Curated OER
Corn: An A-maizing Plant
Students explore the corn crop. In this farming lesson, students identify which states are in the corn belt and read about the history of corn, its uses and its development and growth. Students dissect a corn kernel. Students discuss the...
Curated OER
Fruits and Vegetables in the Food System
Learners examine the importance of local markets. In this horticulture lesson, students examine the importance of local markets and food systems that can provide profit for growers, freshness, variety and quality.
Curated OER
Norman Borlaug, Hunger Fighter
Middle schoolers study Norman Borlaug. In this reading and math lesson plan, students research Norman Borlaug's work and write a narrative interview with Borlaug. Middle schoolers complete a variety of activities using wheat...
Curated OER
Eat Smart, Play Hard
Students discover why breakfast is important. In this nutrition lesson, students read a "Power Up With Breakfast" worksheet and discuss the importance of breakfast. Students draw pictures of fruit they would want in their breakfast shake.
Curated OER
Horticulture Crops in the agro-ecosystem
Ninth graders apply ecological analysis to fruit and vegetable production systems. In this horticulture lesson students learn about different management practices.
Curated OER
Salmon vs. Dams: The Dam Removal Debate on the Elwha River
Students use roll playing to discuss the merits of tearing down these dams so that the Elwha River can run free. The activity is presented in the form of a council meeting to encourage students to try to build consensus in finding...
Curated OER
Eat Smart. Play Hard.
Students study healthy food choices and the energy it creates for physical activity. In this food energy lesson, students complete multiple activities to learn about the benefits of healthy eating upon physical activity.
Curated OER
Amazing Mazes
Students locate corn mazes and explain how they are an example of farm tourism. They search for sites within their community that could generate farm tourism.
Curated OER
Aquaculture Production in the Classroom
Students study the basics of aquaculture and how to successfully raise aquatic plants and animals. In this water lesson students perform water quality tests on fish tanks, record and graph their results.
![National Agriculture in the Classroom: A Look at Iowa Agriculture [Pdf] Handout](https://d15y2dacu3jp90.cloudfront.net/images/attachment_defaults/resource/large/FPO-knovation.png "National Agriculture in the Classroom: A Look at Iowa Agriculture [Pdf] Handout")
Agriculture in the Classroom
National Agriculture in the Classroom: A Look at Iowa Agriculture [Pdf]
National Agriculture in the Classroom: A Look at Iowa Agriculture [PDF]
US Department of Agriculture
Economic Research Service: Iowa
This site provides a state fact sheet on Iowa from the U.S. Department of Agriculture. You will find information on the population, farm characteristics, and top commodities and exports.
Iowa State University
Iowa State University Extension: Farm Economics
This Iowa State University site focuses on Iowa's farm economy, featuring programs and services for farmers. This is a large site and detailed site, with a great deal of information. Some on-line courses are offered.
NPR: National Public Radio
Npr: An American Family Farm
Captioned slideshow depicting what everyday life is like for a family on a farm in Iowa.
Black Past
Black Past: Carver, George Washington
This brief encyclopedia biography about George Washington Carver tells about his interest and research in agriculture, especially in the South.
Other
Camp Silos: Introduction to Farming Today and Tomorrow
Student-friendly site explaining the history of farming. The section on farming today and tomorrow gives viewers the opportunity to see pigs being born. Requires QuickTime plug-in.
Curated OER
Educational Technology Clearinghouse: Maps Etc: Iowa, 1904
A map from 1904 of Iowa showing the State capital of Des Moines, major cities and towns, railroads, and rivers. "Iowa (Hawkeye State) - The first white settlement was made in 1788. Admitted to the Union in 1846. Area, 66,025 square...
Curated OER
Wikipedia: Natl Historic Landmarks in Iowa: The Farm House (Knapp Wilson House)
Home of agriculturist and teacher Seagram A. Knapp and of U.S. Secretary of Agriculture James Wilson, now on Iowa State University campus.
Massachusetts Institute of Technology
Mit: Inventor of the Week: George Washington Carver
This brief article from MIT Invention Dimension on George Washington Carver (1865-1943 CE) provides an overview of his education and his inventions, which influenced the world of agriculture.
Wessels Living History Farm
Living History Farm: Contour Plowing
Wessels Living History Farm explains some of the history behind contour plowing in the United States. Great photo illustrating contour planting on terraces in Iowa included.
PBS
Pbs: American Experience: Troublesome Creek
Companion website to the PBS documentary on the disappearance of the small American farm.
American Academy of Achievement
Academy of Achievement: Norman E. Borlaug, ph.d.
A well-written biography of Norman E. Borlaug, a native of Iowa and an agricultural scientist. He worked throughout his life in the fight to end world hunger, winning the Nobel Peace Prize for this work. Includes a profile, interview and...
PBS
Pbs Learning Media: The 1980s Farm Crisis
This 90-minute film was produced by Iowa PBST Farm Crisis. This feaure examines the economic and personal disasters that afflicted the agriculture sector in the 1980s.