Exploring Sustainable Agriculture: From Farm to Table

Title: Exploring Sustainable Agriculture: From Farm to Table

Compliance: Next Generation Science Standards (NGSS)

Subject: Agriculture Education

Summary: This seventh-grade activity will engage students in learning about sustainable agriculture practices, the journey of food from farm to table, and the importance of making informed choices about the food we consume.

Topic: Exploring Sustainable Agriculture

Learning Outcomes:

• Know the concept of sustainable agriculture and its importance
• Understand the journey of food from farm to table
• Can analyze and make informed choices about the food they consume

Methodology:

This activity will involve a combination of research, group discussions, hands-on activities, and presentations.

Resources/Materials Required:

• Access to computers or tablets with internet
• Books, articles, or online resources on sustainable agriculture
• Art supplies (paper, markers, colored pencils, etc.)
• Poster boards or presentation software for final presentations

Instructions:

Step 1: Introduction (Know)

Begin the activity by discussing the concept of sustainable agriculture with the students. Explain that sustainable agriculture focuses on producing food in a way that is environmentally friendly, socially responsible, and economically viable.

Ask students to brainstorm examples of sustainable agriculture practices, such as organic farming, crop rotation, and integrated pest management. Write their ideas on the board or a shared digital document.

Step 2: Research (Know)

Divide the students into small groups and assign each group a specific sustainable agriculture practice to research. Provide them with access to computers or tablets with internet and guide them to find reliable sources of information.

Each group should create a short presentation summarizing their findings, including the benefits and challenges of the assigned practice.

Step 3: Farm to Table Journey (Understand)

Explain to the students that they will now explore the journey of food from farm to table. Discuss the various stages involved, such as planting, harvesting, processing, packaging, transportation, and consumption.

Ask students to create a flowchart or diagram illustrating the different stages of the farm to table journey. They can use art supplies or digital tools to create their visual representations.

Step 4: Making Informed Choices (Can Do)

Engage the students in a discussion about the importance of making informed choices about the food they consume. Talk about factors to consider, such as nutritional value, environmental impact, and ethical considerations.

Ask each student to choose a food item and research its production process, including the farming methods used, transportation, and packaging. They should also investigate the nutritional value and any potential environmental or social impacts associated with the food item.

Based on their research, students should create a poster or digital presentation highlighting the information they gathered and explaining why they believe their chosen food item is a sustainable choice.

Assessment:

Assess the students based on their participation in group discussions, the quality of their research and presentations, and the depth of their understanding of sustainable agriculture and the farm to table journey.

Encourage peer feedback and self-reflection to promote a growth mindset and continuous improvement.

By the end of this activity, students will have gained knowledge about sustainable agriculture practices, understood the journey of food from farm to table, and developed the ability to analyze and make informed choices about the food they consume.