Many people know that eggs can be produced in cages, in barns, in free-range and organic systems. Egg packs have to be labelled accordingly. Perhaps fewer people know that both pigs and chickens are reared in a similar range of systems. Milk is also produced in fully-indoor, free-range and organic systems.

Compassion in World Farming provides stimulus materials which demonstrate these systems and which are designed to engage students and encourage discussion of the issues that arise.

Films to demonstrate systems and animal behaviours:

• Farm Animals & Us – 17 minute film demonstrates a range of systems, intensive, higher welfare, free-range and organic from a welfare point of view, encouraging students to explore the choices they can make as consumers and citizens
• Farm Animals & Us 2 – 25 minute film covers the same issues in more depth for abler students
• A Life Worth Living – 5 minute film with five short sections of positive animal behaviour without commentary to encourage observation and discussion for all ages

Activities to stimulate thought and discussion:

• White striping practical – why do so many chicken breasts have white stripes? Case study to help students understand the advantages and disadvantages of selective breeding and its ethical implications.
• How Should We Treat Farm Animals? – small group discussion activity which encourages students to consider tzzhe pros and cons of different systems for producing meat, milk and eggs including organic, free-range and intensive
• Personality Test – an engaging activity which encourages students to explore their viewpoints about ethical issues around food production, animal welfare, sustainability and food security and to understand better the different opinions of others

Our archive resources include films on sustainable food production (Eat Less Meat). Though produced some time ago, the films maintain their power to engage students and stimulate discussion and the issues remain relevant today.

All of the above resources are available on our Farm Animals & Us DVD which is available free for schools and other educational institutions.

Lessons can also be enriched by inviting a speaker to talk to your students.

There is also information for teachers and abler students about how fish are farmed in our research section. Details about the ways fish are caught and the impacts on fish welfare can be found on the Fishcount website.

Printed copies or DVDs can be can be ordered here. You are also very welcome to order, request download links, invite a speaker or ask us any question about our resources directly by emailing us at education@ciwf.org.uk.

For more detailed scientific information on a range of animal welfare and sustainability topics around human food supply, there are a large number of reports to download in our Research section. Topics include animal welfare, cloning and genetics, human health, environment and food.

Finally, you don’t need to wait for us to send you our films and worksheets. You can download our films and teachers’ resources free now!