Lesson Plans

Barn Guide to History Lesson Plan
- from the Barn Again! Teacher's Guide

Preserving Our Barns Lesson Plan
- from the Barn Again! Teacher's Guide

USDA for Kids
www.usda.gov/news/usdakids/index.html
- Lots of different lesson plans and activities for kids about agriculture and related topics.

Source for the following Lesson Plans: New York Times Learning Network

The Cream of the Crop: Comparing Organic and Conventional Farming Methods
Subjects: Language Arts, Science
(Grades 6-12)

In this lesson, students work in small groups to investigate the similarities and differences between organic and conventional agricultural practices. Students coordinate and present their findings to the class. Students assimilate their knowledge by composing reflective essays.
(August 22, 2000) 
www.nytimes.com/learning/teachers/lessons/
20000822tuesday.html?searchpv=learning_lessons

Altered Genes: Exploring the Economic Implications of Consumer's Worries About Genetically Engineered Foods
Subjects: Economics, Language Arts, Science, Social Studies
(Grades 6-12)

In this lesson, students investigate the controversy surrounding the use of gene-altered crops in food products sold in this country and overseas. Students will explore the economic implications of the use of such crops as well as of the refusal of some countries and companies to buy gene-altered crops. After reading and discussing the article, students participate in an 'international trade meeting,' taking the perspective of one of the parties represented in the arti cle. They then write a personal essay expressing their views of the issues raised. 
(August 30, 1999)
www.nytimes.com/learning/teachers/lessons/
19990830monday.html?searchpv=learning_lessons

All Rights Reserved? Global Economic and Scientific Impacts of Genetic Ownership of Biological Products
Subjects: Economics, Science, Social Studies, Technology
(Grades 6-12)

In this multi-day lesson plan, students explore, through discussion, research, dramatic skits, and writing, the debate over genetic ownership of biological products and evaluate the economic viewpoints of the countries and companies involved.
(December 2, 1999)
www.nytimes.com/learning/teachers/lessons/
19991202thursday.html?searchpv=learning_lessons

Harvesting the Seeds of Technology: Exploring Our Responsibilities as Stewards of the Earth in a Technological Era
Subjects: Language Arts, Science, Technology
(Grades 6-12)

In this lesson, students examine the roles of all people as 'stewards of the earth' and evaluate whether or not technology and science are at odds with our stewardship of the earth.
(April 22, 1999)
www.nytimes.com/learning/teachers/lessons/
19990422thursday.html?searchpv=learning_lessons
 

The Past Is Gone, But Not Forgotten: Examining the Value of Historic Sites in the Social Studies Classroom
Subjects: American History, Geography, Language Arts, Social Studies
(Grades 6-12)

In this lesson, students examine the role of historic sites in preserving the past. Students use a New York Times article about a preserved 19th century farm as a springboard for discussion about the conservation of other historic sites and for research about historic sites in their own community. 
(May 24, 1999)
www.nytimes.com/learning/teachers/lessons/
19990524monday.html?searchpv=learning_lessons

Work Forced: Exploring Issues Facing Young Farm Workers
Subjects: American History, Civics, Language Arts, Social Studies
(Grades 6-12)

In this lesson, students explore issues surrounding the use of itinerant child labor on farms around the nation. 
(August 7, 2000)
www.nytimes.com/learning/teachers/lessons
/20000807monday.html?searchpv=learning_lessons

Food's Altered Ego: Understanding International Positions on the Use of Genetically Modified Foods
Subjects: Geography, Language Arts, Science, Social Studies, Technology
(Grades 6-12)

In this lesson, students investigate various countries' positions on genetically modified foods and write a position paper from the perspective of their designated country.
(March 15, 2000)
www.nytimes.com/learning/teachers/lessons/
20000315wednesday.html?searchpv=learning_lessons