Seeds of Change

Read Spring 2002 Almanac article

Class Description:

This environmental issues class traces the steps our food takes from the farmer's field to the dinner plate. The students sample seeds, learn the history of seeds and discover the difference between heirloom, hybrid and genetically engineered seeds. Grinding grains, baking cornbread, and playing games will give the students a perspective on the different methods of farming and the implications of our global farming system.

Total time: 3 hours (varied inside and outside)
Audience: 6-20 students, 4th grade through adult
Activity level: easy
Travel: 1/4 mile
Total uphill travel: None

Outcomes

Upon completion of the Seeds of Change class students will be able to:

Identify the many roles and importance of seeds in our society, past and present.

Briefly describe the history of seeds as it pertains to human culture.

Define hybrid, heirloom and genetically engineered seeds.

Examine their food purchasing habits and suggest possible environmental and personal health impacts of their choices.

Describe several methods of farming and the impact each has on the environment.

Recommend actions necessary in creating a sustainable food system.

Minnesota Graduation Standards

The Seeds of Change class will provide students with guided practice, in an authentic setting, to support the following Graduations Standards. We have chosen one to three “major focus” standards per grade level. Due to the holistic nature of environmental education, several other standards, not listed here, are addressed as well.

• H.S Scientific Applications: Environmental Systems, (A,C,D,G)
• H.S. Resource Management: Natural and Managed Systems, (A,F)

• 6-8th Resource Management: Informed Consumerism, (2,6,7)
• 6-8th People and Culture: Current Issue Analysis, (1,2,4)

• 4-5th Applied Scientific Methods: Living and Nonliving Systems, (A4, B4)

Wolf Ridge Curriculum Concepts

• Diversity is the key to stability.
• Humans have a great ability to alter natural systems, and a responsibility to consider the effects of their actions.
• Awareness, knowledge and appreciation lead to an understanding of our impact.
• The natural environment has many obvious and subtle impacts upon human history and culture.

Classroom Connections*

• Journal page download
• Pre-visit activities
• Post-visit activities
• Links to Seeds of Change information and activities on the web

*requires Wolf Ridge password