|
| Teaching students where their food comes from and how it is produced is increasingly important as urban students become more disconnected from their rural neighbours. This can be difficult for teachers who also come from an urban background. The following resources can help teachers integrate agriculture into the curriculum so their students increase their understanding of the modern food system. If you have a resource you would like to add to our list, contact us at ag.education@gov.ab.ca.
Elementary
- The Ag A-Z Colouring Book is a great introduction to agriculture for students in kindergarten or Grade 1.
- Alberta Beef Producers Alberta Beef Producers have a Beef in the Classroom program which focuses on nutrition education.
- Agriculture in the Classroom – Canada is a national organization working to promote the integration of agriculture into the curriculum. The organization is made up of provincial Ag in the Classroom affiliated organizations. For information on about how to access their resources in Alberta, contact the Alberta Agriculture and Forestry ag education team at 403-340-5339.
- Chase’s Log Notes Alberta Canola Producer’s Commission developed a series of graphic novels for students in Grades 4 to 6, along with teacher resources, a blog and “story starter” ideas. Students increase their literacy skills while reading entertaining stories that integrate agriculture. Books can be ordered for a nominal fee through the Alberta Canola Producer’s Commission at reception@canola.ab.ca.
- Canola Learning Centre The Canola Learning Centre has learning resources and lessons plans for every level. All lessons are based on the Alberta curriculum.
- Project Agriculture is an inquiry-based resource for elementary teachers. A variety of programs and resources are available for all levels.
- Wonderville is a cutting-edge, online destination where kids can explore science. Operated by Mindfuel (formerly Science Alberta Foundation), They offer resources to support the Science curriculum, including careers and technology in Science.
Secondary
- Ag for Life offers a downloadable Agriculture in Alberta - Teacher Kit that provides important background information for teachers wanting to integrate agriculture in their classrooms. They also offer multiple programs for students and teachers.
- Alberta Beef Producers have a Beef in the Classroom program which focuses on nutrition education. They also have an infographic that explains hormone use in beef, gives relative amounts of hormones used in beef compared to other food products and explores research on hormones and early-onset puberty.
- Alberta Soil Information Centre has information and interactive maps that are useful in supporting the Grade 7 Science curriculum Unit A: Interactions and Ecosystems/nutrient cycles and energy flow and Unit B: Plants for Food and Fibre/fertilizers and soil nutrients. Their Soil Group Map is a great teaching tool for the unit and can be downloaded.
- The All About Food website and corresponding book are designed with teachers in mind: articles, videos and critical thinking questions support classroom curriculum and stimulate discussions about Canada’s agri-food sector. Some topics students can learn about include: ag careers, biotechnology, pesticides, soils and food safety. A limited number of free copies of the book can be requested through Alberta Agriculture at 403-340-5339.
- The Canola Learning Centre has learning resources and lessons plans for every level. All lessons are based on the Alberta curriculum.
- ConnectAG: Piecing together our food story is a junior high resource that allows students to learn an explore agriculture using a series of real Canadian farmer profiles. Critical thinking and discussion will be encouraged as students experience how food is grown through role-playing activities.
- Growing Careers is a website that provides information on the career possibilities in agriculture. The site has 75 career profile videos and other career resources for teachers and students.
- Journey 2050 is a virtual simulation for Grade 7-9 students that explores world food sustainability and seeks to answer the question, “How will we sustainably feed over 9 billion people by the year 2050.” Calgary teachers can book a field trip at Calgary’s Stampede Park or anyone can access the simulation through the free Journey 2050 iPad app.
- More About Milk is a dairy producer initiative that provides information, resources and educational programs that focus on nutrition, milk products and the dairy industry. A variety of programs and resources are available for all levels.
- Ontario's Agscape has a variety of free electronic resources, print resources and video resources that are available either for free, or for a nominal fee. They focus on current issues in agriculture including local and global food issues, modern agriculture production, science and technology and the environment.
- SnapAg is a series of resources that invite students to explore the hot topics affecting the agriculture industry today. Topics range from organics, biotechnology, GMOs, livestock and more.
- Soil Monoliths Collections at the University of Alberta has soil samples from across Alberta, with samples dating back to before the land was cultivated. They have photos of the collection available online.
- Waterquest is an online resource designed to supplement Grade 8 Science curriculum Unit E: Freshwater and Saltwater Systems. Students complete an online webquest that is based on a realistic scenario: a water shortage and its impact on citizens and local industry. Part of the quest involves field tests to help students analyze a local watershed. Water testing equipment is available at educational rates from Osprey Scientific Inc. for those teachers who wish to conduct a more sophisticated water analysis.
|