Lesson Plan

13. Explore modern farming

KS4-07-21

Intent

Lesson Outcomes

  • Describe how to improve the efficiency of food production in farming
  • Evaluate the advantages and disadvantages of modern farming techniques
  • Explain why some people have ethical objections to some intensive farming methods

National Curriculum

  • Combined Science: food production

Working Scientifically

  • Explaining everyday and technological applications of science
  • Evaluating associated personal, social, economic and environmental implications
  • Making decisions based on the evaluation of evidence and arguments

Resources

Handout: An investigation sheet for the students to complete.

Rocket words

  • farming
  • factory
  • infectious
  • chicken
  • cow

Implementation

Starter

Ask the pupils to look at the two photos on the slide. One is of animals outside in a field, the other is of animals in a factory. Ask the pupils to compare and contrast these two farming methods and list both the pros and cons of each type of farming.

Main Teaching

Answer questions and take part in activities during the presentation. 

Expert Film: This is Sam Brook, who works with the RHS as the Senior Agronomist at Vitacress. Sam talks about modern farming.

Career Film: Sam Brook works with the RHS as the Senior Agronomist at Vitacress

Mission Assignment

Watch today's film on Food Production - Pest Control (Pesticides and Biological Control) - Discuss the food and energy requirements of animals raised outdoors and those raised by ‘factory farming’. Suggest reasons for the difference.

Impact & Assessment Opportunities

Plenary

With their talk partners, the children are to go through the quiz at the end of the presentation and answer the questions.