Organic farming - what is it?

Focus

This activity provides an opportunity for students to research alternative methods of sustainable agriculture and prepare a presentation outlining the costs and benefits of these farming methods.

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

Information on large and small scale organic farming is available from the Department of Employment, Economic Development and Innovation (DEEDI) Organics pages.
Internet search on articles referring to organic farming and permaculture
Information on growing food in your schoolground is available from the Kitchen Garden Foundation

Teaching considerations

Information on organic farming and permaculture can be obtained from the sources listed above. Other sources of information could include members of the class, as some students’ families may be consumers of organic produce or even growers. These students may provide further information or additional sources of further information. Students may work independently or in groups when completing this activity.

Working scientifically

Time: open-ended

Collecting information
Analysing
Synthesising
Summarising and reporting

Students research organic farming methods, including the economic and environmental costs and benefits of this farming method. Students form an opinion on the sustainability of organic farming and support their opinion with research. Students present their findings to the class using PowerPoint.

Additional learning

Students could grow some simple produce in the school grounds or school greenhouse using organic farming techniques.

Gathering information about student learning

Sources of information could include:

student presentations
anecdotal records of students’ research.

Last updated 2 September 2010