Welcome TO Agriculture

Welcome TO Agriculture

Pre-Test

All About Agriculture

Sustainability Farming

Agriculture is the science and work of growing plants and raising animals for food, clothing, and other things we use every day.

A greenhouse is a warm, protected place where plants can grow even when it’s cold outside.

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Farm To Table

Agriculture Careers

Farm to table means the food we eat comes straight from farms where it’s grown, picked, and sent to stores or restaurants.

People who work in agriculture have jobs like farming, gardening, caring for animals, and helping food grow safely and quickly.

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Agriculture Development

Plants, Flowers, Herbs

Agricultural development means finding better ways to grow food and take care of farms so people have enough to eat.

Plants, flowers, and herbs are living things that grow in soil and need sunlight, water, and care to stay healthy and useful.

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What Is Agriculture?

What Is Agriculture?

Agriculture is the practice of growing plants and raising animals for food, clothing, and other important resources. For thousands of years, people have farmed the land to provide for their families and communities. Today, farmers use modern tools and technology to produce food more efficiently, helping to feed people all over the world. From fruits and vegetables to grains and dairy products, agriculture plays an important role in our daily lives. Farmers also take care of the land and animals to make sure that future generations can continue to grow food. They use techniques like crop rotation, natural fertilizers, and careful water management to keep the soil healthy. With advancements in technology, such as tractors, irrigation systems, and drones, farming has become more efficient while protecting the environment. Without agriculture, we wouldn’t have many of the foods and products we rely on every day!

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Let's Go!

Urban Farming

Urban farming means growing food like fruits and vegetables in a city or town. People might use small spaces like rooftops, backyards, or even containers to plant things. It helps people in cities have fresh food close to home.

Rural Farming

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Rural farming means growing food or raising animals in the countryside, where there is lots of open land. Farmers use big fields and machines to grow crops like corn or wheat, or to take care of animals like cows and chickens.

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What Are Greenhouses?

Urban farming is a way of growing food in cities and towns where there’s not a lot of open land. Farmers use small spaces like rooftops, backyards, and even empty lots to grow fruits, vegetables, and herbs. One of the most popular tools in urban farming is the greenhouse. A greenhouse is a clear structure that traps sunlight and heat, creating a warm space for plants to grow—even when it’s cold outside. This makes it easier for farmers to grow food all year long, even in areas with harsh weather or pollution.

Greenhouses are great for urban farming because they protect plants from strong winds, heavy rain, and pests. They also use less water and space than traditional farms. In a city, where land is limited and buildings are close together, greenhouses allow people to grow food vertically, using shelves or hanging systems. This means farmers can grow more food in smaller areas while still keeping it healthy and fresh. Urban farming with greenhouses helps bring fresh, local food to neighborhoods that might not have easy access to grocery stores, making cities healthier and more sustainable.

Why do plants grow well inside a greenhouse?

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What Is Rural Farming?

Rural farming happens in the countryside, where there is lots of open space. Farmers grow food like fruits, vegetables, and grains. They also take care of animals like cows and chickens. These farms are usually big and use machines like tractors and sprinklers to help grow food.

Rural farms are important because they give us food to eat and help the Earth. They keep the land green, give animals a place to live, and help bees and butterflies. Today, some farms even use cool tools like solar panels, drones, and smart watering systems to take care of the land and save energy.

How do rural farms help both people and the environment?

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Greenhouse Planting

Directions

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Peas are a great crop to grow in a community garden because they grow quickly and are very healthy to eat. Peas also help make the soil better for other plants by adding nutrients. They like cooler weather, so they can be planted in early spring or fall. Pea plants need water and something to climb on, like a net, to keep them healthy. After about two to three months, the peas are ready to be picked, and they can be eaten fresh or saved for later.

Growing peas in a community garden helps everyone get fresh food and learn how to work together. People can share the peas with others, which makes sure everyone has enough to eat. Growing peas also helps the garden become a fun place for people to come together, learn, and make new friends. Peas are easy to grow and can make a big difference in helping people stay healthy and connected.

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12 inches of space

6-12 inches of space

2-4 inches of space

Directions

2-3 inches of space

12-18 inches of space

18-24 inches of space

Lettuce

Carrots

Tomatoes

Potatoes

Corn

Peas

Agriculture Roles

People who work in agriculture—like farmers, gardeners, and ranchers—help grow the food we eat and the materials we use, like cotton for clothes. Their job is to make sure we have fruits, vegetables, grains, milk, and meat.

Agriculture Responsibilities

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The people in agriculture also have to take care of the Earth. They protect the soil, water, and animals by using safe and smart ways to farm. This helps keep nature healthy for everyone.

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Agriculture Roles

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Click each career to learn about the different roles in farming.

Farm Manager

Crop Advisor

Agricultural Engineer

Veterinarian

Agronomist

Agricultural Technician

Farm Equipment Mechanic

Food Safety Inspector

Horticulturist

Rancher

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Definition

A farm manager is in charge of everything on a farm, including planting crops, taking care of animals, and making sure the farm runs smoothly.

Example

A farm manager decides when to plant corn and when to harvest it so it can be sold at the market.

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Definition

An agricultural engineer designs and builds things like tractors, irrigation systems, and barns to help farmers grow food.

Example

An agricultural engineer might create a new watering system to help crops grow, even when there isn’t much rain.

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Definition

A crop advisor helps farmers decide what plants to grow and how to keep them healthy.

Example

A crop advisor might tell a farmer which vegetables will grow best in their soil.

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Definition

A veterinarian is an animal doctor who helps keep farm animals healthy. They check animals, give them medicine, and help when they are sick or injured.

Example

A veterinarian might visit a farm to check on a sick horse and give it medicine to help it feel better.

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Definition

An agronomist is a plant and soil scientist who helps farmers grow healthy crops.

Example

An agronomist might test the soil on a farm and tell the farmer what kind of plants will grow best.

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Definition

An agricultural technician helps scientists and farmers by testing soil, plants, and animals to improve farming.

Example

An agricultural technician might check if the soil has the right amount of water and nutrients for growing carrots.

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Definition

A horticulturist is a plant expert who grows fruits, vegetables, and flowers.

Example

A horticulturist might help a farmer grow big, juicy strawberries.

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Definition

A farm equipment mechanic fixes tractors and other machines farmers use.

Example

If a farmer’s tractor stops working, a farm equipment mechanic repairs it so the farmer can plant crops.

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Definition

A food safety inspector makes sure the food grown on farms is clean and safe to eat.

Example

A food safety inspector checks eggs at a farm to make sure they are fresh and safe to sell.

Definition

A rancher takes care of animals like cows, horses, and sheep. They make sure the animals have food, water, and space to roam.

Example

A rancher might move a herd of cows to a new field so they have fresh grass to eat.

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Agriculture Responsibilities

Click each career to complete the responsibilities of each role.

Farm Manager

Crop Advisor

Agricultural Engineer

Veterinarian

Agronomist

Agricultural Technician

Farm Equipment Mechanic

Food Safety Inspector

Horticulturist

Rancher

Complete The Role of A

Farm Manager

Task

You are managing a farm that grows wheat and soybeans. You sell 500 bushels of wheat for $8 per bushel. How much money does the farm make from selling 500 bushels of wheat?

Present

Show a budget sheet with farm earnings and explain how farm managers plan money.

Complete The Role of A

Agricultural Engineer

Task

You are designing a new water system to water 6 fields. Each field needs 50 gallons of water per day. How much water is needed for all 6 fields in one day?

Present

Draw a blueprint of the water system and explain how it helps farmers.

Complete The Role of A

Crop Advisor

Task

You are helping a farmer decide how many rows of corn to plant. Each row holds 20 plants, and the farmer wants to plant 15 rows. How many corn plants will the farm have in total?

Present

Draw a diagram of the cornfield and label the rows.

Complete The Role of A

Veterinarian

Task

You are a veterinarian checking cows on a dairy farm. You need to make sure each cow gets a health check-up. There are 30 cows on the farm. You can check 5 cows per hour. How many hours will it take to check all the cows?

Present

Create a schedule showing how long it will take to check all the cows.

Complete The Role of A

Agronomist

Task

As an agronomist, you are testing soil to see if it has enough nutrients for corn. You test 4 different fields and record the results. If each soil test costs $12 and you test 4 fields, how much does the total testing cost?

Present

Show soil samples and explain why healthy soil is important for plants.

Complete The Role of A

Agricultural Technician

Task

You are testing water for a farm’s crops. You collect 3 water samples per day for 5 days. How many total water samples do you collect in 5 days?

Present

Show a lab report with data on water quality and how it helps crops.

Complete The Role of A

Horticulturist

Task

You are helping a farmer plant strawberry bushes. Each bush produces 40 strawberries. If the farmer plants 15 bushes, how many strawberries will grow?

Present

Draw a farm field with the strawberry bushes and show how much fruit they will produce.

Complete The Role of A

Farm Equipment Mechanic

Task

You are fixing a broken tractor. You charge $25 per hour for labor, and the repair takes 6 hours. How much will the farmer pay for the repair?

Present

Show a picture of a tractor and explain why farmers need working machines.

Complete The Role of A

Food Safety Inspector

Task

You are inspecting eggs at a chicken farm to make sure they are safe to sell. The farm collects 500 eggs per day. How many eggs are collected in one month (30 days)?

Present

Make a bar graph showing how many eggs are collected daily and monthly.

Complete The Role of A

Rancher

Task

You are a rancher taking care of cattle. Each cow needs 10 gallons of water per day. If you have 15 cows, how many gallons of water do they need in one week?

Present

Create a watering chart to show how much water is needed daily and weekly.

Farming Equipment

Directions

Farm Manager

pH Water Tester

Management Software

Temperature Gun

Drone

Animal Scale

Veterinarian

Agronomist

Rancher

Food Safety Inspector

Tractor & Bale Spear

Diagnostic Computer

Irrigation Pipes

Hand Tiller

Soil Probe

Farm Equipment Mechanic

Crop Advisor

Agricultural Technician

Agricultural Engineer

Veterinarian

Rancher

Farm Equipment Mechanic

Agricultural Technician

Agricultural Engineer

Horticulturist

Agronomist

Food Safety Inspector

Horticulturist

Crop Advisor

Farm Manager

Farming Saftey

Tractor Trouble

Farm safety means following rules and using equipment carefully to keep everyone safe while working with animals, tools, and crops. It’s important to pay attention, wear the right gear, and always ask for help when something seems dangerous.

Directions

Electric Fence Warning

Open Gate

Slippery Barn Floor

Forgotten Gloves

Animal Safety

Hot Weather Harvest

Read About Soil

Directions

Loam Soil

Clay Soil

Compost Soil

Guano Soil

Silt Soil

Sandy Soil

🌱 Why Soil Is So Important

Soil is the top layer of the ground where plants grow. It’s made of tiny rocks, water, air, and bits of dead plants and animals called humus. Soil comes in different types like sand, clay, silt, and loam. Each type feels different and helps plants grow in its own way. Good soil holds water and nutrients, which are like vitamins for plants.

We need soil to plant because it gives seeds a place to grow roots and stay strong. Soil keeps the plant in place and helps it stand tall. It also stores the water and food that plants need to grow big and healthy. Without soil, most plants couldn’t grow, and we wouldn’t have fruits, vegetables, or flowers. That’s why taking care of our soil is so important for farms, gardens, and our planet!

All About Plants

Share Cropping

Crops Around The World

The Plant Schedule

🌾 What is Sharecropping?

A long time ago many African American families became sharecroppers. This meant they lived on someone else’s land and grew crops. In return, they had to give a big part of the crops they grew to the landowner. Sharecropping was hard because the families didn’t always earn enough food or money for themselves. It taught people how to farm well, but they didn’t always get treated fairly.

It was hard work, and even though the sharecroppers worked all year, they didn’t always have enough food or money left for their families. The landowners often kept them in debt. Still, sharecropping helped families learn how to farm and take care of the land, and it became a big part of farming history in the South.

Where Do Crops Come From?

Directions

Africa

Europe

South America

Asia

North America

Antartica

Let's Read

Austraila

🌱 Crops Around the World

Crops grow all around the world, and each continent has plants that grow best in its own kind of weather and soil. For example, rice grows well in Asia because it needs lots of water, while yams grow well in Africa’s warm soil. In Europe, crops like potatoes, carrots, and apples are very common. Each crop needs special care—some need a lot of rain, others need dry weather, and many need rich soil full of nutrients.

Even though some crops come from other parts of the world, they can still be grown in the United States with the right care. Farmers in the U.S. use greenhouses, water systems, and good soil planning to grow bananas, mangoes, tea, and other crops that usually grow in tropical places. With the right tools and knowledge, we can grow many kinds of foods to help feed our communities and learn about plants from all over the world.

Planting Schedule

Fall

Summer

Spring

Cabbage

Carrots

Beans

Kale

Potatoes

Tomatoes

Onions

Mustard Greens

Peppers

Beets

Lettuce

Watermelon

Summer is hot, and plants need more water—but many fruits and vegetables love the sun!

Spring is a good time to plant because the weather is warming up and there's usually plenty of rain.

In fall, the weather starts to cool down again. These crops grow fast and can handle chilly nights.

Crop

Photosynthesis

Parts Of A Plant

Herbs

Flowers

What Is Photosynthesis?

Photosynthesis is how plants make their own food. Plants need three things to do this: sunlight, water, and carbon dioxide (a gas in the air). The plant uses its leaves to catch sunlight and breathe in carbon dioxide. It takes in water through its roots. All of this comes together inside the plant to make a kind of sugar, which is the plant’s food. This process helps the plant grow strong and healthy.

Photosynthesis is also important for people and animals! While plants make food, they also release oxygen into the air—oxygen is what we breathe. That’s why plants are so important to our world. Without photosynthesis, plants wouldn’t grow, and we wouldn’t have the clean air we need to live.

🌿 What Are Herbs?

Herbs are small plants that people use to add flavor to food, stay healthy, and even make medicine. They usually have soft green leaves and can grow in gardens, pots, or even windowsills. Some herbs you may have heard of are basil, mint, oregano, and parsley. Many herbs smell really good, and they are fun and easy to grow!

Herbs are special because they can be used in different ways. Cooks use herbs like rosemary and thyme to make food taste better. People also use herbs like chamomile to make calming tea. In gardens, herbs can help keep away bugs and make the space smell nice. Growing herbs teaches us how plants can help our bodies and make our meals more delicious!

🌸 What Are Flowers?

Flowers are the colorful parts of a plant that help it make seeds. They come in many shapes, sizes, and colors, and they grow on trees, bushes, and garden plants. Flowers are not just pretty—they have an important job! Flowers attract bees, butterflies, and other insects. When these insects visit flowers to drink nectar, they help move pollen from one flower to another. This process is called pollination, and it helps new plants grow.

Flowers are also used by people for many reasons. Some flowers, like roses and tulips, are used to decorate homes and gardens. Others, like lavender and chamomile, have a nice smell and are used in soaps or teas. Flowers can even be part of celebrations, like weddings or birthdays. Flowers are beautiful, but they also play a big part in how plants grow and how we enjoy nature!

🌿 Parts of a Plant

Plants have different parts that each do a special job to help the plant live and grow. The roots grow under the soil. They hold the plant in place and soak up water and nutrients from the ground. The stem stands tall and strong. It carries water and food to the rest of the plant and helps the plant reach sunlight.

The leaves are where the plant makes food through a process called photosynthesis. The flower is the colorful part that helps the plant make seeds. Inside the flower is where pollination happens, and this helps new plants grow. Some plants also grow fruit, which holds the seeds and can be eaten. Each part of the plant works together to keep it healthy and growing!

🌾 What Are Crops?

Crops are plants that people grow to eat, use, or sell. Farmers plant crops in large fields and take care of them so they can grow strong and healthy. Some crops grow in the ground, like carrots and potatoes, while others grow above the ground, like corn, tomatoes, and wheat. Crops are important because they give us food, clothing (like cotton), and even fuel (like corn used to make ethanol).

Different crops grow better in different seasons and places. Some like cool weather, and others need a lot of sun. Farmers must know what kind of soil, water, and care each crop needs. Around the world, people grow crops like rice, bananas, soybeans, and strawberries. Without crops, we wouldn’t have the fruits, vegetables, and grains that are part of our daily meals!

What is water management?

Let's Build A Water System!

💧 Water Management in Irrigation Systems

Farmers and gardeners use different types of irrigation systems to help plants grow by giving them the water they need. Each system works in a special way, depending on the land and the kind of plants being grown.

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Drip Irrigation

Tubes above or below the ground with tiny holes. Water drips out slowly near each plant’s roots. This saves water and helps the plants get just the right amount without wasting any.

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Surface Irrigation

Surface Irrigation can happen in two ways. One way is called furrow irrigation, where water is poured into small trenches between rows of plants. The other way is surge flooding, which releases water at different times instead of all at once. Both methods help cover large areas of land.

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Sprinkler Systems

The system sprays water over the plants like rain. They use pipes connected to the water supply and have sprinkler heads that pop up or stay above ground. Some are even automatic and turn on by themselves to water the lawn or garden.

Directions

Irrigation System

Pipes

Sprinker Head

Valve Box

Water Meter

Shut Off Valve

Water Supply

The Livestock Farm

Can you find all of the animals on the farm?

Directions

Open The Barn

Help the farmer separate the sheep from the goats. Then complete the bar graph.

Directions

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10

Sheep

Goats

What are farming taxes?

Directions

Practice paying taxes

What Are Taxes on a Farm?

When someone owns a farm, they have to pay something called taxes. Taxes are money people give to the government to help pay for schools, roads, and other important things in the community. Farmers pay taxes just like other workers. They may pay taxes on the land they use, the crops they grow, and the money they make from selling food.

Farming is a special job, so farmers sometimes get tax breaks. That means they might not have to pay as much money in taxes. This helps farmers keep growing food for everyone! To get help, farmers keep good records of what they plant, what they sell, and what they spend money on like seeds or equipment.

Directions

Tax Form

Spend What’s Left

Choose what Farmer Jay can buy with the money he has left.

10 Baskets of corn $5 each

10 Baskets of pears $5 each

New seeds ($8)

6 Baskets of Basil $3 each

A wheelbarrow ($12)

3 Baskets of wheat $3 each

Animal feed ($6)

8 Baskets of berries $8 each

A farm hat ($4)

The tax is $75. Subtract this from the total.

How much does Farmer Jay have left?

You’re testing soil near a field. A tractor is nearby spraying chemicals. What should you do to stay safe?

You notice food wasn’t stored at the right temperature. What’s your safety plan for stopping the spread of bacteria?

You're herding cattle into a pen, but one animal seems upset. How do you stay calm and keep everyone safe?

One of the goats seems sick. What safety steps should you take before checking the animal?

You’re building a new greenhouse. What safety measures should be in place for the team helping you?

Veterinarian

Rancher

Food Safety Inspector

Agricultural Engineer

Agronomist

Directions

Calm Cattle, Safe Herding

Safe Soil Testing

Too Warm to Store!

Sick Goat, Safe Hands

Build It Safe

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A machine stopped working in the field. What steps should you take before fixing it?

A farmer wants to spray pesticide, but it’s a windy day. What advice would you give for everyone’s safety?

You’re using new lab equipment to study plant samples. What is your safety plan to avoid spills and mistakes?

You're trimming branches and planting flowers near a bee hive. How do you protect yourself and others?

A storm is coming, and workers are still in the field. What safety steps should you plan for?

Equipment Mechanic

Crop Advisor

Agricultural Technician

Farm Manager

Horticulturist

Buzzing Near the Blooms

Storm Safety Plan

Lab Safety Check

Fix It Safely

Windy Warnings

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Directions

Veterinarian

Farm Manager

Agronomist

Nonprofit VS LLC

Rancher

Food Saftey Inspector

Equipment Mechanic

All About An LLC

All About A Nonprofit

Horticulturist

Crop Advisor

Agricultural Technician

Agricultural Engineer

💡 What is a Nonprofit?

A nonprofit is a special kind of group that helps people, animals, or the planet—not to make money for themselves. The money they get goes right back into helping more! Some nonprofits teach kids how to grow food, take care of animals, or learn about different careers. Instead of selling things for profit, they ask for donations and get help from volunteers.

🌱 Example: "Helping Hands Farm" is a nonprofit that teaches kids how to plant gardens and feed animals. The farm uses money from donations to buy seeds, tools, and food for the animals.

💡 What is an LLC?

An LLC stands for Limited Liability Company. It’s a special kind of business that protects the people who own it. That means if something goes wrong in the business, the owner doesn’t lose all their personal stuff, like their house or toys. Farmers often get an LLC when they start a farm business. It helps them run their farm safely and makes it easier to sell things like vegetables, eggs, or flowers.

. 👩🏽‍🌾 Example: Farmer Jamal started “Green Garden Farms.” He sells strawberries and honey. He created an LLC so he could sell at the market, keep his business money separate from his own money, and stay safe if something went wrong.

Directions

$100

My Budget System

$50

$20

Animal Care: $300

Marketing and Packaging: $50

Crop Supplies: $200

Safety and Maintenance: $50

Water and Irrigation: $150

Savings and Emergency Fund: $150

Farm Equipment $100

1,700

Total Category Budget

Directions

Read About Pest

Birds are stealing seeds from the garden.

Rabbits are munching on garden crops.

Ants are swarming the farm stand.

Deer are coming into the farm at night.

Worms are damaging tree roots.

Tiny bugs are eating vegetable leaves.

Natural pest spray (garlic, soap, and water mix)

Sprinkle safe, natural ant repellent around the area

Install tall fencing or motion-activated lights

Plant companion plants that repel worms (like mint)

Set up a scarecrow

Build a low garden fence around the crops

Pest Problems on the Farm

Farms are full of healthy crops, fruits, and vegetables — but sometimes pests try to take over! Pests are bugs, animals, or insects that can harm plants, steal seeds, or damage the soil. Farmers must protect their crops so they can grow strong and healthy.

Some pests, like caterpillars and beetles, chew on leaves and make it hard for plants to survive. Birds and rabbits might eat seeds or vegetables before the farmer can harvest them. Even tiny insects like ants can cause big problems if they are not controlled.

Farmers use many safe ways to protect their crops. They might build fences to keep animals out, use natural sprays to stop bugs, or even plant special flowers that pests don't like. Farmers must pay close attention every day to keep their crops safe and growing well. Without good pest management, farmers could lose their crops — and the food we need would be harder to find!

Land Ownership

Directions

Inherit Land

Rent Land

Build A Farm

Renting A Farm

Meet Jordan

Should I rent farm land?

Jordan is a young farmer just starting out. Jordan has saved up enough money to either buy a small piece of farmland or rent a larger piece of farmland from a landowner. Buying the land means Jordan can build and grow freely over time—but it will use most of their savings. Renting the land is cheaper for now, but the landowner has strict rules about what Jordan can do, and the lease might not last forever.

Read More

Write an opinion paragraph to help Jordan decide.

• Should Jordan buy the land or rent it?
• Use at least two reasons to support your opinion.
• End with a sentence that clearly tells Jordan what you think they should do and why.

Back

Renting A Farm

Meet Maya

What should I do?

Maya just inherited 2 acres of land from her grandmother. She’s deciding what to do with it. Some people think she should rent it out to another farmer to make money while she finishes school. Others think she should start farming it herself, even if it’s a small start. Maya wants to make a smart choice that honors her family and helps her future.

Read More

Write an opinion paragraph to help Maya decide.

• Should Maya rent the land or start farming it herself?
• Give at least two reasons for your opinion.
• End with a strong sentence that clearly shares your final advice.

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Renting A Farm

Meet Malik

What should I do?

Malik dreams of building his own farm one day. Right now, he doesn't own land, so he’s trying to save money while learning about farming. Malik is trying to decide if he should rent land now to start small or keep saving until he can buy his own land. He knows starting now might give him experience, but owning land could give him more freedom later.

Read More

Write an opinion paragraph to help Malik decide.

• Should Malik rent land to start farming now or save up to buy land later?
• Give at least two reasons for your opinion.
• End with a strong sentence that clearly explains your advice.

Back

What Is Land Ownership?

Land ownership means that a person has legal rights to a piece of land. This means they can decide how the land is used—whether for farming, building, or saving for the future. Owning land is a big responsibility, but it also comes with great rewards.

Freedom to Farm: Landowners can grow crops or raise animals the way they choose. Long-Term Investment: Land can grow in value over time, becoming more valuable. Family Wealth: Owning land can be passed down to children and grandchildren. Control: Landowners don’t have to follow rules set by landlords and can make their own decisions.

Directions

A starter grant to buy seeds, soil, and hand tools for a small vegetable garden.

Loans and grants both provide money to help people start or grow a business, like a farm, but they are very different. A loan must be paid back over time, often with interest, which means you end up paying more than you borrowed. In contrast, a grant is free money that you do not have to pay back, but it usually has specific rules on how it can be used. Grants are often harder to get because they are limited and competitive, while loans are more widely available but create debt. Both are useful tools, but farmers must decide which is best for their goals and situation.

A loan to build a drip irrigation system for 1 acre of crops.

A grant to buy a small greenhouse to extend the growing season.

A business loan to purchase livestock (goats or chickens) and basic housing.

Loan and Grant Amounts

A grant to buy farm equipment such as a compact tractor and plow.

1,000

5,000

7,500

2,500

500

Directions

We are looking for a program connected with agriculture. Can you help us bring agriculture to the classroom?

Veterinarian

Farm Manager

Agronomist

Rancher

Food Saftey Inspector

Equipment Mechanic

Horticulturist

Crop Advisor

Agricultural Technician

Agricultural Engineer

Directions

Smart Tools

Drone

Weather Monitor

Problem 3

Problem 2

Problem 1

Tomatoes are Yellow – Need Nutrients!

Tuesday was 92°F – Too Hot!

A field has 18% soil moisture – Too Dry!

Soil Moisture Sensor

Read About Smart Farms

Smart Feeder

Problem 6

Problem 5

Problem 4

A farmer needs to count and track all of his chickens before it gets dark.

GPS Ear Tag

A cow wandered too far overnight.

The chickens must be monitor how much they’re eating and drinking.

Drip Irrigation System

🌱 What Is a Smart Farm?

A smart farm uses technology to help farmers grow food and take care of animals more easily and more carefully. Instead of doing everything by hand, farmers can use machines, computers, and tools like drones, sensors, and GPS to get important information about their farms.

🧠 Why Are Smart Farms Important?

• Smart farms help farmers:
• Save time and money.

• Use less water and energy.

• Grow more food safely.

• Take better care of animals.

• Protect the Earth by using fewer chemicals and keeping the soil healthy.

As technology keeps growing, smart farms will keep getting smarter! In the future, robots might help with planting, and computers may even help farmers make better choices.

Directions

Aquaponics

Hydroponics

Let's Read

Let's Read

Activity

💧 What Is Hydroponics?

Hydroponics is a way to grow plants without using soil! Instead of planting in dirt, farmers give plants all the nutrients they need through water.

This water is filled with special minerals (called nutrients) that help the plants grow faster and healthier. The roots of the plants sit in water or in something soft like clay balls or sponge, so they still have support—but no soil! There are many kinds of hydroponic systems. Some are simple and used at home, while others are very advanced and used on big farms or inside buildings. But all of them work by sending the right mix of nutrients directly to the roots.

🌿 What Can You Grow? Farmers can grow many types of crops with hydroponics, including: Lettuce Spinach Kale

🐟🌱 What Is Aquaponics?

Aquaponics is a smart farming system that uses fish and plants to help each other grow! In this system, there are tanks with fish and beds with plants. The fish and the plants work together like a team.

🐠 How Does It Work?

1. Fish like tilapia, catfish, or striped bass live in large water tanks.
2. These fish produce waste (like poop and ammonia) in the water.
3. Helpful bacteria turn that waste into a natural fertilizer.
4. The water with the fertilizer is pumped to the plants growing in a special bed (without soil!)
5. The plants use the fertilizer to grow strong and health.
6. The clean water goes back to the fish tank, and the cycle starts again!

Uses fish to provide natural fertilizer.

Can grow crops like lettuce, spinach, and herbs.

Can be done indoors or in small spaces.

Uses a nutrient solution made from minerals.

Easier to set up without needing fish tanks.

Has a cycle involving fish, bacteria, and plants.

Aquaponics

Hydroponics

Similar

Farm To Table

Farm to table is the journey food takes from where it's grown or raised to the plate where it’s eaten. It means food goes from farms to homes, schools, or restaurants with as few stops as possible. On a farm, fruits, vegetables, eggs, milk, and meat are grown or raised. Farmers work hard to keep the food healthy and safe. After that, the food is picked, cleaned, and sometimes cooled or packaged. Then it's sent to places like grocery stores, markets, or kitchens. When food is farm to table, it’s usually fresher, healthier, and helps local farmers. It also means fewer trucks and planes are used, which helps the Earth.

Read More

Read about each step that gets food from the farm to your table. Then, complete the activity by putting the steps in the correct order and matching examples to each part.

Start Activity

Subtitle

Final Product

Farm Source

Processing

This is where the food begins. It could be fruits and vegetables growing in the soil, cows giving milk, or chickens laying eggs. Farmers take care of the plants and animals to make sure they are healthy.

Now the food is ready for people to buy and eat. It is sent to grocery stores, school cafeterias, or restaurants. Some people cook it at home. This is when food reaches your plate!

After food is picked or collected, it often goes to a place where it gets cleaned, packaged, or changed a little to make it ready to eat. This is called processing.

Examples:

• Apples from an orchard
• Milk from a cow

• Eggs from a chicken

Examples:

• A lunchbox with apple slices and a sandwich
• A bowl of cereal made from grains
• A salad made from farm vegetables

Examples:

• Milk is pasteurized (heated to kill germs)
• Apples are washed and packed
• Wheat is turned into flour

Wheat from field

apples from orchard

ground into flour

made into cheese

cut, cleaned, cooked

cooked or canned

bread or pasta

chicken raised

ketchup or salsa

milk from dairy cow

tomato picked

juice or applesauce

washed and sliced

nuggets or strips

heated and cleaned

Directions

Step 2

Step 3

Step 1

Processing

Farm or Source

Let's Eat!

Click each career to critically think of how to solve the drought problem.

There Is A Drought!

Farm Manager

Crop Advisor

Agricultural Engineer

Veterinarian

Agronomist

Agricultural Technician

Farm Equipment Mechanic

Food Safety Inspector

Horticulturist

Rancher

Agricultural Engineer

The farm doesn’t have much water because of the drought. The farmer needs a new way to collect rainwater. Can you help design something that could catch and save water when it rains?

Illustrate

Draw an illustration of a tool or system you would create to help the farm save and collect water during a drought. Use your imagination and think like an engineer!

Write

• How does your invention collect and save water for the farm?
• Why do you think your invention will help the animals or plants during a drought?

Read About Drought

Veterinarian

The heat is making the animals tired and sick. They need shade and fresh water to stay healthy. Can you come up with a plan to check on the animals and help them stay cool?

Illustrate

Draw a healthy way to give animals water when it’s very hot.

Write

• How can you make sure animals don’t get too hot or thirsty?
• What signs might show an animal is too hot or sick from the heat?

Read About Drought

Rancher

The animals are getting really thirsty because the pond dried up. The rancher needs a new way to make sure the cows, goats, and chickens have water. Can you think of a safe and smart way to bring water to the animals?

Illustrate

Draw a way to keep animals cool and hydrated during a drought.

Write

• What will you do to make sure the animals get enough water?
• How does your plan help the animals stay healthy?

Read About Drought

Horticulturist

The garden plants are wilting in the hot sun. There hasn’t been any rain, and the soil is dry. Can you think of a way to help the plants stay cool and keep some water, like using shade cloth or mulch?

Illustrate

Show how to protect garden plants from the hot sun and dry soil.

Write

• What can you use to help the plants stay cool and moist?
• How will your idea help the plants grow even in a drought?

Read About Drought

Food Safety Inspector

During the drought, water is being saved and used less. But that means the machines and tools used to make food might not be cleaned as well. Can you make a checklist to help keep the food safe and clean?

Illustrate

Draw a checklist of things to look for when food is made during a drought.

Write

• How can a drought change how food is grown or made?
• What safety rules would you check during a drought?

Read About Drought

Agricultural Technician

The farmer isn’t sure if the soil is too dry for planting. Can you use a tool (real or made-up!) to check the moisture in the soil and help decide if it's time to water or wait?

Illustrate

Create a tool that tests how much water is in the soil.

Write

• Why is it helpful to test the soil during a drought?
• How can your tool help farmers know when to water?

Read About Drought

The irrigation machine that waters the crops isn’t working right during the drought. Can you figure out what’s broken and how to fix it, or build a new tool that uses less water?

Equipment Mechanic

Illustrate

Show how you would fix or build a machine that helps save water.

Write

• What part of the machine helps with water?
• How can fixing machines help farmers during a drought?

Read About Drought

Some of the plants on the farm are not growing well. The leaves are turning yellow, and the soil feels dry and crumbly. The farmer wants to know if the soil is missing something. Can you help test the soil and add something—like compost, banana peels, or eggshells—to make it healthy again?

Agronomist

Illustrate

Draw the farm with dry soil and sad-looking plants. Then, draw yourself testing the soil and helping the farmer add things to make it healthy again.

Write

• Why is it important for soil to stay healthy during a drought?
• What kind of soil or care do these plants need?

Read About Drought

Farm Manager

The farm is facing a drought, and water is limited. A local grocery store just placed a large order for vegetables and chicken. But the plants are drying out, and the chickens need water too! Can you help the farm manager figure out how to use the water wisely and still try to fill the order?

Illustrate

Draw the farm showing the plants, animals, and the order request. Show how you would use the water to help both the crops and the chickens during the drought.

Write

• How would you help the farm manager decide where to use the water first?
• What could the farm do to get through the drought and still help the grocery store?

Read About Drought

Crop Advisor

The farm has little water left, but the farmer still wants to grow something. Can you suggest crops that don’t need much water and still grow well, like beans or sunflowers?

Illustrate

Draw a plan showing which crops to grow that don’t need much water.

Write

• Which plants use less water but still grow well?
• Why is it a good idea to plant those crops during a drought?

Read About Drought

💧 What Is a Drought?

A drought happens when there is very little or no rain for a long time. When there isn’t enough water, the land gets dry, and plants and animals can’t grow or stay healthy. This can be a big problem for farms.

How Does a Drought Affect Farms?

• Plants don’t grow well without water.
• Animals like cows, chickens, and goats need water to drink and stay cool.
• Farmers may lose crops or animals if the drought lasts too long.

Droughts don’t just hurt farms—they can affect the food we eat, the water we drink, and even how healthy our environment is. That’s why learning about drought and finding smart ways to save water is so important!

Read about organic and GMO. Think about which way you would like to plant.

Food Labels

VS

VS

Organic

GMO

Organic Crops

Pros

Cons

• Grown without chemicals or science changes
• Healthier for the environment
• Some people believe they are better for health

• More expensive to buy
• Takes longer to grow
• Needs more care and space to grow

Organic crops are grown naturally, without man-made chemicals or changes to their DNA. They are better for the earth, but they can take longer to grow and may cost more in stores.

When you shop for fruits and vegetables, check the little PLU (Price Look-Up) stickers. They have a number code that tells you how the crop was grown

94011

94000 = Organic

GMO Crops

Genetically Modified

Pros

Cons

• Grows faster and resists bugs and bad weather
• Often cheaper in stores
• Can help feed more people

• DNA is changed in a lab
• May harm helpful bugs or the soil
• Not always labeled clearly

GMO (genetically modified organisms) crops have their DNA changed in a lab to help them grow better, fight off bugs, or survive without a lot of water. These crops are helpful for growing more food quickly.

When you shop for fruits and vegetables, check the little PLU (Price Look-Up) stickers. They have a number code that tells you how the crop was grown.

84011

84000 = GMO

The Farmer's Market

A farmer’s market is a special place where local farmers, ranchers, and gardeners sell fresh fruits, vegetables, eggs, meat, flowers, and handmade goods directly to people in their community. Unlike grocery stores, the food at a farmer’s market is often picked just hours before being sold, making it fresher and healthier. These markets support local businesses, reduce pollution from food transportation, and give families a chance to learn where their food comes from. By shopping at a farmer’s market, people help their local economy and enjoy fresh, seasonal food.

Directions

Agronomist

Agricultural Engineer

Horticulturist

Veterinarian

Food Saftey Inspector

Farm Manager

Equipment Mechanic

Agricultural Technician

Crop Advisor

Rancher

Renewable Energy

Directions

Farmers are using renewable energy to power their land and protect the planet. Renewable energy comes from natural sources like sunlight, wind, water, and the Earth’s heat. These sources don’t run out and don’t pollute the air like fossil fuels do. Farmers use solar panels to capture sunlight, wind turbines to turn wind into electricity, and biomass systems that turn animal waste or leftover crops into energy. Some also use hydroelectric power from moving water or geothermal energy from underground heat to run their equipment and heat their buildings. By using renewable energy, farmers save money and improve health in their communities. Although the equipment may cost a lot at first, it lowers monthly energy bills and doesn’t depend on expensive fuel. Clean energy also reduces air pollution, which means better breathing for people and animals. It helps fight climate change by keeping harmful gases out of the air. When farmers use renewable energy, they’re not just growing food—they’re helping save the world.

Wind Turbines

Solar Panels

Biomass

Hydroelectic

Geothermal

Let's Practice

Click and drag the vocabulary words to the correct sentence.

Biomass

Hydroelectric

We need a way to power a greenhouse near a river. What clean energy source can we use from the moving water?”

My farm needs a clean way to power my barn and tools without using gas. There’s a lot of sunlight here!

Geothermal

Solar Power

I want to use energy from corn stalks and old plants left in the field. How can I turn this into power?

My animal clinic is in a windy area. I want clean power for the equipment.

Wind Turbine

Our farm is near a volcano, and we’ve heard we could use the Earth’s heat for power. What energy is that?

Final Task

Click each career complete the final task of the industry agriculture.

Farm Manager

Crop Advisor

Agricultural Engineer

Veterinarian

Agronomist

Agricultural Technician

Farm Equipment Mechanic

Food Safety Inspector

Horticulturist

Rancher

Urban Development

Agricultural engineers are problem-solvers who design machines, buildings, and systems to help farms run better. When land is taken away to build houses or stores, engineers help find new ways to grow food in smaller places. They might design a rooftop garden, vertical farm, or even water systems that use less space. They help farmers continue working even when land is limited by making tools and technology that fit into tight spaces.

Agricultural Engineer

A company wants to build a shopping mall on the farm’s land. Can you design something that helps the farm take up less space but still grow lots of food?

Artifact Design

Final Task

Design a space-saving machine or smart system (like vertical farming or rooftop farming) to help the farmer grow crops in smaller areas.

Draw your machine or system. Label the parts and explain how it helps save farm space.

Urban Development

Veterinarians help keep farm animals healthy by giving them checkups, medicine, and care when they’re sick. When farms lose land to city buildings, animals can get stressed from loud noises or crowded conditions. Vets make sure animals are still healthy and help farmers create calm, clean spaces. They also teach farmers how to care for animals in smaller areas and prevent sickness from spreading in close spaces.

Veterinarian

Animals are now closer to noisy roads and busy neighborhoods, and some are getting scared or sick.

Artifact Design

Final Task

Design an animal wellness barn and write a short guide on how it helps the animals stay healthy.

Create a calm and safe space for farm animals in a smaller area.

Urban Development

Ranchers raise animals like cows, pigs, sheep, and chickens. These animals need plenty of land to live, eat, and move around. When land is taken away for buildings, ranchers must figure out new ways to care for their animals. They might build shelters, rotate pastures more often, or raise fewer animals. Ranchers work hard to make sure animals stay healthy and happy, even when they have less room to roam.

Rancher

Open fields where animals used to graze are being turned into parking lots.

Artifact Design

Final Task

Make a new plan for raising animals when space is small (like rotating pastures or rooftop coops).

Draw your small-space animal area and write about how it keeps animals healthy.

Urban Development

Horticulturists are experts at growing fruits, vegetables, flowers, and plants in creative ways. They often work with small gardens or greenhouses. When land is lost to buildings, they help people grow food in cities—on rooftops, in windows, and even inside buildings. Horticulturists know how to take care of plants in small spaces and teach others how to grow healthy food without big farms. They keep fresh food growing close to where people live.

Horticulturist

A city is replacing gardens and farmland with buildings. Can you create a rooftop garden or community greenhouse plan?

Artifact Design

Final Task

Design a garden that can grow in a city space, like a rooftop or balcony.

Draw your garden and list the plants. Write a few sentences on how your garden helps feed people in the city.

Urban Development

Food safety inspectors make sure the food we eat is clean and safe. They visit farms, factories, and stores to check that food is handled the right way. When farms get smaller or have to change how they grow food because of land loss, inspectors still make sure everything is safe. They help farmers follow the rules and teach them how to keep food fresh even in new, smaller places. Their job protects everyone who eats farm-grown food.

Food Safety Inspector

With less land, food might be stored in smaller or less-safe areas.

Artifact Design

Final Task

Create a food safety checklist to make sure food stays fresh and clean in city farm spaces.

Design a safety poster with 4–5 rules and write why they are important.

Urban Development

Agricultural technicians use tools like sensors and computers to collect data about farms. They check how healthy the soil is, how crops are growing, and how animals are doing. If part of a farm is taken for a shopping center or houses, technicians use their information to help farmers understand how much land they have left and how to use it wisely. Their data can even show why protecting farmland is important for the environment and the food we eat.

Agricultural Technician

The farmer needs data to show how important the land is before it gets sold.

Artifact Design

Final Task

Make a diagram of your sensor system. Write how the data could help save the land.

Build a smart sensor system that tracks how much food the land grows in a year.

Urban Development

Farm equipment mechanics fix and build machines that help with planting, harvesting, and caring for animals. Big machines like tractors don’t always fit when farms get smaller. Mechanics come up with new ideas and tools that work better in tighter spaces. They help farmers by keeping machines running smoothly and building smaller tools that still do big jobs. Their work makes farming possible, even in changing environments.

Equipment Mechanic

Big tractors don’t fit on small urban farms.

Artifact Design

Final Task

Invent a small, helpful tool that fits in tight farm spaces but still gets the job done.

Draw your mini-machine and label its parts. Write a few sentences on how it works.

Urban Development

Agronomists are scientists who study soil and plants. They help farmers understand what the land needs to grow healthy crops. If farmland is taken for new buildings, agronomists help farmers get the most out of the space they have left. They might recommend using better seeds, planting in new ways, or adding nutrients to help crops grow stronger in smaller areas. Their work helps protect soil and grow more food using less space.

Agronomist

There's less farmland, and the soil left behind needs to be used very carefully.

Artifact Design

Final Task

Help the farmer decide what crops grow best in small areas with strong soil.

Draw your soil-smart crop plan and write how you picked those crops.

Urban Development

Farm managers are in charge of making sure everything runs smoothly on a farm. They decide what crops to plant, how to care for animals, and how to use the land. When part of the farm is sold or used to build roads or buildings, farm managers must quickly figure out how to grow the same amount of food with less land. They might change their plans, grow different crops, or raise animals in a smaller area. They make tough decisions to keep the farm working well.

Farm Manager

The farm is losing part of its land to new roads and buildings. You must figure out how to manage with less space.

Artifact Design

Final Task

Create a plan to show how you would still grow crops or raise animals using only half the land.

Make a map of your smaller farm and write a paragraph explaining your farm choices.

Urban Development

Crop advisors help farmers decide what crops to grow and how to grow them best. When farmland is lost to new neighborhoods or streets, crop advisors look at what’s left and help farmers pick crops that grow well in small spaces. They also give tips on watering, planting, and keeping pests away. Crop advisors help farms stay strong even when they don’t have as much land as before.

Crop Advisor

Some farmers don’t know what crops to grow with less land or closer to the city.

Artifact Design

Final Task

Make a “Smart City Crop Guide” and explain your crop choices.

Choose 3–4 crops that grow well in smaller spaces and can help feed the city.

Leaving Your

Legacy

Click on the different options to leave your agriculture legacy!

A Farewell Speech

A Community Impact Plan

A Leadership Plaque

Next

Click send before clicking next.

Next

Next

Next

Next

Click send before clicking next.

Next

Click send before clicking next.

Next

Education & Schools

Food To Table

Grant & Funding

Smart Farming

Hydroponics Aquaponics

Land Ownership

Farmer's Market Media

Pest Control

Food Labels

Community Chest

Renewable Energy

Budgeting

Challenge

Agriculture

Business Licenses

Urban Development

Public Safety

A Farm UNIT

Taxes

Legacy

Community Chest

Start Here

Livestock

Farming

Soil Science

Farming Roles

Farming Duties

Water Management

Crops

Farming Equipment

You and your group are walking near the edge of the pasture when you see a warning sign for an electric fence.

• What does the sign mean?
• How should you act around electric fences?

Farm Equipment Mechanic

Diagnostic Computer

This machine helps mechanics find out what’s wrong with big farm equipment like tractors. It’s like a check-up for machines!

Mr. Kim gives advice to farmers and charges for his work so they can grow better crops and earn more money.

Should he start a nonprofit or an LLC?

You’re helping plant seeds, but your friend forgot their gardening gloves.

• What would you say or do? Why are gloves important when working with soil?

Rancher

Tractor & Bale Spear

A bale spear is a strong fork that attaches to a tractor. It helps ranchers pick up big hay bales and move them easily. Hay is food for animals like cows and horses. A tractor is a big machine used to pull heavy loads and work the land. Ranchers use tractors to carry feed, clean animal pens, or pull tools that help care for large pastures.

Veternarian

What would you call this after school program?

Questions

1. What kind of farm animals will this program focus on helping or learning about?
2. What will students learn about keeping animals healthy, safe, and clean?
3. Make a list of materials you will need for this program to be successful.

Create a plaque honoring yourself as a leader in agriculture.

Avocados

Green fruits with a creamy inside; used to make guacamole and packed with healthy fats.

Cassava (Yuca)

A starchy root vegetable cooked like potatoes and used to make flour.

🌍 Directions: Crops Around the World Map Activity

1. Move the name of each continent to the correct spot on the world map. 2. Click on each dot on the map to read and learn about the crops that come from that continent.

Directions

1. Read the informational text about the Farmer’s Market to learn what it is and why it’s important to the community.
2. Pick one agriculture career from the list (like veterinarian, farm manager, agricultural engineer, crop advisor, etc.).
3. Imagine you are running a booth at the Farmer’s Market for that career.
4. Read the reporter’s interview questions for your chosen career.
5. Answer each question using what you’ve learned. Think about:
1. What service or product would your booth offer?
2. How does your job help farmers or the community?

Agronomist Booth

Reporter“What crops are you helping farmers grow better, and how are you sharing that at your booth?” Reporter “Can visitors try planting something or learn a new growing tip today?”

Shut-Off Valve

Sentence

Stops the water from flowing through the system. After watering, the farmer turns the shut-off valve to stop the water.

Example

Directions

1. Click on each animal to learn how it is cared for and how it helps on the farm.
2. Then, click on the barn to complete the activity of separating the goats and sheep.

Pigs

What They Do

Pigs are raised on farms for their meat, like bacon, ham, and pork.

Care

Farmers give pigs clean food and water, safe pens to live in, and mud or shade to keep them cool.

Macadamia Nuts

Grown in drier parts and used in hummus and cooking

Cocoa Bean

Cocoa beans, the source of chocolate, grow on trees in hot, humid, tropical regions.

Goat

What They Do

Goats give milk, cheese, and meat. They also help clean up weeds by eating them.

Care

Farmers give goats places to climb, healthy food, clean water, and shelter from the rain and cold.

Create a simple plan showing how you would solve one agricultural issue in the community.

Peppers

Come in many colors like red, green, and yellow; can be sweet or spicy and are used in lots of recipes.

Agricultural Engineer

What would you call this after school program?

Questions

1. What system will your program build to help the school garden?
2. How will students use math, measurement, or design in your program?
3. Make a list of materials you will need for this program to be successful.

Horticulturist

What would you call this after school program?

Questions

1. What types of plants or gardens will this program grow (flowers, fruits, or herbs)?
2. How will students learn about plant care, planting seasons, and designing gardens?
3. Make a list of materials you will need for this program to be successful.

Food Saftey Inspector Booth

Reporter“You’re not selling food, but helping others keep it safe. What will people learn from your booth?” Reporter “Can you explain why it’s important to keep food clean from farm to table?”

Strawberries

Red, sweet berries that grow on small plants close to the ground.

Crop Advisor Booth

Reporter“You’re the crop expert! Are you giving advice to farmers here at the market?” Reporter “Can you show how to pick the best crops to grow in each season?”

Equipment Mechanic Booth

Reporter“Do you have farm tools or machines on display today?” Reporter “What happens if a farmer’s machine breaks—can you help them fix it here?”

Directions

1. Read and analyze the tax form.
2. Complete the math task to show your understanding of how taxes work on the farm.

Cows

What They Do

Cows give us milk, cheese, and meat. Their manure is also used to help crops grow.

Care

Farmers milk cows every day, feed them hay and grains, and check their health often.

Directions

1. Click and read the informational texts about Aquaponics and Hydroponics carefully.
2. After reading,click Activity.
3. Click and drag the statements into the correct category on the chart:
1. Aquaponics
2. Hydroponics
3. Both (if the statement applies to both systems)
4. Make sure each detail is placed where it belongs to show what’s similar and what’s different.
5. When you're done, review your answers and be ready to share one fact you found interesting!

Agronomist

What would you call this after school program?

Questions

1. What will this program teach students about soil health and growing strong crops?
2. How will students test soil and observe how different crops grow?
3. Make a list of materials you will need for this program to be successful.

Goat

What They Do

Goats give milk, cheese, and meat. They also help clean up weeds by eating them.

Care

Farmers give goats places to climb, healthy food, clean water, and shelter from the rain and cold.

Bananas

A soft, yellow fruit grown in warm island climates and shipped worldwide.

Directions

1. Click and drag the money to place the appropriate funding in each category box.

Make sure the total spending does not go over the $1,700 budget. Decide where to place the remaining $700 by thinking about what the farm or business needs most. Review your choices and be ready to explain your decisions.

Sprinkler Head

Sentence

Sprays water evenly over the plants like rain. The sprinkler head sprays the strawberry patch every morning so the plants don’t dry out.

Example

Goat

What They Do

Goats give milk, cheese, and meat. They also help clean up weeds by eating them.

Care

Farmers give goats places to climb, healthy food, clean water, and shelter from the rain and cold.

Mangoes

A sweet tropical fruit that grows on trees and has orange flesh inside.

Soybeans

Small round beans used to make tofu, milk, and many foods we eat every day.

🛠️ Student Directions: Build an Irrigation System

1. Read about each part of the irrigation system and learn how it helps water the crops.
2. Click and drag the parts at the top of your screen to build an underground irrigation system for the farmer.
3. Make sure your system connects from the water supply to the sprinkler heads so all crops get watered!

Drone

A flying camera that helps farmers see their whole farm from the sky. It checks crop health, spots weeds, and watches animals.

Pipes

Sentence

Carries water from the main line to the sprinkler heads. The pipes move water across the field to water rows of lettuce.

Example

Goat

What They Do

Goats give milk, cheese, and meat. They also help clean up weeds by eating them.

Care

Farmers give goats places to climb, healthy food, clean water, and shelter from the rain and cold.

Dr. Lee wants to open a free animal care clinic for farm animals owned by families who can’t afford a vet.

Should Dr. Lee start a nonprofit or an LLC?

Mr. Johnson designs water systems and machines that help farmers grow crops faster and wants to sell his designs to farms.

Should he start a nonprofit or an LLC?

Guano (Bird Poop Soil)

• Comes from bird or bat poop
• Full of natural nutrients like nitrogen
• Often added to gardens to help plants grow faster and stronger

Guano is full of nutrients and helps plants grow fast. It’s great for fruits like bananas and tomatoes.

What are the benefits of using natural fertilizer instead of chemicals?

Okra

A green veggie with seeds inside; it’s often cooked in soups and stews.

Soil Moisture Sensor

This sensor goes in the ground and measures how wet or dry the soil is. It helps farmers know when to water the crops.

Chickpeas

Grown in drier parts and used in hummus and cooking

Drip Irrigation System

A watering system that drips water slowly near each plant's roots to save water and keep plants healthy.

Directions

1. Click and read about farming taxes.
2. Click and begin activity on paying taxes.

Ms. Rivers teaches children in the city how soil works and helps them grow vegetables at school gardens.

Should Ms. Rivers start a nonprofit or an LLC?

A curious goat is trying to nibble your backpack while you’re walking by.

• What’s the safe way to behave around animals on a farm?

Police Commissioners

Role in Public Safety Plan:

• Makes sure police officers treat all people fairly.
• Helps create policies for officers to follow.
• Works with the community to solve safety problems.

📝 Directions: Exploring Soil Types

1. Read the short text about why soil is important for plants.
2. Click on each type of soil to learn what it looks like, how it feels, and what plants grow best in it.
3. Think about how different soils help plants grow in different ways.
4. Share which soil you would choose for your garden and why!

Farmer

What would you call this after school program?

Questions

1. What can the students grow at school that’s healthy and fun to take care of?
2. How will they water and take care of the garden when school isn’t in session?
3. Make a list of materials you will need for this program to be successful.

Food Safety Inspector

Temperature Gun

A temperature gun checks how warm or cold food or machines are. Food safety inspectors use it to make sure food is safe to eat and stored at the right temperature.

Agricultural Engineer

Irrigation Pipes

These tools bring water to crops. Pipes carry the water, and timers turn it on and off so plants get just the right amount.

Ms. Green gives free plants and flowers to schools and teaches students about plant care.

Should she start a nonprofit or an LLC?

Sugarcane

A tall grass that makes sugar and is used to make Caribbean drinks like rum.

Mr. Dean travels to farms to help farmers grow clean, safe food, and he charges them for his service.

Should Mr. Dean start a nonprofit or an LLC?

Veterinarian Booth

Reporter“I see animals on your poster—can you tell us how your booth helps farm animals stay healthy?” Reporter “What kind of services do you offer to farmers who visit the market?”

Directions

1. Look at the farm layout with the different spaces.
2. Analyze the chart to see how much space each crop needs.
3. Click and drag each crop to the best space where it will grow the most, based on its space needs.
4. Think about why each crop needs that space.

Goat

What They Do

Goats give milk, cheese, and meat. They also help clean up weeds by eating them.

Care

Farmers give goats places to climb, healthy food, clean water, and shelter from the rain and cold.

Rancher Booth

Reporter“Are you selling any special meats or animal products today?” Reporter “How do you take care of your animals in a way that keeps food safe and healthy?”

Onions

A bulb vegetable with a strong smell, used to add flavor to food.

Coconuts

Grown on palm trees; used for water, milk, and oil.

There’s a spilled water bucket near the barn door and it’s getting slippery.

• What would you do to keep everyone safe?

Ms. Joy raises cattle and sells meat to grocery stores.

Should she start a nonprofit or an LLC?

Millet

A small, round grain that grows well in dry areas; often made into porridge.

It’s hot outside and your group has been working in the garden. A few farmers looks tired and is sweating a lot.

• What would you do to make sure your friend is okay?

Farm Safety Challenge – Directions

1. Click on each farm safety problem.
2. Think carefully and come up with a smart solution to keep everyone safe!

Tea

Leaves from a plant that are dried and used to make a warm drink.

Goat

What They Do

Goats give milk, cheese, and meat. They also help clean up weeds by eating them.

Care

Farmers give goats places to climb, healthy food, clean water, and shelter from the rain and cold.

Agricultural Technician

What would you call this after school program?

Questions

1. What experiments or tests can your program include about crops or animal health?
2. How will students learn to record and use data from plants or animals?
3. Make a list of materials you will need for this program to be successful.

Directions

1. Click and drag the sheep and goats to help the farmer separate them into two groups.
2. Count how many sheep and how many goats you have.
3. Complete the bar graph to show how many sheep and goats you sorted. Use different colors for each animal!

Challenges

When you land on complete the challenges to see what you know about the local government!

Water Meter

Sentence

Measures how much water is being used. The meter helps the farmer keep track of how much water the carrots are getting each week.

Example

Plantains

Like bananas, but not as sweet; they’re usually cooked before eating.

Smart Feeder

A machine that gives the right amount of food to each animal at the right time, even when the farmer is away.

Yams

Big root vegetables that look like sweet potatoes and are eaten in many African meals.

Water Supply

Sentence

The source of water for the system, like a well or city water line. The farm gets water supply from a nearby well to feed all the crops through the irrigation system.

Example

Rice

Tiny white or brown grains that are cooked and eaten with many meals in Asia.

Directions: Match the Career to the Equipment!

1. Click the roles below and drag them to match the name of each agriculture career to the farming equipment it uses.
2. Read the short description to learn how that job uses the tool on the farm.
3. Think about why each tool is important for that job!

Goat

What They Do

Goats give milk, cheese, and meat. They also help clean up weeds by eating them.

Care

Farmers give goats places to climb, healthy food, clean water, and shelter from the rain and cold.

Goat

What They Do

Goats give milk, cheese, and meat. They also help clean up weeds by eating them.

Care

Farmers give goats places to climb, healthy food, clean water, and shelter from the rain and cold.

Hydroelectric Power

Hydroelectric power uses moving water—like rivers or dams—to spin big machines called turbines. This turns water’s energy into electricity. It’s clean and powerful!

👩🏽‍🌾 Student Directions: Nonprofit or LLC?

1. Read each farming career scenario carefully.
2. Think about the farmer’s goal: Are they trying to help people for free, or are they starting a business to earn money?
3. Decide: Should the person create a Nonprofit or an LLC?
4. Write your answer and explain why in one or two sentences.

💡 Tip: Nonprofits help people or the community. LLCs are businesses that sell something or make money.

Directions

1. Read the informational text about Loans vs. Grants to understand how each one works.
2. Click and drag the dollar amount to match the correct description of what the farmer needs the loan for (like equipment, animals, or seeds).
3. Practice writing a short loan request explaining why the farmer needs the money, how much they are asking for, and how they plan to use it. Be persuasive and clear!

Agricultural Technician Booth

Reporter “What cool tools or technology are you showing at your table?” Reporter “How do you test soil or plants, and why does that matter for the food we eat?”

Community Awareness

When you land on complete the task.

Clay Soil

• Sticky when wet, hard when dry
• Holds water well
• Tough for roots to move through

Clay soil is heavy and holds a lot of water. It’s hard for roots to move, but broccoli and cabbage grow well in it.

How can farmers loosen clay soil to help other plants grow?

Farm Manager Booth

Reporter “It sounds like you manage a whole team! What are you selling from your farm today?” Reporter “How do you make sure your farm runs smoothly and your booth has enough food for everyone?”

Rancher

What would you call this after school program?

Questions

1. How will students learn to care for animals like cows, goats, or sheep in this program?
2. What skills will they practice to understand what it takes to manage a ranch?
3. Make a list of materials you will need for this program to be successful.

Goat

What They Do

Goats give milk, cheese, and meat. They also help clean up weeds by eating them.

Care

Farmers give goats places to climb, healthy food, clean water, and shelter from the rain and cold.

You see a tractor moving across the field and your friend starts running toward it to wave.

• What should you do?
• Why is it important to stay away from moving equipment?

You notice a gate to the animal pen is open and animals might get out.

• What steps should you take to stay safe and help the animals?

Directions

1. Click on each career and read the scenario.
2. Critically think of how to solve the public safety problem.

Mr. Lopez repairs broken tractors and farm tools for a free for farmer who were denied a loan.

Should he start a nonprofit or an LLC?

Tomatoes

Red and juicy fruit often used in sauces, salads, and pizza.

Horticulturist

Hand Tiller

A hand tiller breaks up the soil so it’s soft and ready for seeds. It helps make planting easier and faster.

Write and deliver a short farewell speech on your journey in the agriculture career.

Chickens

What They Do

Chickens lay eggs and provide meat. They also eat bugs and help the soil.

Care

Farmers give chickens food, water, safe coops to sleep in, and protect them from predators.

Farm Manager

Management Software

This is a computer program that helps farm managers keep track of crops, animals, equipment, and workers. It shows schedules, tasks, and even the weather! Farm managers use it to plan farm work and make sure everything runs smoothly.

Valve Box

Sentence

Holds the device that control the flow of water. The farmer opens the valve box to turn on water for the tomato section only.

Example

Goat

What They Do

Goats give milk, cheese, and meat. They also help clean up weeds by eating them.

Care

Farmers give goats places to climb, healthy food, clean water, and shelter from the rain and cold.

Coffee

Grows in places like Ethiopia; the beans are roasted to make coffee drinks.

Veterinarian

Animal Scale

An animal scale is used to weigh farm animals like cows or pigs. Farmers and vets use it to check if the animal is healthy or growing. A good weight means the animal is getting the right food and care.

Horticulturist Booth

Reporter “Wow, so many beautiful plants! Are these flowers, herbs, or vegetables?” Reporter “How can people at the market grow plants like these at home?”

Goat

What They Do

Goats give milk, cheese, and meat. They also help clean up weeds by eating them.

Care

Farmers give goats places to climb, healthy food, clean water, and shelter from the rain and cold.

Directions

Click on each description. Then, drag and drop it into the correct category: Food Source, Processing, or Ready to Eat. Organize the steps to show how food travels from the farm to your table!

Ginger

A spicy root used in cooking and for making tea.

Directions

1. Read the informational text about smart farms to learn how technology helps farmers care for their crops and animals.
2. Look at each farm problem card. Read the problem carefully and think about what the farmer needs help with.
3. Click and drag the smart device (like a drone, sensor, GPS, or robot) that you believe can solve the problem on the smart farm.
4. Check your answers by explaining how your chosen tool helps the farm. Be ready to share your thinking!

Community Garden

1 .

Read and understand how peas grow.

Click and drag the peas into the raised garden bed.

2 .

Use the ruler to place the seeds 2 inches apart.

3 .

4 .

Create a Math Problem representing the rows in the garden bed. -Addition/Multiplication Problem

5 .

Share Your Visual and Math Description

• Show your visual representation of the garden bed with the pea seeds placed 2 inches apart.

• Present the math problem based on your garden’s organization.

• Share how many peas will be available to the community once the plants are harvested.

• Explain your thought process for creating the math problem and how the seed organization relates to the total number of peas.

Crop Advisor

Drone

A drone is a flying robot with a camera. Crop advisors use it to take pictures of fields from above and spot any problems with the crops.

Pineapples

Juicy tropical fruit with a spiky top, loved around the world.

Horse

What They Do

Horses help with chores on the farm, like pulling wagons and carrying supplies.

Care

Farmers brush their coats, clean their hooves, feed them hay, and take them for regular exercise.

Directions

1. Read each pest problem.
2. Drag the correct solution next to the matching problem.
3. After matching, pick one solution you would use on your farm and explain why!

Peanuts (Groundnuts)

Grow underground and are used to make peanut stew or peanut butter.

Mr. Carter wants to open a business that helps other farmers grow more crops and make money from their farms.

Should Mr. Carter start a nonprofit or an LLC?

Directions

1. Read the Informational Text on Renewable Energy
2. After reading, click on each type of renewable energy (solar, wind, biomass, hydroelectric, geothermal) to learn more about how each one works and how it's used in agriculture.
3. Click Let's Practice
4. Next, you will see scenarios with problems on a farm (like needing energy for irrigation or heating a barn).
5. Click and drag the type of renewable energy you think best solves each problem.

Silt Soil

• Soft and smooth
• Holds water better than sand
• Good for growing some crops

Silty soil feels soft and smooth. It keeps water well and is good for crops like corn and squash.

Why do you think silt is better for farming than sand?

Equipment Mechanic

What would you call this after school program?

Questions

1. What tools or machines will students explore in your program?
2. How will they learn to build, fix, or understand how machines help farmers?
3. Make a list of materials you will need for this program to be successful.

Compost Soil

• Made from old food scraps, leaves, and grass
• Smells earthy and helps hold water
• Adds vitamins to the soil for healthy plants

Compost soil is made from old food and plants. It’s perfect for herbs, spinach, and flowers.

How could you start a compost pile at school or at home?

Public Defender

Role in Public Safety Plan:

• Helps people who can’t afford a lawyer get fair treatment in court.
• Works to make sure laws are fair and don’t harm certain groups of people.
• Helps prevent unfair punishments for small mistakes.

GPS Ear Tag

A small device worn by animals that tracks where they are. Farmers use it to keep animals safe and know if they are sick or lost.

Public Works

Role in Public Safety Plan:

• Makes sure roads, sidewalks, and traffic lights are safe.
• Helps prepare the city for floods, storms, or other natural disasters.
• Works on making safer places for kids to walk and bike.

Corn

A tall plant with yellow kernels on a cob; used for food, animal feed, and popcorn!

Solar Panels

Solar energy uses the power of the sun. Solar panels collect sunlight and turn it into electricity. These panels can be placed on roofs, in yards, or even on cars.

Directions

1. Read the Informational Text
2. Start by reading about land ownership. Pay attention to the benefits and challenges of owning land.
3. Explore Real-Life Scenarios:
1. Read about three young farmers:
1. Jordan who is deciding between renting or owning.
2. Maya who inherited 2 acres from her grandmother.
3. Malik who wants to build a farm but needs to save money.
4. Critical Thinking Writing Prompt:
1. Choose one character (Jordan, Maya, or Malik).
2. Write a short opinion piece (5–7 sentences) answering: "What should they do with their land situation and why?"
3. Use evidence from the informational text to support your opinion.

Horticulturist Booth

Reporter “Wow, so many beautiful plants! Are these flowers, herbs, or vegetables?” Reporter “How can people at the market grow plants like these at home?”

Baobab Fruit

Grows on the big baobab tree; it’s full of vitamin C and used in drinks or snacks.

Food Saftey Inspector

What would you call this after school program?

Questions

1. How will this program teach students about keeping food safe and clean?
2. What activities will help them understand how food travels from farms to their plates safely?
3. Make a list of materials you will need for this program to be successful.

Agricultural Engineer Booth

Reporter“Hello! I see some cool models and tools at your booth. Can you tell us what you’ve made and how it helps farmers?”Reporter “Farmers are really struggling with water during this drought. Does your invention help save water or collect rain? How?”

Sandy Soil

• Dry and gritty
• Water runs through quickly
• Not many nutrients

Sandy soil is dry and gritty. It drains water quickly. Carrots and lettuce can grow here, but it needs help holding water.

What could you add to sandy soil to help plants grow better?

Weather Monitor

A tool that checks temperature, rain, wind, and sunlight so farmers can decide the best time to plant, water, or harvest.

Agronomist

Soil Probe

A soil probe is a tool used to collect soil from the ground. Agronomists use it to check if the soil is healthy and ready to grow plants. Good soil helps seeds grow into strong crops.

Directions

1. Read through the list of agriculture careers. Think about what each person does in their job.
2. Plan Your Program:
1. Use the two questions provided to guide your thinking:
1. What will your program teach students?
2. How will students learn and participate?
3. Name Your Program:
1. Create a name that fits your program and the career focus.
4. Write Your Plan:

1. Describe your program in a few sentences. Include:

Directions

1. Read the informational text about the Farmer’s Market to learn what it is and why it’s important to the community.
2. Pick one agriculture career from the list (like veterinarian, farm manager, agricultural engineer, crop advisor, etc.).
3. Imagine you are running a booth at the Farmer’s Market for that career.
4. Read the reporter’s interview questions for your chosen career.
5. Answer each question using what you’ve learned. Think about:
1. What service or product would your booth offer?
2. How does your job help farmers or the community?

Crop Advisor

What would you call this after school program?

Questions

1. How will this program teach students to make decisions about what crops to grow and when?
2. What tools or technology could they explore to track plant growth and farm health?
3. Make a list of materials you will need for this program to be successful.

Grapes

Small round fruit used for snacks or making juice and jelly.

Potatoes

A root vegetable used to make mashed potatoes, fries, and chips.

Loam Soil

• A mix of sand, silt, and clay
• Great for planting because it holds water and nutrients
• Feels rich and crumbly

Loam is a mix of sand, silt, and clay. It’s great for most crops like tomatoes, beans, and strawberries.

If you had loamy soil, what would you plant and why?

Goat

What They Do

Goats give milk, cheese, and meat. They also help clean up weeds by eating them.

Care

Farmers give goats places to climb, healthy food, clean water, and shelter from the rain and cold.

Quinoa

A tiny, healthy grain from the Andes Mountains; high in protein and fiber.

Sheep

What They Do

Sheep give us wool to make clothes and also provide meat.

Care

Farmers shear (cut) their wool, give them grass to graze, clean water, and protect them from cold weather and predators.

Agricultural Technician

pH Water Tester

This tool checks if the water is too sour or too salty. Water needs to be just right for plants to grow.

Geothermal Energy

Geothermal energy comes from heat inside the Earth. Deep underground, it's hot! Pipes and machines can bring that heat up to warm homes or create electricity.

Wind Turbines

Wind turbines are tall machines with long blades that spin when the wind blows. The spinning turns a machine inside that makes electricity. Wind power is clean and works best in windy places like fields or hills.

Biomass

Biomass is energy made from once-living things like plants, wood, or food scraps. These materials are burned or changed into gas to make energy. It’s a great way to reuse waste!

Bees

What They Do

Bees make honey and help plants grow by moving pollen from flower to flower.

Care

Beekeepers (special farmers for bees) check the hives, make sure bees have flowers nearby, and protect them from pests.