Warm-up assignment
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Can you pick out some of the sustainability techniques that are being used in these pictures? Post your answers on the "Public commend" section on your Google Classroom account.
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Level 8 Guide Question: What kind of agriculture should we strive toward, and how will we get there?
definition of sustainable: ecologically sound, economically viable, and socially just (watch Stephen Gliessman VDO below)
Now that you know what sustainable means, how would you describe sustainable agriculture? What would agriculture look like if it met each of these criteria? Record your answer on your smartphone or iPad and post it to your Google Classroom. See https://vocaroo.com if you would rather record it through your Chromebook.
Level 8 Investigation: Getting to what Agroecology is!
You will learn about an approach to sustainable agriculture called agroecology (agriculture + ecology). Agroecology strives to mimic qualities of natural ecosystems to increase farm productivity in sustainable ways. Examples of these qualities include.
◼ Efficiency: Agroecology recycles and reuses resources whenever possible, just as natural systems continually recycle rainfall and organic matter.
◼ Self-sufficiency: Agroecology requires minimal inputs beyond what Nature already provides (sunlight, soil, water, and biodiversity).
◼ Diversity: Agroecology makes use of many different species of plants and animals on the same farm, and benefits from their interactions.
◼ Resilience: Agroecology can better withstand and recover from shocks like floods, hurricanes, and droughts. Click on the button below and read the "Agroecology" section.
◼ Efficiency: Agroecology recycles and reuses resources whenever possible, just as natural systems continually recycle rainfall and organic matter.
◼ Self-sufficiency: Agroecology requires minimal inputs beyond what Nature already provides (sunlight, soil, water, and biodiversity).
◼ Diversity: Agroecology makes use of many different species of plants and animals on the same farm, and benefits from their interactions.
◼ Resilience: Agroecology can better withstand and recover from shocks like floods, hurricanes, and droughts. Click on the button below and read the "Agroecology" section.
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Read the Sustainability slide presentation, then obtain a digital or hard copy of the Duck-Rice-Fish Case Study Handout, and read the case study. Your table group will discuss how does this case study illustrate agroecological qualities? You and your team will record their answers on their handouts and then construct a poster that your team will hang up in our room. |
Level 8 Videos: Agroecology Definition
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Level 8 Elaborate: Industrial Agriculture Versus Agroecology
Place two sheets poster paper that read “Industrial Agriculture” and “Agroecology” on opposite sides of the room. Read the statements to the right in random order. After each statement, to go to the side of the room that you think corresponds to the statement. For example, for the “Grows the same crop over a large area (monoculture)” statement, you might go to the “Industrial Agriculture” side of the room.
After each statement, ask a volunteer from each side to explain why they chose their spot. . Add each correct response to a chart on the board that has a column for Industrial Agriculture and a column for Agroecology. At the end of the activity, ask: Did any of the answers surprise you? How has this activity changed your understanding of the difference between industrial agriculture and agroecology? |
Industrial Agriculture
◼ Relies heavily on use of pesticides, synthetic fertilizers, and fossil fuels ◼ Uses a lot of heavy machinery ◼ Grows the same crop over a large area (monoculture) ◼ Specializes in producing a particular crop or animal ◼ Uses genetic engineering to alter crop traits Agroecology ◼ Looks to natural ecosystems as a guide ◼ Integrates a diversity of crops and animals ◼ Raises animals on pasture ◼ Rotates crops to help control pests ◼ Accounts for the unique qualities of a growing region (e.g., climate, geology, culture) |
Level 8 Review: More Case Studies
For this activity we will stay in our table groups. Obtain a hard copy of the Agroecology Case Studies Handout and the Gallery Walk Handout (click on the buttons below) to each table group, and assign each group one case study. Each table will create a poster for their case study. Each poster should illustrate:
◼ The farm featured in the case study
◼ The crops and animals on the farm, and the interactions among them
◼ How the farm exemplifies qualities of agroecology
Once groups have completed their posters, hang them around the room. Instruct students to walk around the room and take notes on how each farm embodies qualities of agroecology. Your notes will be used to help you with the Unit Test. When they have finished, be prepared to share what you have learned about each farm ecosystem and about agroecology.
◼ The farm featured in the case study
◼ The crops and animals on the farm, and the interactions among them
◼ How the farm exemplifies qualities of agroecology
Once groups have completed their posters, hang them around the room. Instruct students to walk around the room and take notes on how each farm embodies qualities of agroecology. Your notes will be used to help you with the Unit Test. When they have finished, be prepared to share what you have learned about each farm ecosystem and about agroecology.
Level 8 Summary: Unit Test-Garden Plan
We are planning to plant an orchard in our garden this spring directly south across our raised beds. Your task is come up with a plan using Agroecology techniques and goals (see your notes).