Students_Lesson 1

1. Dairy: Fact or Fiction?

For the Teacher

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Dairy: Fact or Fiction?

Teaching Notes

What This Lesson Covers:

Students investigate common dairy myths, explore how milk is processed, and develop their media literacy skills to evaluate health claims using science-based evidence.

Why It Matters:

In the age of social media, teens often encounter conflicting nutrition advice. This lesson empowers them to separate fact from fiction.

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What do you think about dairy?

Busting myths starts here. Have a group discussion on the following topics. Have a class vote on whether you believe each statement is true or false.

"Most milk contains antibiotics."

"Milk is unnatural for humans."

False – Humans have evolved to digest milk, and for many people around the world, drinking milk is both natural and nutritious.

False – Milk is strictly tested, and any milk with antibiotic residues is not allowed to be sold.

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How Milk is Made

Farm

Pasteurisation

Homogenisation

Packaging

Delivery

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Science Snapshot

What is pasteurisation and why is it done?

Pasteurisation is an important and well established food safety measure, which is practiced globally. It is a simple heating process which involves heating milk to a specified temperature for a specified time period (e.g. 72°C for 15 seconds) in order to destroy harmful micro-organisms. Almost all milk available to purchase in Ireland is pasteurised.

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Spot the Myth

Read the articles below or find your own. Evaluate using:

Article 1

Article 2

Who wrote it?

Is it emotional or factual?

Are there sources?

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Dairy: Fact or Fiction?

Quiz

Teaching Notes

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Dairy: Fact or Fiction?

Quiz

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Dairy: Fact or Fiction?

Quiz

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Dairy: Fact or Fiction?

Quiz

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Dairy: Fact or Fiction?

Quiz

For the Teacher

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Key Takeaways

Not everything you read online is true.

Dairy is highly regulated and safe.

Science helps us make informed choices.

TEACHERS NOTES

Quiz

Dairy: Fact or Fiction?

Time: 5-7 minutes. Students to be given “letter cards” so they can hold up their answers. Pair students up for this task