Lessons

Investigate the importance of nutrients to support plant growth and discover how plants grow without soil by growing and observing plants in a test tube hydroponic system.

Students will understand how photoperiodism impacts plants and animals in the environment and learn how egg farms use this science to manage the laying of eggs by their hens.

Students create a worm bin which will serve as a basis for investigations about ecosystems, life and nutrient cycles, and decomposition.

Students investigate soil texture and determine the texture of several soil samples.

Students discover that there are many different types of farms that grow and raise a variety of products we use daily. Students investigate what farmers do.

Students observe the anatomical structures of flowers and explain a flower's role in plant growth and reproduction as well as their connection to our food supply.

Students identify technologies that have changed the way humans affect the inheritance of desired traits in organisms; compare and contrast selective breeding methods to bioengineering techniques; and analyze data to determine the best solution for cultivating desired traits in organisms.

Students investigate the "three sisters" crops (corn, beans, and squash) and explore the benefits of planting these crops together.

Students compare the differences between natural and managed ecosystems and describe ways in which farmers can protect agricultural ecosystems.

Students identify the parts of a honey bee, the stages of its life cycle, and its role in pollination.

Students examine the growth, composition, history, and uses of corn through a close reading activity, discussion of renewable and non-renewable resources, and hands-on exploration of bioplastics made from corn.

Students explain the value of the beef cattle industry, including the products cattle produce, the production process from farm to plate, and how cattle can utilize and obtain energy from grass and other forage.