Some resources from federal government sites are currently unavailable; when possible, we’ve provided alternative non-government links to ensure continued data access.

Agriculture and Climate Change Learning Lab Lessons

Provided by: The Climate Initiative |Published on: May 24, 2024

Lesson Plans

9101112

Synopsis

In this 6-lesson unit, students will learn about the impacts of agriculture on climate change, the effects of climate change on agriculture, and some innovative agricultural solutions.
Students will explore a virtual classroom, watch the "Kiss the Ground" documentary about regenerative agriculture, explore and write case studies on agricultural solutions, analyze data and learn about its use in agricultural production, explore agriculture in their community, interview stakeholders about local farming practices, and design a community action project.
This is a companion resource for the student lab.

Related Teaching Resources

Subjects: Biology, Earth and Space Sciences

Authors: The Climate Initiative

Region: USA - Midwest, Maine

Languages: English

View Resource

Teaching Materials

Positives

The sample interview in this unit's fifth lesson shows a stakeholder who is very passionate about their role in regenerative agriculture.
Students will also find the video of the fishbowl conversation with the older generation fascinating, especially those in Minnesota or the Midwest who can compare the interviewees' memories of the climate with the current reality.

Prerequisites

Students should have a basic understanding of the causes of climate change and know how to read graphs.
The links for some of the case study examples are broken and the link for slowtheriseme in Lesson 6 does not exist.
The videos for the coffee talks in the lesson 5 presentation slides are not playable, but teachers can use the videos in the teacher guide.
There is one brief reference to "wacky tobacky" in the first coffee chat video in Lesson 5.

Differentiation & Implementation

In Lesson 2, teachers can differentiate based on reading level and assign the example case studies accordingly, as they vary in length and complexity.
If teachers know of local agricultural locations using regenerative practices, they can make community connections by taking students on a field trip or inviting the farmers to come and speak to their class.
Teachers can extend the discussion of agricultural impacts on climate by also discussing the impacts on people who live near or work in factory farms.
Students can explore plant-based diets and their impact on the climate.

Scientist Notes

Teaching Tips

Standards

Resource Type and Format

About the Partner Provider

TCI (The Climate Initiative)

The Climate Initiative is a nonpartisan, science-based climate change organization based in Kennebunkport, Maine whose mission is to empower youth voices for climate action. Through national education and empowerment initiatives, youth are learning about climate solutions and becoming agents of change in their communities and beyond. Learn more about TCI by connecting with us on Instagram, Facebook and Twitter.

Related Teaching Resources

All resources can be used for your educational purposes with proper attribution to the content provider.