Lesson 3: Sustainability in Agriculture
This is the third lesson (3 of 4) in the National FFA Organization’s “Sustainability in Agriculture” lesson series. Students explore the core principles of sustainability by examining four key areas of focus—climate change, water conservation, soil health, and waste management—investigating sustainable practices used in agriculture, and exploring related agricultural careers. The lesson includes a video bell ringer, guided slide activities, web-based exploration, and student worksheets with answer keys.
At a glance
- Learning objectives
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- Identify key areas, industries and practices within agriculture where sustainability is important.
- Examine sustainability practices within the agriculture industry.
- Explore agricultural careers related to sustainability.
- Time required
- 80-90 minutes (*Time requirements may vary based upon student understanding and class schedule.)
- Grade level
- Grades 9 and 10
- Materials
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- A copy of the “It’s Just What We Do” worksheet for each student
- A copy of the “Areas of Focus” worksheet for each student
- A copy of the “Areas of Focus” PowerPoint presentation to present to the class
- A copy of the “Exploring Sustainable Practices” worksheet for each student
- A copy of the “Sustainability Careers” worksheet for each student
- Internet access to play videos in real time or embed them in a PowerPoint ahead of time
- Vocabulary
- Climate Change; Soil Health; Waste Management; Water Conservation
- Cross-Curricular Connections
- English/Language Arts: Students will define the areas of focus within sustainability and explain why each area is important. Technology: Students will utilize technology to identify and describe career opportunities within sustainability.
- Partnership for 21st Century Skills
- Communication; Environmental Literacy; Global Awareness; Initiative and Self-direction; Information, Communications, and Technology Literacy; Think Creatively
Downloads & Links
Lesson plan
Presentation
Worksheet
Student Activity Sheets_Lesson 3 – Sustainability in Agriculture (DOCX)
Student Activity Sheets_Lesson 3 – Sustainability in Agriculture (PDF)
Non Designed_Student Activity Sheets_Lesson 3 – Sustainability in Agriculture (DOCX)
Other
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.
AFNR Cluster Skills
- CS.04Demonstrate stewardship of natural resources in AFNR activities.
- CS.05Describe career opportunities and means to achieve those opportunities in each of the Agriculture, Food & Natural Resources career pathways.
- CS.06Analyze the interaction among AFNR systems in the production, processing and management of food, fiber and fuel and the sustainable use of natural resources.
Common Career Technical Core
- AG4Demonstrate stewardship of natural resources in AFNR activities.
- AG5Describe career opportunities and means to achieve those opportunities in each of the Agriculture, Food & Natural Resources Career Pathways.
- AG6Analyze the interaction among AFNR systems in the production, processing, and management of food, fiber, and fuel and the sustainable use of natural resources.
Common Core – Literacy in Science & Technical Subjects: Writing
- CCSS.ELA-Literacy.WHST.9.10.4Produce clear and coherent writing in which the development, organization, and style are appropriate to task, purpose, and audience.
Common Core – Reading: Informational Text
- CCSS.ELA-Literacy.RI.9-10.1Cite strong and thorough textual evidence to support analysis of what the text says explicitly as well as inferences drawn from the text.
- CCSS.ELA-Literacy.RI.9-10.2Determine a central idea of a text and analyze its development over the course of the text, including how it emerges and is shaped and refined by specific details; provide an objective summary of the text.
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-PTechnical/Function Skills in Agriculture: Obtain knowledge and skills needed for a career in agriculture and related industries.
- FFA.PG-IProfessional Growth: Assume responsibility for attaining and improving upon the skills needed for career success.
- FFA.PG-JMental Growth: Embrace cognitive and intellectual development relative to reasoning, thinking and coping.
Green/Sustainability Knowledge and Skill Statements
- 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
- AGC09.02Select, research and examine critical aspects of career opportunities in one or more AFNR career pathways in order to gain an understanding of the breadth of occupations within this cluster.
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.