Contents
Learning Outcome Time required Tools or equipment required Summary of the activity What to do Tips how to implement the topic to school curriculumLearning Outcome
The student understands and is able to explain the definition and principles of organic and conventional livestock farming. Also the student is able to explain the essential difference between them, and the student knows their pros and cons.
The student can look closer on plant production's procedures in conventional livestock farming (daily/yearly routines on a farm). After that, the student is able to compare inputs on the farm in relation to F2F Strategy.
Time required
approximately 4x 90 min - introduction to the topic, research, implementation, reflexion&presentation
2x excursions (whole day)
Tools or equipment required
2 animal products - milk, eggs or meat
Internet, phone and app for video making
Conventional farm, organic farm - if it's not possible to visit, the student can do the research and interview with farmer online
Summary of the activity
The aim of the “David vs. Goliath” is to inspire students to find the story behind a selected animal product from the supermarket. The main activity is to choose in the store one product - milk, eggs or meat, that is produced in an intensive form of agriculture and one type that is produced in an ecological way (bio, grass fed,...). For both products, they have to find out how the animals were kept, fed and slaughtered, and what is the journey of the animal. Part of this process could be a trip to the farm, where they will see the conditions and method of breeding. The result of this activity should be a presentation for classmates, where they will describe what they found and especially compare the advantages and disadvantages of both methods of breeding. The student can create a story of a chosen animal and its way from the farmer to the consumer, alongside learning of the differences between organic and conventional livestock farming.
The activity is about the difference between 2 different approaches to animal management and see which of them is closer to sustainability and to F2F Strategy.
Students are involved in this topic in an attractive way, as they can visit the farm or at least pick one farm and research it in detail. They can organise an interview with the farmers, create simple questions and from that they can create presentations, videos/reels or posters.
Outcomes:
- story of a milk, eggs or meat product from the supermarket and its way how it got there
What to do
1. Introduction to the topic
Make presentation or show the class a video about the project
In recent years, more and more people are appalled by the conditions under which animals are held in modern industrial livestock farms. Not without reason, as numbers of animals held in a small place have soared beyond anything imaginable and, what one would call natural. Apparently, we have a problem regarding how animals are held. And people are increasingly concerned about the excessive use of antibiotics in livestock farming, which ultimately also end up in the food we eat.
Find out how much the class knows about this topic
Possible questions to ask:
- Do animals on organic farms have more space available to them?
- Answer: Yes, organic animals have more space available to them.
- What is the concern regarding the conditions under which animals are held in modern industrial livestock farms?
- Answer: The concern is that numbers of animals held in a small place have soared beyond anything imaginable and that animals are not being held in natural conditions.
- Are growth hormones allowed in organic farming?
- Answer: No, growth hormones are prohibited in organic farming.
- What is the difference between organic and conventional livestock farming in terms of animal access to the outdoors?
- Answer: Organic animals need to have access to pasture, while conventionally held animals rarely or never have access to the outdoors.
- What is the main benefit of allowing animals to graze on fresh pasture grass?
- Answer: Grazing on fresh pasture grass prevents many diseases in organic livestock.
- What is the concern regarding the excessive use of antibiotics in livestock farming?
- Answer: The concern is that antibiotics ultimately end up in the food we eat.
- Is organic livestock farming better for the animals and the environment?
- Answer: Yes, generally organic livestock farming is both better for the animals and for the environment.
- What is animal welfare?
- Answer: Animal welfare refers to the ethical and humane treatment of animals to ensure their well-being and quality of life. It encompasses the consideration of physical, behavioral, and psychological aspects of animals, acknowledging their capacity to experience pleasure, pain, and various emotions. Key components of animal welfare include providing adequate nutrition, proper housing, veterinary care, and opportunities for natural behavior.
- Is it easy to tell if an animal is emotionally well?
- Answer: No, it's not easy to tell if an animal is emotionally well, given that it can't speak.
- What is the difference between animal breeds in organic and conventional farming?
- Answer: Organic farmers generally choose more robust, locally adapted animal breeds, while conventional farming and breeding have produced high-yielding animals that might be prone to diseases and require more medical treatments.
Explain what the activity is about and formulate what you expect the students to do and learn -
Step 1. educate
This activity is about expanding horizons. The students will learn what is the difference between these two ways of livestock farming. In how many ways does it affect the nutrition status of foods, ecosystems and the country? The aim is to make them realise that if we want to make a change, we need to know as much as possible about the given issue.
Step 2. implement
The student will pick one organic product and one conventional and follow their journey back to the origin (farmer), how the animal was raised and bred, what are the differences in the welfare and farming. The student can also organise a visit to the farm, or contact the farmer online. The aim is to reach out and learn as much as possible about the farming processes from the farmer. The students can also create a business case and find out what is the true cost when considering carbon footprint, and other hidden costs.
Step 3. present
Create a presentation about the story of a product or animal, in which you describe the story of the animal from its birth to the moment it reaches the consumer. What was his journey, did he have enough space and suitable conditions for growth and did he have a dignified death.
Alternatively, calculate what the real costs are for conventional farming versus organic farming, when considering carbon footprint, and other hidden costs.
2. Introduce students to information materials and resources to start the project
Resources for teachers:
Organic versus conventional farming, which performs better financially?
Organic farming in the EU: a decade of growth
3. Research
Help students formulate research questions to find out more data about the issue:
- How many farms are conventional/organic?
- How many hectares are used for conventional/organic farming?
- What is the difference in the farming processes?
- Which way of farming is more cost effective?
Let students do the research:
- research and make a list of local organic farms in your region - describe the differences on how they produce the food
- create a story of the food
4. Implementation
Ask students to create a list of reasons why they would prefer organic livestock products.
5. Reflexion
discuss with students the outcome of the project, define some conclusions on how to further implement it
discuss with students the outcome of the project
- At the end of the lesson, what have we learned over the course of the activity?
- What went well? What not? Why? What can we do to make it better next time?
- What information do we now have about which foods should be grown organically?
- Why is organic farming so important to environmental and wildlife conservation?
define some conclusions on how to support organic farming in the following years
6. Presentation
Ask the students to make presentation of the implemented project outcome -
- This could be during a class
- It can also happen over an School Open Day or Parents day
- The school can invite policy makers from the ministry of agriculture
7. Survey
Go to the school canteen and ask whether they take products from organic or conventional farmers, what is the percentage of organic or conventional?
Tips how to implement the topic to school curriculum
Implementing teaching about organic farming and the distinctions between organic and conventional farming in secondary school curricula involves a strategic and interdisciplinary approach. Here are tips for effective implementation:
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Integration into Multiple Subjects: Integrate discussions on organic farming across various subjects to provide a comprehensive understanding. Incorporate relevant topics in biology to explore the science behind organic practices, in geography for a global perspective on farming methods, and in business administration to address economic aspects.
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Practical Applications: Emphasize hands-on experiences to reinforce theoretical knowledge. Plan field trips to organic farms, engage in gardening projects, or conduct experiments that demonstrate the differences in organic and conventional farming methods. This practical exposure enhances students' comprehension and appreciation of sustainable agricultural practices.
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Cross-Curricular Projects: Encourage collaborative projects that span multiple subjects. For example, a project could involve researching the environmental impact of farming practices (geography), understanding the biology of organic soil composition, and analyzing the market dynamics and consumer trends (business studies).
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Guest Speakers and Experts: Invite guest speakers, such as local farmers practicing organic methods or agricultural scientists, to provide real-world insights. Their expertise can offer students a firsthand account of the challenges and benefits associated with organic farming, making the learning experience more tangible.
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Use of Multimedia Resources: Leverage multimedia resources such as documentaries, videos, and interactive online platforms to enhance engagement. Visual aids can help illustrate processes, environmental impacts, and success stories in the realm of organic farming.
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Critical Thinking Exercises: Develop critical thinking skills by assigning research projects that require students to compare and contrast organic and conventional farming practices. Encourage discussions and debates to foster a deeper understanding of the advantages and disadvantages of each approach.
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Assessment Through Projects: Assess students through projects where they design their own sustainable farming model, considering economic, environmental, and nutritional aspects. This approach allows for creativity and application of knowledge.
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Community Involvement: Foster community involvement by organizing initiatives such as community gardens or partnerships with local organic farmers. This not only strengthens ties with the local community but also provides students with a practical outlet to apply their learning.