KDA lessons teach importance of farming

KAN staff report

Kentucky teachers can share with their students the importance of agriculture to the Commonwealth’s history, economy and culture using lessons from the Kentucky Department of Agriculture that meet Kentucky Education Reform Act standards.

The Kentucky Proud Lessons use agriculture to teach mathematics, history, geography, economics, science, social studies and practical living to students in the third, fourth and fifth grades. They are aligned to the Kentucky Program of Studies and the Core Content for Assessment.

“These lessons show how agriculture impacts our state and our local communities,” Agriculture Commissioner Richie Farmer said. “Agriculture provides food and clothing for all of us, but it also provides income and jobs to thousands of people in Kentucky’s rural areas and its large cities. These lessons will teach students how much agriculture means to the everyday life of every Kentuckian.”

While students use agriculture to learn about various subjects, they discover how agriculture works in today’s complex, interdependent world. One lesson teaches how global positioning system technology is used to help farmers save money. Others show ways Kentucky farmers market their products. Other lessons address agricultural careers, risk management on the farm, the importance of farmland preservation, the risks of farming, and environmental issues relating to agriculture. A block of five lessons teaches the relationship between geography and agriculture.

Each lesson plan includes academic expectations, the lesson’s alignment with Core Content, and teacher resources. The lessons were written and pilot-tested by Kentucky teachers from throughout the state.

To read and download the lessons, go to www.kyagr.com, click on Education Resources, click on Agriculture Education, and click on Kentucky Proud Lessons.