Sustainable Farming and Farming in the future
Let’s watch the BBC link to find out more…
School visit to Xplore Science Discovery Centre, Wrexham
The children completed a workshop where they thought about Food, Farming, the environment and the future.
They completed a task where they worked in groups to build Aquaponic tanks.
The choices we make about where our food comes from and how it is produced have global consequences and are complicated. Factors to consider include: land use, water use, transport, use of materials, impact on other people, and impact on global warming. Processed foods include any food which is prepared (for example by being cooked, canned or packaged) before reaching us. Processing these foods requires a lot of energy which can result in pollution and often means that greenhouse gases like carbon dioxide are released. Food packaging uses precious resources including metals, plastic, wood (cardboard) and water. Foods not grown in the UK, including fruits and vegetables, need to be transported here. Transportation usually results in pollution and leads to global warming. Consuming seasonal foods which are grown locally is one way that we can reduce our impact on the environment.
Task 1: Research sustainable farming in Wales and South Africa
What problems are farmers currently facing in Wales and South Africa?
Think about the importance of soil health, water conservation, and biodiversity.
Think about how sustainable farming contributes to the environment, conservation and food security.
Guest Speaker: Local Welsh Farmer
Class feedback
Share examples from your research and some examples of sustainable farming practices:
(e.g., crop rotation, composting, use of natural fertilisers).
Just because we can, does that mean we should?
A robot tractor that can farm unsupervised and be controlled by a phone app has been trialled by agricultural students.
Task 2: Work in groups to design a futuristic tractor incorporating AI technology.
You will present your designs to the class in a ‘Dragons' Den’ style pitch and create an advertisement for your tractor. Your tractor should aim to solve some of the issues farmers are currently facing.
Dragons' Den is where entrepreneurs can pitch their ideas to a panel of investors (the "Dragons") to secure investment.
Discuss the importance of innovation and technology in agriculture, focusing on how AI can be used in modern tractors
(e.g., for autonomous driving, crop monitoring,
efficient fuel usage).
In groups of 3 or 4 begin sharing your ideas and planning your futuristic tractor.
Research and Design
Create an Advert
Prepare your pitch!
Dragon’s Den Presentations
Evaluation and Feedback… Are they in, or are they out??
After all presentations, the Dragons will deliberate and decide which tractor design they would invest in based on the criteria such as innovation, feasibility, and presentation quality.
Conclusion and Plenary
We will now summarise the key points of the lesson, emphasising the importance of innovation and technology in modern agriculture.
Discuss how AI is transforming various industries, including farming:
Think about what skills you have used completing these tasks!
You have practiced teamwork, research skills, creative thinking, and presentation skills while gaining an understanding of how AI can revolutionise agriculture!