reduces the carbon footprint associated with food transportation.
Review the following presentation and comment on the question included to explore how the Mediterranean diet is a sustainable choice that benefits both individual health and the planet overall.
Step 2: Comparison of three diets- Group formation & Case Study Distribution
You will be divided in three transnational groups and provided a case study with a typical three- day meal plan from a Vegetarian, a typical Western and the Mediterranean diet. Choose your group and review your assignment in the following Google Doc:
https://docs.google.com/document/d/1Db0vbjUcAESWwIe841CABkBcm03jizCzUWKx4tD86uY/edit?usp=sharing
Step 3: Research and calculation of carbon footprint
1. Each group researches the foods included in their assigned diet and uses this carbon footprint calculator https://myemissions.co/resources/food-carbon-footprint-calculator/ to determine the total carbon footprint for the 3-day meal plan. Upload your calculations and comment on this padlet https://padlet.com/meddiet4health/comparative-analysis-of-the-environmental-impacts-of-three-d-n7zi062d5rmefysl the following:
- Surprising findings about carbon footprints of different foods on these three diets.
- Compare the carbon footprint of your assigned diet with the Mediterranean diet.
- Why the Mediterranean diet has a lower carbon footprint by considering factors such as plant-based food consumption, limited red meat, and the use of local and seasonal foods.
Step 4: Create a campaign to promote the benefits of the Mediterranean Diet
Post on this Padlet https://padlet.com/meddiet4health/campaign-to-promote-the-benefits-of-mediterranean-diet-ijrmrook1uhhtkxb posters, social media posts or videos that focus both on the health and the environmental impacts of the Mediterranean Diet.
Evaluation
- Webquest evaluation: https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSdqHr0ecC634dOAHeFArDdrehYL83jPCRRUOK4IhxoAjAd0lw/viewform?usp=sf_link
- Students will be evaluated based on their responses to the questions included in the Genial.ly presentation and the following rubric:
|
Criteria |
1 - Needs Improvement |
2 - Developing |
3 - Satisfactory |
4 - Proficient |
5 - Exemplary
|
|
Understanding of Mediterranean Diet |
Limited understanding of the Mediterranean diet's components and benefits |
Basic understanding of the Mediterranean diet, with some gaps in knowledge |
Adequate understanding of the Mediterranean diet's key components and benefits |
Good understanding of the Mediterranean diet, including its health and environmental benefits
|
Comprehensive understanding of the Mediterranean diet, its components, health benefits, and environmental impact |
|
Carbon Footprint Calculation |
Incomplete or inaccurate carbon footprint calculations |
Partially complete carbon footprint calculations with some errors |
Complete carbon footprint calculations with minor inaccuracies |
Accurate carbon footprint calculations for all assigned foods |
Precise and detailed carbon footprint calculations with additional insights |
|
Comparative Analysis |
Minimal comparison between assigned diet and Mediterranean diet |
Basic comparison with limited supporting evidence |
Satisfactory comparison with some relevant supporting evidence |
Thorough comparison with well-supported evidence and insights |
In-depth, nuanced comparison with extensive supporting evidence and original insights |
|
Environmental Impact Analysis |
Limited analysis of environmental impacts |
Basic comparison with limited supporting evidence |
Adequate analysis of environmental impacts of different diets |
Comprehensive analysis of environmental impacts with clear explanations |
Exceptional analysis of environmental impacts, including long-term consequences and potential solutions |
|
Campaign Creation |
Campaign lacks creativity and fails to address both health and environmental impacts |
Campaign addresses either health or environmental impacts, but not both effectively |
Campaign adequately addresses both health and environmental impacts |
Creative campaign that effectively highlights both health and environmental benefits |
Highly engaging and innovative campaign that compellingly presents both health and environmental benefits |
|
Use of Resources |
Minimal use of provided resources and external research |
Limited use of provided resources with some additional research |
Adequate use of provided resources and external research |
Effective use of all provided resources and substantial external research |
Extensive use of provided resources, in-depth external research, and incorporation of additional relevant sources |
|
Presentation and Communication |
Poor organization and unclear communication of ideas |
Basic organization with somewhat clear communication |
Clear organization and communication of main ideas |
Well-organized presentation with effective communication of ideas |
Exceptionally organized presentation with compelling and articulate communication of complex ideas |
|
Collaboration and Participation |
Minimal participation in group activities and discussions |
Limited participation in group activities and discussions |
Active participation in most group activities and discussions |
Consistent and valuable contributions to group activities and discussions |
Leadership in group activities and facilitation of productive discussions |
Conclusion
By comparing the Vegetarian, Western and Mediterranean diets, students will realize how dietary choices impact carbon footprints, resource use and sustainability. Research and calculations will reveal the Mediterranean diet's lower environmental impact due to its focus on plant-based foods, limited red meat and local produce. Creating a campaign at the end will promote these findings and reinforce students' understanding and advocacy skills. Overall, students through this WebQuest can gain valuable insights into sustainable eating practices and practical skills in research and communication.
Credits
Teacher Page
This WebQuest was edited by a team of teachers of 2o Esperino EPAL Acharnon (Greece) as part of the activities of the "Mediterranean Diet for Overall Health" (MedDiet4Health) Erasmus+ project (Project number: 2023-2-EL01-KA210-VET-000183592).
Through this webquest in Food Technology, students will enhance their research skills by gathering and analyzing data on different diets and their environmental impacts. They will develop critical thinking abilities by evaluating and comparing the effects of various dietary choices. By calculating carbon footprints with digital tools, students will gain quantitative analysis skills. The project fosters group collaboration as students work together on research and presentations. Additionally, students will improve their presentation skills by creating and sharing content promoting the Mediterranean diet. They will also deepen their sustainability awareness by understanding and advocating for environmentally friendly food choices, while becoming proficient in using online tools for research and presentation. These skills collectively prepare students for careers in food technology and sustainability.
This WebQuest reflects only the author’s views. The European Commission’s support for the production of this WebQuest does not constitute an endorsement of the contents which reflects the views only of the authors, and the Commission cannot be held responsible for any use which may be made of the information contained therein.