Phenomenom: Fresh ideas for Home Economics classrooms

Looking for ways to spark excitement and engagement with food and nutrition in your classroom? Phenomenom is a free, curriculum-aligned resource designed to bring food literacy to life in the classroom, with strong links to Home Economics. Developed by Alice Zaslavsky and supported by Hort Innovation, the program uses fresh produce as the springboard for engaging learning experiences that highlight nutrition, sustainability, and wellbeing. With a suite of webisodes, podcasts, and ready-to-use lesson plans mapped to the Australian Curriculum, students can dive into topics such as taste, gut health, food systems, and the powerful connection between food and mood.

The Hort Heroes series introduces students to real growers and horticulturalists—like onion and mushroom producers—showcasing the people and careers behind the food on our plates. By blending storytelling, science, and hands-on activities, Phenomenom builds curiosity and positive attitudes toward vegetables and fresh produce. For Home Economics, it provides a practical, creative way to explore food preparation, health, sustainability, and consumer choices while reinforcing the life skills that help young people make informed decisions for themselves, their families, and their communities. Importantly, all resources are freely available, making it an accessible and engaging addition to any classroom or home learning environment.