Lesson 2 – Agricultural Water Use and Conservation

Lesson Plans & Curriculum
High School
60 minutes

This National FFA lesson plan, “Agricultural Water Use and Conservation,” explores how water is used in agricultural systems including crop production and livestock management. Students learn about and compare irrigation systems and livestock watering methods through a crossword/vocabulary activity, then research water conservation strategies in groups. Includes student activity sheets and answer keys.

At a glance

Learning objectives: Identify how water is used in crop production, livestock production and farm structures.

Compare irrigation and livestock watering systems, considering factors like water efficiency, climate adaptation and system design.
Time required: 55 minutes
Grade level: Grades 9 and 10
Materials: A copy of the "Water Use in Agriculture" student activity sheet for each student

A copy of the "Conserving Agricultural Water" student activity sheet for each student

Internet access to play the video in real time or embed it in a PowerPoint ahead of time

Student devices with internet access
Description of Lesson: This lesson explores the various ways water is used in agricultural systems, including crop production and livestock management. Students will learn about different irrigation systems, livestock watering methods and how water is utilized in agricultural settings. Students will also investigate how the needs of the industry can be met while also being conscious of conserving water through various tools and strategies.
Vocabulary: Automatic Livestock Waterer; Drip Irrigation; Flood Irrigation; Gravity-Fed System; Irrigation; Pasture Pump; Pump System; Sprinkler Irrigation; Surface Irrigation; Water Trough
Cross-Curricular Connections: English/Language Arts – Complete a crossword to learn irrigation and animal watering vocabulary; Compare and contrast irrigation and animal watering methods.
SAE and FFA Connections: Agricultural Technology and Mechanical Systems CDE; Environmental and Natural Resources CDE; Livestock Evaluation CDE; Nursery/Landscape CDE; Agricultural Proficiency Areas: Agricultural Mechanics Design and Fabrication, Agricultural Mechanics Repair and Maintenance, Diversified Crop Production, Diversified Livestock Production, Environmental Science and Natural Resources Management; Foundational SAE Connections: Agricultural Literacy
Partnership for 21st Century Skills: Communication; Critical Thinking and Problem Solving; Environmental Literacy; Global Awareness; Information, Communications, and Technology Literacy; Initiative and Self-direction; Leadership and Responsibility; Technology Literacy; Think Creatively

Downloads & Links

Lesson plan

Worksheet

Aligned Standards

AFNR Career Ready Practices

CRP.02Apply appropriate academic and technical skills. Career-ready individuals readily access and use the knowledge and skills acquired through experience and education to be more productive.
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.
CRP.05Consider the environmental, social and economic impact of decisions.
CRP.11Use technology to enhance productivity. Career-ready individuals find and maximize the productive value of existing and new technology to accomplish workplace tasks and solve workplace problems.

AFNR Cluster Skills

CS.03Examine and summarize the importance of health, safety and environmental management systems in AFNR workplaces.
CS.04Demonstrate stewardship of natural resources in AFNR activities.

AFNR Performance Element

NRS.01Explain interrelationships between natural resources and humans necessary to conduct management activities in natural environments.
NRS.02Analyze the interrelationships between natural resources and humans.
NRS.04Demonstrate responsible management procedures and techniques to protect, maintain, enhance, and improve natural resources.

Common Career Technical Core

AG-NR1Plan and conduct natural resource management activities that apply logical, reasoned, and scientifically based solutions to natural resource issues and goals.
AG-NR2Analyze the interrelationships between natural resources and humans.
AG-NR4Demonstrate responsible management procedures and techniques to protect or maintain natural resources.
AG3Examine and summarize the importance of health, safety, and environmental management systems in AFNR businesses.
AG4Demonstrate stewardship of natural resources in AFNR activities.

Common Core – Literacy in Science & Technical Subjects: Writing

CCSS.ELA-Literacy.WHST.9-10.7Conduct short as well as more sustained research projects to answer a question (including a self-generated question) or solve a problem; narrow or broaden the inquiry when appropriate; synthesize multiple sources on the subject, demonstrating understanding of the subject under investigation.

Common Core – Writing

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.
CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.W.9-10.7Conduct short as well as more sustained research projects to answer a question (including a self-generated question) or solve a problem; narrow or broaden the inquiry when appropriate; synthesize multiple sources on the subject, demonstrating understanding of the subject under investigation.

FFA Precept

FFA.PL-A.ActionAssume responsibility and take the necessary steps to achieve the desired results, no matter what the goal or task at hand.
FFA.PL-C.VisionVisualize the future and how to get there.
FFA.PL-F.Continuous ImprovementAccept responsibility for learning and personal growth.

FFA Precepts

FFA.CS-N.Decision MakingAnalyze a situation and execute an appropriate course of action.

Green/Sustainability Knowledge and Skill Statements

AFNR Career Cluster-Natural Resources Systems Pathway, Statement 2Develop strategies to influence natural resource management and utilization policies and practices through application of sustainability principles.
AFNR Career Cluster, Statement 1Apply understanding of ecosystems and systems thinking to the management of natural resources to maximize the health and productivity of the environment, agriculture, communities, and society.
AFNR Career Cluster, Statement 3Communicate the impact of green and sustainability principles on agriculture, food and natural resource systems.
AFNR Career Cluster, Statement 7Demonstrate an understanding of green and sustainability trends that are impacting processes and markets in AFNR.

NASDCTEc

AGPE01.01Conduct system management activities in natural habitats to demonstrate recognition of the important relationships between natural resource preservation and human intervention.
AGPE01.03Apply scientific principle and processes when planning and conducting natural resource management activities to determine the need, feasibility and application of logical, reasoned solutions to natural resource system problems and issues.
AGPE01.05Practice responsible control and management procedures and techniques to protect or maintain natural resources in a variety of settings.

Next Generation Science

HS-ETS1-3Evaluate a solution to a complex real-world problem based on prioritized criteria and trade-offs that account for a range of constraints, including cost, safety, reliability, and aesthetics as well as possible social, cultural, and environmental impacts.