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Fairtrade survey

Target: Upper primary

Numeracy (NNS)/ Literacy (NLS) or other curriculum area focus/reference:

KS2 Reading for information

  • Scan texts to find information
  • Obtain specific information through detailed reading
  • Distinguish between fact and opinion
  • Consider an argument critically
  • Understanding people and place - knowledge and understanding

KS2 Handling data

  • Decide how best to organise and present findings
  • Represent and interpret discrete data using graphs and diagrams, using it where appropriate

Geographical enquiry and skills (KS2)

  • Ask geographical questions
  • Collects and record evidence
  • Analyse evidence and draw conclusions
Objectives:

To consolidate learning on Fairtrade and the Fairtrade Mark by investigating which local shops stock Fairtrade products.

To present their findings to the shops and encourage them to stock more Fairtrade products

To challenge them to try and match and beat the best of their rivals when it comes to stocking Fairtrade.
Length: Variable depending on how in-depth the activity becomes. Anticipated 1 hour for analysing and presenting information.

Description of Activity
1. Ask children to make a list of the local food supermarkets, food stores, corner shops etc.
2. Ask the children in groups or individually to carry out a survey of particular shops to find out the number of different Fairtrade items found in each outlet. They could write to the managers of the shops explaining their survey and informing them of the importance of stocking Fairtrade products. This would consolidate their learning and understanding on the benefits of Fairtrade. Or they could visit the shops and ask to speak to the manager or someone who can provide the information. Again they will need to explain the purpose of the survey and the importance of stocking Fairtrade products.
3. Once the information is collected it can be presented in bar charts.
4. The analysis could be used to investigate certain questions such as, 'Which are the most/least common Fairtrade products?'
5. The results of the survey could be turned into a report and sent to all the shops. The shop supplying the most could be awarded/named Fairtrade gold medal winner. Other shops could be challenged to match the winning shop!
   
Areas of Oxfam Curriculum for Global Citizenship addressed by activity
Knowledge and Understanding
Skills
Values and Attitudes
Social justice and equity Critical thinking Sense of identity and self-esteem
Diversity Ability to argue effectively Empathy and sense of common humanity
Globalisation and Interdependence Ability to challenge injustice & inequalities Commitment to social justice and equity
Sustainable development Respect for people and things Valuing and respecting diversity*
Peace and conflict Co-operation and conflict resolution Concern for the environment and commitment to sustainable development
Belief that people can make a difference

 

Follow-up/Further ideas/Homework

Carry out a Fairtrade food tasting - arrange a Fairtrade stall during Fairtrade fortnight or One World week (dates from your local DEC)

Write to your local supermarket and ask them to carry out Fairtrade goods promotion stand.
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