What is Sustainable Agriculture?

Lesson 1 - Sustainable Agriculture: Introduction

National Learning Standards:

• HS-ESS3-1 Human Sustainability: Construct an explanation based on evidence for how the availability of natural resources, occurrence of natural hazards, and changes in climate have influenced human activity.
• HS-ESS3-4 Earth and Human Activity: Evaluate or refine a technological solution that reduces impacts of human activities on natural systems.
• WHST.9-12.2 Write informative/explanatory texts, including the narration of historical events, scientific procedures/experiments, or technical processes.

Grade Level: 9-12

Lesson Length: 60 minutes

Learning Objectives

Participants will:

• Define key terms related to sustainable agriculture
• Identify key events throughout agricultural history and their effects

Materials and Equipment Needed:

• Introductory Lesson PowerPoint
• KWL posters (3)
• Introduction to Sustainable Agriculture Activity Sheet (1 per student)
• Post-it notes (at least 3 notes per student)
• Access to the internet

Cross-Curricular Connections:

Use these suggested adaptations to make learning across the curriculum easy!

Science

Experience the plant lifecycle by growing a small historical garden in/near your classroom. Select crops that were originally grown in your area.

 

Technology

Conduct a mini-research project on technological advances throughout agricultural history and their impact on sustainability.

 

Engineering

Design a prototype of a system that could help make their school more sustainable.

 

Mathematics

Visit NASA’s (www.nasa.gov) or NOAA’s website (www.noaa.gov) to evaluate and chart climate change data.

Teacher Preparation:

• Create KWL posters
• Print Introduction to Sustainable Agriculture Activity Sheets
• Reserve access to computer lab, if necessary