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Lesson

Farmland

Students will view the 2014 film Farmland, a documentary spotlighting six farmers and ranchers in the United States. The film portrays the business and lifestyle of a variety of farmers and ranchers. Perspectives on topics such as bioengineered (GMO) crops, animal welfare, organic and conventional farming practices, farm size, farming stereotypes, and more are presented.

Grades
9 – 12
Estimated Time
1-2 hours
Updated
January 30, 2024
Tags

Background

Lesson Activities

Recommended Companion Resources

Credits

Author

Andrea Gardner | National Agriculture in the Classroom Organization (NAITCO)

Acknowledgements

The viewing guides in Strategy 4 were written and provided by the Iowa Agricultural Literacy Foundation.

Standards

National Content Area Standards

  • Career & Technical Education
    • AFNR (Grades 9-12): Biotechnology Systems Career Pathway
      • BS.01.02: Evaluate the scope and implications of regulatory agencies on applications of biotechnology in agriculture and protection of public interests (e.g., health, safety, environmental issues, etc.).
      • BS.01.03: Analyze the relationship and implications of bioethics, laws and public perceptions on applications of biotechnology in agriculture (e.g., ethical, legal, social, cultural issues).
  • Social Studies – Geography
    • APHG Topic 5.11: Challenges of Contemporary Agriculture
      • IMP-5.B.1: Agricultural innovations such as biotechnology, genetically modified organisms, and aquaculture have been accompanied by debates over sustainability, soil and water usage, reductions in biodiversity, and extensive fertilizer and pesticide use.
      • IMP-5.B.2: Patterns of food production and consumption are influenced by movements relating to individual food choice, such as urban farming, community-supported agriculture (CSA), organic farming, value-added specialty crops, fair trade, local-food movements, and dietary shifts.
  • Science
    • HS-ESS3: Earth and Human Activity
      • HS-ESS3-3: Create a computational simulation to illustrate the relationships among the management of natural resources, the sustainability of human populations, and biodiversity.
      • HS-ESS3-4: Evaluate or refine a technological solution that reduces impacts of human activities on natural systems.
    • APES Unit 5: Land and Water Use
      • EIN-2.H Meat Production Methods: Identify different methods of meat production.