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Green Thumb
Careers in Agriculture, Food, and Natural Resources
Careers in Agriculture, Food, and Natural Resources
Corresponding Instructional Module: Green Thumb (Careers in Agriculture, Food, and Natural Resources)
Learning Outcomes:
a. Describe the nature of agriculture, food, and natural resources.
b. Discuss career opportunities in agriculture, food, and natural resources (e.g., food scientist, wind turbine technician, environmental scientist).
c. Discuss ethical considerations in agriculture, food, and natural resources.
Activity:
Separate the class into groups of two or three students. Assign each group one of the following forms of energy: solar, hydroelectric, geothermal, oil, natural gas, coal, wind, wood, or nuclear. Instruct each group to
1) identify whether the energy source is renewable or nonrenewable,
2) list a pro and a con, and
3) provide or draw an example. Secure internet access for online research if necessary. Allow groups to share their findings with the class.
Ethics Case for Students: Stoneybrook Farm grows corn, soybeans, and a variety of vegetables. Recently, it’s been struggling to stay in business. Stoneybrook is considering using a new pesticide to protect its plants from bugs and diseases and increase its crop yield. Pesticide A protects the plants and increases crop yield, but kills butterflies and native bees, which are vital for pollination. Pesticide B doesn’t impact the insects but is less effective and results in lower crop yield. Which should Stoneybrook choose? Is there another option? Is it ethical for Stoneybrook to risk the well-being of local wildlife to produce more crops? How should it balance business, food production, and ecosystem health? (Ethical Principles Involved: Fairness, Responsibility, Respect, Viability)
Reference Websites
Title: What’s food science? [Video].
Author: Abbey the Food Scientist
URL: https://youtu.be/5Uc6ZOS0pw4
Copyright: 2021, August 5
Accessed on: 2024-02-21
Title: Environmental scientist – Career connections – WOUB. [Video].
Author: Broadcast Educational Media Commission
URL: https://youtu.be/EQHC77aF0cs
Copyright: 2015, August 27
Accessed on: 2024-02-21
Title: What is food science? [Video].
Author: bumperscollege
URL: https://youtu.be/_bJYav37-zw
Copyright: 2019, August 14
Accessed on: 2024-02-21
Title: Food expiration dates don’t mean what you think – Carolyn Beans. [Video].
Author: TED-Ed
URL: https://youtu.be/jDg8DQl7ZeQ
Copyright: 2023, June 6
Accessed on: 2024-02-21
Vocabulary Associated with this Unit
Vocabulary Associated with this Unit
Careers in Agriculture, Food, and Natural Resources – Vocabulary List
This vocabulary list will support students in understanding the careers, concepts, and ethical considerations in agriculture, food, and natural resources.
Agriculture – The practice of cultivating soil, growing crops, and raising animals for food, fiber, and other products.
Natural Resources – Materials found in nature, such as water, soil, minerals, and forests, that people use for survival and economic gain.
Food Science – The study of food production, processing, and safety to improve quality and nutritional value.
Sustainability – Managing resources in a way that meets present needs without compromising future generations' ability to meet theirs.
Horticulture – The science and art of growing fruits, vegetables, flowers, and ornamental plants.
Aquaculture – The farming of fish, shellfish, and aquatic plants for food and other products.
Renewable Energy – Energy sources that are replenished naturally, such as wind, solar, and hydro power.
Precision Agriculture – The use of technology, such as GPS and sensors, to improve farming efficiency and crop yields.
Conservation – The protection and management of natural resources to prevent depletion or destruction.
Biodiversity – The variety of plant and animal life in a particular ecosystem, essential for environmental balance.
Food Processing – The transformation of raw ingredients into packaged or prepared food products for consumption.
Livestock Management – The care, breeding, and handling of animals raised for food, fiber, or labor.
Soil Science – The study of soil composition, health, and management for agriculture and environmental purposes.
Agroforestry – The integration of trees and shrubs into farming landscapes to improve land use and sustainability.
Ethical Farming – Agricultural practices that prioritize animal welfare, environmental health, and fair labor conditions.
Greenhouse Management – The cultivation of plants in controlled environments to optimize growth and production.
Genetic Modification (GMOs) – The process of altering the genes of plants or animals to improve traits such as resistance to pests or drought.
Water Conservation – Strategies used to manage and reduce water use in agriculture and resource management.
Environmental Science – The study of the environment and solutions to environmental problems, including pollution and resource conservation.
Agri-Business – The commercial aspect of agriculture, including production, marketing, and distribution of agricultural products.
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