Science applications in agricultural practice

Focus

This activity provides opportunities for students to research and prepare a presentation outlining the contributions of science (both positive and negative) to agricultural practice.

Science

Science and Society

6.2 Students use scientific concepts to evaluate the costs and benefits of applications of science (including agricultural and industrial practices).

Materials

Poster-size cardboard
Access to resources for researching information

Teaching considerations

This activity can be done in a number of ways including:

a written assignment
a poster presentation
a class debate.

The style of activity selected will depend on the strengths and weaknesses of the student group, and is to be decided by the teacher.

Working scientifically

Time: 30 minutes + un-timetabled research time

Accessing resources
Selecting and justifying
Arguing a position
Supporting decisions

Students, working in groups of three, select one of the following topics (or any other relevant topics). The group prepares a concept map linking the main ideas of the topic selected and including examples that conflict with or help support the topic statement selected (i.e. positives and negatives).

Applications of science in agricultural practice

Science can help develop new agricultural techniques that are environmentally friendly.

Science has led to the development of higher-yield, pest-resistant agricultural products.

Science can help to remedy environmental degradation attributed to agricultural practice. (e.g. soil erosion, decline in soil fertility, loss of soil structure, salinity, pollution…)

Science has been involved in the development of agricultural practices that have had negative effects on humans and the environment.

After group discussion students research the topic statement they have selected and prepare one of the following presentations:

Written assignment

This is a critical essay (or it may be presented in the report genre) examining the topic. The length of the assignment and the genre used will depend on the abilities of the students, but it will include the following main issues:

the scientific core content associated with the topic
specific examples that support or conflict with the topic.

Poster or multimedia presentation

Students develop a poster, web site, or other multimedia presentation (such as PowerPoint) to illustrate the main points of the issue or topic.

Class debate

Students argue the facts for and against each statement, giving illustrative examples that help support their arguments.

Gathering information about student learning

Sources of information could include:

students’ concept maps (see Activity 11)
student presentations (essay/poster/multimedia presentation/debate) of the topic statement

Last updated: 12 June 2008