Advocacy: Differing Viewpoints
This is a 45-minute FFA “quick” lesson plan in which students explore differing viewpoints on agricultural issues (such as GMOs, treatment of livestock, climate change, and pesticides) and develop techniques for communicating with people from different backgrounds. Through a “this or that” introduction, a Kid President video, a worksheet comparing perspectives, class discussion, and role-play, students practice advocating for agriculture while considering their audience’s point of view.
At a glance
- Learning objectives
-
- Look at different viewpoints on agricultural issues.
- Develop techniques to have conversations with people from different backgrounds.
- Time required
- 45 minutes
- Materials
-
- “Differing Viewpoints” Worksheet
- Internet access for students
- Resources
- 1. FFA.org 2. Kid President Video — https://youtu.be/dG5fkAgJmqc 3. Websites — http://www.fooddialogues.com/ ; https://www.usda.gov/oce/forum/diversity/papers/2015/MelissaWoolpert.pdf
- This Quick Lesson Plan Would Work Well As
- 1. As a portion of an introductory agriculture lesson. 2. As part of a public relations lesson. 3. As a portion of an agricultural business lesson.
- Partnership for 21st Century Skills
- Communication; Information Literacy; Collaboration
Downloads & Links
Aligned Standards
AFNR Career Ready Practices
- CRP.04Communicate clearly, effectively, and with reason. Career-ready individuals communicate thoughts, ideas and action plans with clarity, whether using written, verbal and/or visual methods.
AFNR Cluster Skills
- CS.02Evaluate the nature and scope of the Agriculture, Food & Natural Resources Career Cluster and the role of agriculture, food and natural resources (AFNR) in society and the economy.
AFNR Performance Element
- CS.01Analyze how issues, trends, technologies and public policies impact systems in the agriculture, food & natural resources career cluster.
Common Career Technical Core
- AG1Analyze how issues, trends, technologies and public policies impact systems in the Agriculture, Food & Natural Resources Career Cluster.
Common Core – Speaking and Listening
- CCSS.ELA-Literacy.SL.9-10.1Initiate and participate effectively in a range of collaborative discussions (one-on-one, in groups, and teacher-led) with diverse partners on grades 9-10 topics, texts, and issues, building on others' ideas and expressing their own clearly and persuasively.
Common Core – Writing
- CCSS.ELA-Literacy.W.9-10.1Write arguments to support claims in an analysis of substantive topics or texts, using valid reasoning and relevant and sufficient evidence.
- CCSS.ELA-Literacy.W.9-10.2Write informative/explanatory texts to examine and convey complex ideas, concepts, and information clearly and accurately through the effective selection, organization, and analysis of content.
FFA Precept
- FFA.CS-MCommunication: Effectively interact with others in personal and professional settings.
- FFA.PG-JMental Growth: Embrace cognitive and intellectual development relative to reasoning, thinking and coping.
- FFA.PL-AAction: Assume responsibility and take the necessary steps to achieve the desired results, no matter what the goal or task at hand.
- FFA.PL-EAwareness: Understand personal vision, mission and goals.
NASDCTEc
- AGC10.03Compare and contrast issues affecting the AFNR industry including biotechnology, employment, safety, environmental and animal welfare to demonstrate an understanding of the trends and issues important to careers in this industry.