TEACHING WITH HORTICULTURAL EDUCATION RESOURCES
Hort Innovation is the grower-owned, not-for-profit research and development corporation for Australia’s horticulture industry. They invest in research and development, marketing and trade to support horticulture growers.
In collaboration with the Primary Industries Education Foundation Australia (PIEFA), Hort Innovation has developed a suite of engaging and curriculum-aligned resources to help students, families, and communities explore the diverse world of Australian horticulture (fruit, vegetables, nuts, nursery and turf).
Learn about funky insects like blue-banded bees, how crops are grown inside glasshouses, the robotics and sensing technology used to do it smarter and the many career opportunities around Australia that are on offer; The world of horticulture has something for everyone!
Explore primary and secondary resources, including:
Comprehensive teacher guides
Lesson plans
Ready-to-use worksheets
Take home activities
Careers Guide
Virtual Vegetable Farm Tour
QUICK LINKS
PRIMARY RESOURCES
Pollination to Plate – Science and Sustainability in the Horticulture Industry | Years F–6
This three-lesson learning unit explores the science of pollination and the vital role of pollinators in supporting biodiversity and food production in Australia’s horticulture industry through cross-curricular, differentiated learning activities. Each lesson contains teacher guide and answers, teacher webinar, student activities and worksheets, plus accompanying posters.
Hands-on Horticulture | Years F–6
The Hands-on Horticulture resources have been designed to engage students in interactive Australian Curriculum aligned investigations that explore Australian grown fruit and vegetables. The resources incorporate science understanding and inquiry skills to provide meaningful learning experiences for primary-aged students. Each resource contains guidance for a teacher-led lesson to be completed in the classroom, along with a ‘Take me Home!’ extension activity for students to consolidate their scientific investigation and explore the production of fruits and vegetables.
sECONDARY RESOURCES
Australian Avocados | Our Green and Gold Superfood | 7–8
This five lesson course designed for Year 7 and 8 students supports their learning in Design and Technologies. The content gives particular focus to two main technologies contexts: Food and fibre production and Food specialisations. The course provides students with the opportunity to design and produce various products, including experimenting with food preparation and presentation techniques.
Fresh Food Schools Resource | Years 7–10
The Vegetable High School Education Resources are a suite of engaging vegetable learning materials designed for Years 7–10 students to explore vegetables from farm to plate.
The resource contains six produce-themed resource units — Carrotopia, Salad Secrets, Corn You Believe It, Versatile Vegetables, Brassicas Unplugged, and Vegonomics — and include teacher lesson plans, student worksheets, key knowledge resources, and multimedia aligned to the Australian Curriculum across multiple Learning Areas.
Pollination to Plate – Science and Sustainability in the Horticulture Industry | Years 7–10
This three-lesson resource explores the science of pollination, the diversity of pollinators in Australia, and their vital role in healthy ecosystems and food production. Each lesson contains teacher guide and answers, lesson presentation, student activities and worksheets, plus accompanying posters.
Data Driven Horticulture | Years 7–10
This two-lesson unit focuses on the significance of data in Australia’s horticulture industry, including data collection methods and the applications of data to inform decision-making along the supply chain.
Students have the opportunity to collect, manipulate and analyse real-world production and climate data, analyse climate trends, and propose innovative solutions to support Australian horticulture producers in adapting to climate challenges.
The Mighty Mushie | Years 7–10
This resource offers interactive, curriculum-aligned worksheets and accompanying videos clips, for students from Years 7 to 10 to discover the world of mushrooms. Year 7-8 Science students will explore mushrooms in ecosystems, and learn about their classification and the role they play in energy flow in ecosystems. Year 9-10 Design and Technologies students will learn about the production cycle of the Agaricus bisporus mushroom from farm to family, the features of the supply chain as well as the preservation, preparation and consumption of this significant Australian product.
Green Your Scene | Year 9
The world of plants is a world of possibilities that has the power to enhance our well-being, both physically and mentally. That’s why the “Plants for Better Living” course is here to help you explore the many benefits of incorporating plants into our homes and surroundings.
In this comprehensive online course, teachers will guide students through seven fascinating lessons that delve into the various ways plants can impact our lives for the better. From exploring green spaces in the community to designing your own indoor garden, the lessons cover a wide range of topics that will leave students inspired and informed.
Food Production Through Protected Cropping | Year 9
Teachers can now dive into the fascinating world of Protected Cropping which helps students understand the complexities of this innovative agricultural technique. This unit is designed to provide students with an in-depth look at the processes involved in producing horticultural crops in a controlled environment, with a focus on protecting the crops from pests and adverse weather conditions. The unit will give students an understanding of the different methods used to create optimal growing conditions, including the use of shelters, nutrient supply, and technology.
Growing and Grafting | Years 9–10
This two lesson resource investigates the use of plant propagation techniques in Australia’s Nursery industry. Throughout these lessons, students will explore asexual and sexual reproduction methods and consider the advantages and disadvantages of these forms of reproduction for plants and plant producers. This resource covers Design and Technologies and Science Content Descriptors from the Australian Curriculum.
Apples All Year Round | Years 9–10
This two lesson unit explores the Australian apple industry and the technologies and innovations that are enhancing sustainable apple production.
This resource suite includes two lessons, a card game (including instructions, box template, card sheet and the game card file) and a supply chain poster.
POSTERS AND CARD GAME
Explore the Australian Apples Supply Chain (Years 7–10) and The Mighty Mushie Card Games and various posters to accompany horticulture resources.
SUPPLY CHAIN VIRTUAL FARM TOUR
The Vegetable Supply Chain Virtual Farm Tour is an innovative, curriculum-aligned resource that allows students to explore the world of sustainable vegetable production and processing from their classroom.
PRIMEZONE ACADEMY COURSES
Explore free, interactive courses exploring horticulture.
These curriculum-aligned courses cover food production, sustainability and horticultural practices. Students can enrol individually or learn together in class. New food and fibre topics are added regularly.
PIEFA offers a range of free professional development opportunities to support teachers delivering food and fibre education. Access materials designed to build teacher confidence and deepen understanding of key food, fibre, and sustainability topics.
Many of the resources above have an accompanying teacher webinar to guide educators through the resources. Visit the resource links to access the webinars.