Spanish 2 students are using the app FreeRice to help try to solve world problems as part of a new unit.

“For this module, students in Spanish 2, are learning how to present information about a problem like world issues such as the environment and health and to offer solutions with supporting details and examples,” teacher Patricia Flores said. “By developing these skills, students will be able to embrace real world problems, and contribute to serve local and global communities through actions that positively impact society.  Our initiatives encourage students to participate in real world opportunities for change.”

Students answer multiple choice questions on the app and when they get an answer right an ad may pop up and the money gained from that ad is used to donate rice to the people who need it.

“I think FreeRice is an efficient way to understand simple phrases in any language, and answering questions correctly and consequently giving food to the poor is just extra motivation to try harder,” freshman Josiah Frantzikinakis said. “I definitely think that this should be a thing that more classes do.

The app is not just for Spanish it can also be used for things such as English and grammar, geography, global issues like climate change, math, and science.

“LHS Spanish 2 teachers love bringing the world to the classroom with interpretive readings, listening audios or videos, or other activities,” Flores said. “And we encourage students to join us in activities that  contribute to the community based on our learning targets and specific times of the year, like in providing Rice for people in need in the world when learning about world issues.”

The World Food Programme is the group that buys and gives out the food.

“I believe that it is really good that they support people in need of food. I also think that it is cool to see how much grains you have actually raised for those in need,” freshmen Cameron Homer said. “I think this assignment should be redone next year as it truly helps others and teaches material at the same time.”

The rice donated is sent to whatever country needs it the most, and that depends on emergency and nutritional needs.

“We want students to also become educated about challenges in their own community that they might not have been aware of before,” Flores said. “This was a real-world approach to becoming informed about challenges and ways to help.”