Investigating Pigs and What They Produce

This three-lesson unit introduces students to Australian pig production through age-appropriate, hands-on learning experiences. Students investigate life on a pig farm, explore how producers care for pigs throughout their life cycle and discover how pork becomes part of a healthy diet. Featuring virtual farm visits, discussion activities and practical learning tasks, the unit supports students to make connections between animals, food production and the products they use and consume every day.

Each lesson is supported by a detailed Teacher Guide, providing educators with background information, lesson instructions and supporting classroom resources. Through hands-on activities, discussion opportunities and engaging visual materials, students develop an understanding of pigs, their needs and the products they provide. Authentic Australian imagery and virtual farm experiences help bring learning to life and connect students with real-world food and fibre production.

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Lesson 1: Life on a pig farm

Students explore why animals are raised on farms and investigate the products they provide. Through hands-on matching activities and observation tasks, students learn about the role of pigs in food production and identify their external features.

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Lesson 2: Looking after pigs

Students investigate the basic needs of pigs and discover how producers care for animals throughout their lives. Using the Australian Pork Virtual Tour, students explore pig housing, nutrition, water requirements and animal welfare, while comparing the life cycles of pigs and humans.

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Lesson 3: Pork on the fork

Students learn about pork as a food product and examine the role of protein in a healthy diet. Through nutrition investigations, recipe exploration and design activities, students discover how pork products contribute to healthy eating and create promotional materials for pork-based meals.

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REFERENCES
Access the reference document used in the development of these resources.

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This resource is a collaborative effort between Australian Pork Limited and the Primary Industries Education Foundation Australia.