5.1 Innovation for the Future of Agriculture
This middle school lesson, “Innovation for the Future of Agriculture,” introduces students to technologies that improve plant production, including precision agriculture/GPS, hydroponics, and genetically modified crops. After discussing examples already in use, students brainstorm and design their own innovative agricultural technology or product, sketching it and creating a promotional poster. The lesson concludes with student presentations and a matching-term assessment.
At a glance
- Learning objectives
-
- As a result of this unit the students will… Discuss technologies and methods relating to plant production.
- As a result of this lesson the students will… Explore technologies and resulting impacts on plant production.
- Time required
- Instruction time for this lesson: 45 minutes.
- Grade level
- Middle School
- Materials
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- Overhead projector/transparencies
- Nature soundtrack (crickets, birds, etc.)
- CD player
- Poster paper
- Construction paper
- Markers, crayons, or colored pencils
- Scissors and glue
- MS.PS.5.1.TM.A – one per teacher
- MS.PS.5.1.TM.B – one per teacher
- MS.PS.5.1.TM.C – one per teacher
- MS.PS.5.1.TM.D – one per teacher
- MS.PS.5.1.AS.A – one per student
- MS.PS.5.1.ASSESS.A – one per student
- Lesson Number
- MS.PS.5.1
- Curriculum
- Middle School Food and Agricultural Literacy Curriculum
- Precepts
- C. Vision; C1. Contemplate the future; C2. Conceptualize ideas
- Key Terms
- Innovation; GPS; Genetically modified organisms (GMO); Hydroponics
- Resources
- National FFA Organization. (2009). LifeKnowledge Online. Retrieved July 9, 2009, from http://agedlearning.org — National FFA Organization. (2003). LifeKnowledge Precepts and Signs of Success. — United States Department of Energy. (2008). Human Genome Project Information. Retrieved July 9, 2009, from http://www.ornl.gov/sci/techresources/Human_Genome/elsi/gmfood.shtml
Downloads & Links
Aligned Standards
National Standards
- BS.01.01.02.aInvestigate current applications of biotechnology in agriculture.
- CS.01.03.01.bUtilize visioning skills to develop a plan.
- CS.01.03.02.aUse various conceptualizing tools.
- NL-ENG.K-12.12Applying Language Skills
- NS.5-8.3Life Science
- NS.5-8.5Science and Technology