Lesson 13 – From Field to Faucet – Farm Conservation Plans and Source Water Protection
This is Lesson 13 (“Sources of Drinking Water”) of the “From Field to Faucet: Farm Conservation Plans and Source Water Protection” curriculum. Students explore the components of a farm conservation inventory and identify which elements affect drinking water quality, then compile and analyze data—via a field trip or virtual field trip to an animal feeding operation—to describe part of a farm conservation plan. The lesson covers comprehensive nutrient management plans (CNMPs), nonpoint source pollution, and conservation practices that protect source water.
At a glance
- Learning objectives
-
- 13.1 Describe the factors assessed in a farm conservation inventory for: A. Public health and safety; B. Land treatment practices; C. Grazing and pasture land management; D. Nitrogen and phosphorus management; E. Manure and wastewater handling and storage
- 13.2 Compile and analyze data to describe part of a farm conservation plan.
- Time required
- Instruction time for this lesson: 45 minutes, or field trip, dependent on choice of activities
- Grade level
- 9-12
- Materials
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- Components of a Farm Inventory, Slide SW.13.1.AS
- NRCS Comprehensive Nutrient Management Planning (CNMP): Plan Development Resources and References, http://www.wi.nrcs.usda.gov/technical/cnmp.html
- Common Manure Handling Systems, Ag 101, EPA: http://www.epa.gov/agriculture/ag101/porkmanure.html
- Drainage, Ag 101, EPA: http://www.epa.gov/oecaagct/ag101/cropdrainage.html
- Key Terms
- Biosecurity; Comprehensive nutrient management plan; Farm inventory; Septic system; Well casing
Downloads & Links
Aligned Standards
National Science Education Standards for Grades 9 – 12
- Content Standard EScience and Technology: Technology, by its nature, has a more direct effect on society than science because its purpose is to solve human problems, help humans adapt and fulfill human aspirations.
- Content Standard FScience in Personal and Social Perspectives: Natural Resources – Human populations use resources in the environment in order to maintain and improve their existence. Natural resources have been and will continue to be used to maintain human populations.