What does science have to do with the food you eat? Why is Lake Erie green? Is organic food healthier than conventional? Many school-age youth do not realize that science plays a big part in growing the foods we eat.Michigan State University Extensionis offering free “Science at the Supper Table” educational lessons to schools in southeast Michigan on topics related to the science of agriculture.

Would you like to add a new perspective to your science lessons? Are you interested in showing how science is used in a real world situation? Teachers are invited to contact the MSU Extension office in Lenawee County at 517-264-5300 to book an expert for free to come to your class to talk about these topics using research-based information. This educational opportunity developed by experts offers engaging, 45-minute talks tailored to middle and high school students in Lenawee, Hillsdale, Monroe, Wayne, Jackson and Washtenaw counties.

There is a lot of misinformation out there on food, agriculture and its impact on the environment. The goal of this program is to dispel some of these myths by teaching students in a fun way. Presentations may include aspects of the following topics:

• How does food production affect the global ecosystem?(Michigan Science Standards MS-LS2-2, MS-LS2-5)
• Do you want to learn more about genetically modified organisms (GMOs)?(Michigan Science Standards MS-LS1-5, MS-LS3-1, MS-LS4-5)
• How do farming practices affect the foods we eat and our environment?(Michigan Science Standards MS-ESS3-5, MS-ESS3-3, MS-ESS3-4)

Teachers looking for more information on how to bring a session to your school can contact the MSU Extension office in Lenawee County at 517-264-5300.