Explore lessons and fun activities for students in grades 9-12 that bring the growing process to life in the classroom and at home.
Here you’ll find lessons, activities, videos, and other resources related to gardening, for students in grades 9-12. No matter if you are a teacher, parent, kid, or kid at heart, all are hands-on, experiential, and fun! We worked closely with Louisiana educators to identify only the best lessons for teachers and link them to Louisiana State Curriculum Standards.
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Beets & Carrots:
Beets & Carrots:
Lessons and Activities
Kids Gardening: Vegetable Carving
Carving vegetables is a great way to promote creativity, hone fine motor skills, and learn about global cultures. It can also be a fun way to get kids interested in trying out new foods, and to create festive decorations. Check out this fun activity and let your students explore different root vegetables through vegetable carving!
Louisiana Student Standards
Math Science English
Language ArtsSocial Studies Health Art k-4
VA-CE-E4
VA-AP-E2
VA-AP-E4
VA-HP-E1
VA-HP-E4
5-8
VA-CE-M4
VA-CE-M5
VA-AP-M2
VA-AP-M3
VA-AP-M6
VA-HP-M1
VA-HP-M2
VA-HP-M4
VA-HP-M5
9-12
VA-CE-H3
VA-CE-H4
VA-CE-H5
VA-AP-H2
VA-AP-H4
VA-AP-H6
VA-HP-H1
VA-HP-H2
VA-HP-H4Seeds to Success: Bendy Carrot- An Osmosis Lab
In this activity, students will add salt to raw carrots and observe the water come out of the carrots. Students will have the opportunity to see how the water in plants and plant roots (carrots) responds to salt concentrations. Students will use their statistics skills to calculate percent mass loss, averages, and construct a graph to illustrate their findings. The resource includes a teacher pages and student pages in a word document format so that the lesson can be modified to meet the learners' needs.
Louisiana Student Standards
Math Science English
Language ArtsSocial Studies Health Art A1:S-ID.B.6.c
A2:S-IC.B.5HS-PS1-6
HS-LS1-2
HS-LS1-3
Beet Root Membrane Permeability
In these two video lessons students investigate the effects of a named variable on the permeability of cell surface membranes. Both videos are the same lab, but you can choose the variable that works best for your students. Video 1: Temperature Video 2: Ethanol concentration
Louisiana Student Standards
Math Science English
Language ArtsSocial Studies Health Art HS-LS1-2
HS-LS1-3Beets & Carrots:
Videos and Other Resources
Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services: Carrot Brochure
Brochure containing carrot facts and recipes. Scroll to the bottom of the "Carrot Nutrition" paragraph to download the flyer.
Hypertonic, Hypotonic and Isotonic Solutions! (4:45)
This is a good video to accompany the Bending Carrot Activity. This video is a review of hypotonic, hypertonic, and isotonic solutions and how they lead to plasmolysis, cytolysis, and dynamic equilibrium. In addition to tonicity, the video also covers concentration gradients, solutes and solvents, and whether you should drink salt water in a survival situation.
Can Ugly Fruits and Vegetables Disrupt the Grocery Biz? (4:40)
Imperfect Produce is a California-based company that is paying special attention to the fruits and vegetables that don't particularly look pretty. The company works with farms to provide an outlet for the produce grocery stores reject, but can this idea catch on with consumers?
Inglorious Fruits and Vegetables (2:27)
In our industrial world, these so-called imperfect fruits and veggies go straight to the dumpster and contribute to a shocking amount of waste. Intermarché, a French supermarket, came up with a brilliant concept — The Inglorious Fruits and Vegetables. They saved tons of perfectly edible food and put them where they deserve to be — in the produce section! To top it off, they educated the general public about how delectable these different fruits and veggies are. A success story that will connect consumers with what food can look like.
Purple Carrots or Orange: Who’s the Daddy? (1:08)
Short video on the origin of the different colors of carrots.
How to Grow Carrot Tops (6:40)
A short-time lapse video covering the growth of carrot tops.
Growing Carrots from Sowing to Harvest (6:20)
A how-to video on growing carrots, from sowing to harvest.
The Ugly Carrot (0:54)
This video is part of the Sustainable Agriculture lesson. After watching this video, ask the following questions: Have you ever seen a misshapen carrot or other similarly misshapen produce items at a grocery store? If you did see this carrot (or another similarly misshapen produce item), would you buy it? Why or why not? Would you pay the same price if it were perfectly shaped?
Crunchy Carrots: From Farm to Fork (3:49)
Watch this video to see the farm-to-fork journey of carrots, from ideal growing conditions to harvesting and production, ready for you to buy in the shops.
Iowa Department of Public Health: Pick a Better Snack Fact Sheet – Carrots
This site has a colorful printable fact sheet on carrots.
Growing Beet Greens from Beet Tops at Home – with time-lapse pictures (1:33)
A short-time lapse video covering the growth of beet greens.
Harvest of the Month: Beet Botanical Image
This site includes a colorful diagram of the anatomy of a beet for student research.
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Blueberries:
Blueberries:
Lessons and Activities
LibreTexts Chemistry: Titration of Fruit Juices
Some citrus fruits taste more sour, and therefore are more acidic, than others. It is the purpose of this experiment to determine the total acidity of orange, lemon, grapefruit, white grape or lime juice. This procedure can be used to determine the total acidity of most natural fruit juices without further preparation. We recommend this lab for use with honors chemistry or AP chemistry students as the lab requires the completion of a titration.
Louisiana Student Standards
Math Science English
Language ArtsSocial Studies Health Art HS-PS1-2
HS-PS1-6
HS-PS1-7
American Chemical Society: A Color Changing Liquid
Many kinds of berries and flowers contain a natural food colorant called anthocyanin. Watch as blueberry juice changes colors when mixed with different substances, and learn about the chemistry behind it! This lesson can easily be done as a demo or mini-experiment with students.
Louisiana Student Standards
Math Science English
Language ArtsSocial Studies Health Art 7-MS-PS1-2
HS-PS1-2
National Ag in the Classroom: Fruits and Vegetables – The Right Pick for Vitamins and Minerals
Students will describe the farm-to-table process of common fruits and vegetables, recognize the nutrients fruits and vegetables provide, and evaluate methods of food storage and preparation for preserving nutrients. Fruit and Vegetables: The Right Pick for Vitamins and Minerals PDF
Louisiana Student Standards
Math Science English
Language ArtsSocial Studies Health Art RI.9-10.1
RI.9-10.7
RI.9-10.8
RI.11-12.1
RI.11-12.7
W.9-10.7
W.9-10.8
W.9-10.9
SL.9-10.1
SL.9-10.2
SL.9-10.3
SL.9-10.4
SL.11-12.1
SL.11-12.2
SL.11-12.33-H-2.3
4-H-1.1
4-H-1.2
7-H-2.1Blueberries:
Videos and Other Resources
Pennington Nutrition Series: Blueberries- Their Role in Health
Learn more about the history and health benefits of blueberry consumption with this pamphlet produced by Pennington Biomedical Research Center
SNAP-Ed. Washington State University Extension: All About Blueberries Brochure
This brochure covers everything about blueberries from selection, preparation, recipe suggestions, and health benefits!
Dr. B’s Experiments and Demos: Blueberries in Acid and in Base (An example of a chemical indicator) (1:52)
Blueberries are a natural examples of a chemical indicator. They change colors depending on the pH of the solutions. In acidic solution blueberries, really the juice from blueberry skins, turns red. In a basic solution it will be green. Somewhere in-between, at a neutral pH it is a light purple
One-Food Wonder: Blueberries (0:50)
A short video with nutritional and other facts about blueberries.
True Food TV: Blueberry | How Does It Grow? (10:47)
Besides showing how the blueberry grows today, this video gives an excellent history of the blueberry.
Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services: Blueberry Brochure
This site has a full-color, printable blueberry brochure with consumer tips for choosing and storing blueberries, and a recipe. Other brochures at this site include snap beans, strawberries, sweet corn, tomatoes, and watermelon. Scroll down to find the blueberry brochure.
How to Eat a Rainbow: 5 Shades of Nutrients
Informative article for your students on what it means to “Eat a Rainbow.”
5 Superfoods That Actually Live Up to Their Hype
Informative article for your students on five superfoods, including the blueberry.
Medical News Today: Everything You Need to Know about Blueberries
Informative article for your students on blueberry facts and nutrition.
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Broccoli & Cauliflower:
Broccoli & Cauliflower:
Videos and Other Resources
Upper Valley Farm to School Network – Harvesting Broccoli and Cauliflower (4:33)
This video explains that the parts of broccoli and cauliflower plants that we eat are flower buds and stems, and discusses the nutrients that these plants provides for us.
True Food TV: Foods That Are Actually EDIBLE FLOWERS (1:41)
Even though we call them fruits and vegetables, everything from cauliflower to broccoli, and artichoke to fig, are really their plants' flowers.
True Food TV: Cauliflower | How Does It Grow? (4:03)
This video discusses the origin of cauliflower, explains that a cauliflower is a bouquet of flowers, and takes you to a commercial farm to demonstrate how they grow cauliflower.
Growing Cauliflower (4:16)
A how-to video for growing cauliflower, from seed to harvest.
Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services: Cauliflower Brochure
Brochure containing cauliflower facts and recipes. Scroll to the bottom of the "Cauliflower Nutrition" paragraph to download the flyer.
Learning About Broccoli (1:07)
This is a short video demonstrating that we eat the flower buds of the broccoli plant.
Bonnie Plants: How to Plant Broccoli Plants (1:13)
A short informational video on how to plant broccoli and other cold crops.
Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services: Broccoli Brochure
Brochure containing broccoli facts and recipes. Scroll to the bottom of the "Broccoli Nutrition" paragraph to download the flyer.
Broccoli Pedigree | PBS (1:58)
A short video vignette about why we have never stumbled across a wild broccoli.
Nourish Life: Curriculum Videos
Links for the curriculum videos from the video "Nourish: Food and Community."
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Cabbage:
Cabbage:
Lessons and Activities
Teach Engineering: Red Cabbage Chemistry
This hands-on lab, appropriate for grades 7-9, allows students to predict the pH of various house-hold solutions, produce their own pH indicator, and then confirm/refute their predictions. In completing this activity, students should be able to define acidity and basicity. They should also begin connecting the importance of pH to environmental systems and organisms
Louisiana Student Standards
Math Science English
Language ArtsSocial Studies Health Art HS-PS1-1
HS-PS1-2
HS-PS1-5
Cabbage:
Videos and Other Resources
Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services: Cabbage Brochure
Brochure containing cabbage facts and recipes. Scroll to the bottom of the "Cabbage Nutrition" paragraph to download the flyer.
Growing Cabbages from Sowing to Harvests (6:27)
A how-to video for growing cabbages, from seed to harvest.
Royal Highland Education Trust: Brussels Sprout Harvesting (3:28)
This video visits a Brussels sprout farm in Angus to learn more about the growing, harvesting, and processing of Brussels sprouts.
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Catfish:
Catfish:
Videos and Other Resources
TackleShare: All About Channel Catfish (6:17)
All About Channel Catfish - Identification, Habitat, Spawning, Diet, Age & Size, Fishing Tips
TackleShare: Channel Catfish Fact Sheet
Channel catfish are the most commonly bred catfish for commercial meat production. This fact sheet covers everything about this fish from physical description, habitat, spawning patterns, diet, and fishing tips!
Channel Catfish for Aquaponics
Read about the pros and cons of using channel catfish in aquaculture systems
Kid Engineer: Growing Plants with Fish (4:48)
Did you know you can grow plants using pipes, water, and fish instead of soil? Kid Engineer Rikalize shows how she designed and built her own aquaponics farm.
Louisiana Harvest of the Month Video Series: Catfish (11:03)
This month's Louisiana Harvest of the Month thrives in the muddy waters of the southern region of the United States, and it holds a humble yet essential piece of our culinary history here in the South. It's catfish! In the past, eating catfish was a social experience, where they were caught wild, prepared, and eaten together as a group. Now, most of the catfish we eat are farmed from ponds like the one we'll see today. Join me and let's learn a little more about how the catfish hooked America.
Catfish:
Books
Atchafalaya Catfish: Fishing in the Atchafalaya Basin of South Louisiana by Sheila LeBlanc (2012)
Take a boat ride in the Atchafalaya Swamp to check Frank’s trotline for catfish. Watch out for the cypress stumps and alligators! Keep your fishhooks baited and your appetite ready for some of Loretta’s delicious fried catfish. Enjoy the beautiful photographs of one of Louisiana’s pristine wilderness areas. Learn how a Cajun father from Henderson, Louisiana, worked in the Atchafalaya Basin to raise enough money to take care of this family.
Catfish: Bottom-Dwellers by Dr. Richard A. NeSmith (2021)
This is a nonfiction book that discusses how catfish communicate, regulate their body temperature, the environment that they live in and much more.
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Citrus:
Citrus:
Lessons and Activities
LibreTexts Chemistry: Titration of Fruit Juices
Some citrus fruits taste more sour, and therefore are more acidic, than others. It is the purpose of this experiment to determine the total acidity of orange, lemon, grapefruit, white grape or lime juice. This procedure can be used to determine the total acidity of most natural fruit juices without further preparation. We recommend this lab for use with honors chemistry or AP chemistry students as the lab requires the completion of a titration.
Louisiana Student Standards
Math Science English
Language ArtsSocial Studies Health Art HS-PS1-2
HS-PS1-6
HS-PS1-7
FDA Science and Our Food Supply: Pest Management Research Project (p. 56-62)
Students will research the cause of citrus greening disease and the different methods that are being used to control the disease. Background information is found on p.56-57 and the answer keys are found on p.104-106. This plant lesson and videos illustrate how a disease can spread rapidly through a population using vectors, viral and bacterial reproduction and adaptation, and asymptomatic hosts, much like human diseases. This would be a good introduction lesson to help students understand how COVID-19 spread so rapidly.
Louisiana Student Standards
Math Science English
Language ArtsSocial Studies Health Art HS-LS1-8 RI.9-10.1
RI.9-10.7
RI.9-10.8
RI.11-12.1
RI.11-12.7
W.9-10.7
W.9-10.8
W.9-10.9
W.11-12.7
W.11-12.8
W.11-12.9
SL.9-10.1
SL.9-10.2
SL.9-10.3
SL.9-10.4
SL.11-12.1
SL.11-12.2
SL.11-12.3Drexel University: Fear Factor
Students play a game called “Nutrition Fear Factor.” It is a game of mystery that allows them to explore their senses of taste, touch, and smell without seeing. By the end of this lesson students will be able to explain the importance of fruits and vegetables for a healthy eating style. They will also be able to describe MyPlate guidelines for fruit and vegetable intake, and identify important nutrients found in fruits and vegetables.
Louisiana Student Standards
Math Science English
Language ArtsSocial Studies Health Art RI.9-10.1
RI.9-10.7
RI.9-10.8
RI.11-12.1
RI.11-12.7
W.9-10.7
W.9-10.8
W.9-10.9
W.11-12.7
W.11-12.8
W.11-12.9
SL.9-10.1
SL.9-10.2
SL.9-10.3
SL.9-10.4
SL.11-12.1
SL.11-12.2
SL.11-12.33-H-2.3
4-H-1.1
4-H-1.2
7-H-2.1Citrus:
Videos and Other Resources
Louisiana Harvest of the Month Video Series: Citrus
This month's Louisiana Harvest of The Month is a juicy sweet fruit high in vitamin C and enjoyed any time of the day. It's citrus! Let's unpeel this refreshing fruit, a crop that has been grown in Louisiana for over 300 years.
Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services: Tangerine Brochure
Brochure containing tangerine facts and recipes. Scroll to the bottom of the "Tangerine Nutrition" paragraph to download the flyer.
Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services: Satsuma Brochure
Brochure containing satsuma facts and recipes. Scroll to the bottom of the "Satsuma Nutrition" paragraph to download the flyer.
Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services: Orange Brochure
Brochure containing orange facts and recipes. Scroll to the bottom of the "Orange Nutrition" paragraph to download the flyer.
Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services: Lime Brochure
Brochure containing lime facts and recipes. Scroll to the bottom of the "Lime Nutrition" paragraph to download the flyer.
Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services: Kumquat Brochure
Brochure containing kumquat facts and recipes. Scroll to the bottom of the "Kumquat Nutrition" paragraph to download the flyer.
Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services: Grapefruit Brochure
Brochure containing grapefruit facts and recipes. Scroll to the bottom of the "Grapefruit Nutrition" paragraph to download the flyer.
Florida Department of Citrus: OJ Nutrition Booklet
This booklet is a trusted and valued source of nutritional information on citrus fruits.
Center for Ecoliteracy: Nourishing Students: Posters
Display these posters in kitchens, cafeterias, classrooms, and during after-school programs as a fun and engaging way to promote fresh fruits, vegetables, and healthy eating. Each poster is designed to print 24" by 36." These posters won the 2018 Graphic Design USA award for Health + Wellness. This set of free, downloadable full-color posters features wildlife animals with the following fruit or vegetable: Radish, Strawberry, Grape, Tomato, Orange.
Harvest of the Month: Grapefruit Botanical Image
This site includes facts about grapefruit and a colorful diagram of the anatomy of a grapefruit, a lemon, and a lime.
True Food TV: Why Ripe Limes Are NOT Green (1:09)
You've likely never eaten a ripe lime. Here's why in 60 seconds.
Amalfi Coast Lemons | A True Food TV How Does It Grow? Special: The Flying Farmer (11:22)
This human-interest video shows how some Italian lemon farmers grow their huge lemons in terraced gardens on mountainsides off the Almalfi Coast of Italy. From the town below, an 83-year-old, fourth-generation lemon farmer appears to be flying in the clouds as he climbs his arbors to harvest lemons.
How Orange Juice Is Made (6:39)
This video shows the process of making orange juice — from orange trees to orange juice.
True Food TV – Seedless Fruits: Are They GMOs? (5:57)
Revealed: the mystery of seedless fruits. Find out how seedless grapes, oranges, and cucumbers actually grow — and if they’re genetically modified organisms.
True Food TV: Orange | How Does It Grow? (7:38)
Very informative video on the varieties of oranges and how they are grown commercially.
Science IRL: Citrus Greening Disease! (9:10)
Citrus trees across the country and globe are being devastated by a bacterial infection known as citrus greening disease. Join us as we visit the lab of USDA scientist Dr. Michelle Heck to learn what she and her team are doing to combat this crisis!
How Does Huanglongbing (Citrus Greening) Spread so Rapidly? Answered by Dr. Neil McRoberts (8:37)
UC Davis plant disease epidemiologist Dr. Neil McRoberts explains how the interaction between Asian citrus psyllids, liberibacter, and citrus trees causes this deadly citrus disease to spread so rapidly.
CBS: Bitter Fruit – Citrus Greening Disease Threatens Florida Industry (2:52)
The sweet start to the day is now threatened by a disease that's laying waste to Florida's multibillion-dollar citrus crop. CBS News reports.
FDA: Science and Our Food Supply: Exploring Food Agriculture and Biotechnology – Teacher’s Guide for High School Classrooms
You may be familiar with Science and Our Food Supply, the award-winning supplemental curriculum developed by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and the National Science Teaching Association (NSTA). It uses food as the springboard to engage students in inquiry-based, exploratory science that also promotes awareness and proper behaviors related to food safety. The FDA has developed a new component to the program: Science and Our Food Supply: Exploring Food Agriculture and Biotechnology - Teacher’s Guide for High School Classrooms, 1st edition. Designed to be used separately or in conjunction with the original program, this curriculum aims to help students understand traditional agricultural methods and more recent technologies that many farmers use today. This is a free, downloadable curriculum.
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Crawfish:
Crawfish:
Lessons and Activities
Biology Junction: Crawfish Dissection
This lab guides student groups through the dissection of a crawfish. A pdf of the dissection instruction is included below along with student pages. Student pages provided include during-lab dissection questions and post-lab anatomy questions. Crawfish Dissection Instructions PDF Student Pages
Louisiana Student Standards
Math Science English
Language ArtsSocial Studies Health Art HS-LS4-2 W.9-10.2
W.9-10.24
SL.9-10.1
LS.9-10.6
W.11-12.2
W.11-12.4
SL.11-12.1
LS.11-12.6Crawfish:
Videos and Other Resources
Louisiana Harvest of the Month Video Series: Crawfish (13:05)
This Harvest of the Month never backs down from a fight, always raising its claws, holding its ground instead. For Louisianans, this savory crustacean is woven into our culture and traditions...it’s crawfish! Join us as Burt Tietje of Tallgrass Farms shows us how crawfish are harvested from the farm to your dinner table! Learn more about how this tiny creature makes a big splash in Louisiana aquaculture.
Dan Does: How Louisiana’s Biggest Crawfish Farm Sells Three Million Pounds of Crawfish Every Year (11:05)
Rice farmers like Mike Frugé of Cajun Crawfish in Louisiana figured out that the two-year growing cycle of crawfish synced perfectly with the two-year cycle of the rice crop. He shows us how his rice fields are seeded with baby crawfish every other year, creating a new source of food and income for farmers in the area.
How Louisiana Crayfish Became China’s National Dish (5:59)
In China, crayfish is king. Chinese people consume 90% of the world’s crayfish every year. But the species they eat is not actually native to China. Just a few decades ago, it wasn’t even considered food. So how did crayfish end up becoming such a beloved dish? We talked to some crayfish enthusiasts and experts to find out.
Day in the Life of a Louisiana Crawfish Farmer (13:51)
Join Kara and Nate as they learn all about the crawfishing industry-- from pulling mudbugs out of the pond to serving them up at a boil!
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Cucumber:
Cucumber:
Lessons and Activities
National Ag in the Classroom: Flower Power
While this lesson set is designated for 6-8th grade, it does provide a great review of flower anatomy and as well as fruit development post-pollination. Students will observe the anatomical structures of flowers and explain a flower's role in plant growth and reproduction as well as their connection to our food supply.
Louisiana Student Standards
Math Science English
Language ArtsSocial Studies Health Art HS-LS1-2
SL.9-10.1
SL.9-102
SL.11-12.1
SL.11-12.2
SL.11-12.4National Ag in the Classroom: Journey 2050 – Technologies and Innovations
Students will explore new technologies that will impact the future of farming, understand the role of developing countries in food security, and explain how consumers influence the production of food. Journey 2050: Technology and Innovations PDF
Louisiana Student Standards
Math Science English
Language ArtsSocial Studies Health Art HS-ESS3-3
HS-ESS3-4RI.9-10.1
RI.11-12.1
RI.11-12.7
WS.9-10.7
WS.9-10.8
WS.9-10.9
WS.11-12.7
WS.11-12.8
SL.9-10.1
SL.9-10.2
SL.9-10.3
SL.9-10.4
SL.11-12.1
SL.11-12.2
SL.11-12.3WG.6.1
WG.6.2
WG.6.3
C.7.4Cucumber:
Videos and Other Resources
Louisiana Harvest of the Month Video Series: Cucumbers (11:13)
This month's Louisiana Harvest of the Month is not only refreshing to eat, but people have been relying on them for centuries for things like soothing sunburns, hydrating skin, and even curing bad breath. It's cucumbers! These crispy fruits add crunch to salads and sandwiches, and they're often enjoyed preserved as pickles. Let's head to the farm to learn a little bit more about what makes a cucumber such a big deal!
Hydroponic Gardening: Grow Organic Plants Fast (3:06)
Virtual field trip to an organic hydroponic lettuce farm. Students will see how lettuce is grown hydroponically year-round.
Kids Gardening: Best Crops for Hydroponics – Growing Guide
This guide discusses the best starter crops for beginning hydroponic gardening.
Kids Gardening: How To – Starting Seeds for Hydroponics
Although purchasing seedlings for your hydroponics setup is an option, many growers prefer to start their own plants from seeds. There are lots of practical reasons — and it’s fun, too! This PDF explains the process.
Kids Gardening: Gardening Basics – Hydroponics
This is a simple guide to the two main types of hydroponic systems: passive and active.
Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services: Cucumber Brochure
Brochure containing cucumber facts and recipes. Scroll to the bottom of the "Cucumber Nutrition" paragraph to download the flyer.
Disco Cucumber Time-Lapse (1:46)
Time-lapse video of a cucumber’s tendrils supporting the vine.
Pickle Time-Lapse (2:39)
Time-lapse video of a cucumber growing from flower to picking size.
Growing Cucumbers from Seed to Fruits Time-Lapse (6:54)
Watch an aquarium grow cucumbers from seeds to fruits to harvest. Fish waste in the aquarium contains rich organic fertilizers that can easily grow plants. In return, the plant’s roots will clean or purify the water for the fish.
True Food TV: Cucumber | How Does It Grow? (7:52)
This video discusses the origin of cucumbers, explains why cucumbers sometimes have a bitter taste, and takes you to a commercial farm to demonstrate how they grow cucumbers.
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Eggplant:
Eggplant:
Lessons and Activities
Edible Schoolyard: Seed Sleuth
In this activity, students will observe and compare seeds to match which vegetables are related to each other. Using the Seed Sleuth Chart, ask students to observe the size, shape, and color of the seeds to classify the vegetable into its plant family. For example, when comparing pepper, tomato, and eggplant seeds, students realize that they are very similar and that these vegetables belong to the same plant family. To take this lesson further, students can research plant families. Finally, students can expand their vocabulary through this activity, learning the definition of “sleuth” and “taxonomy.” Seed Sleuths Powerpoint Slides
Louisiana Student Standards
Math Science English
Language ArtsSocial Studies Health Art HS-LS3-2
HS-LS4-1
HS-LS4-4Eggplant:
Videos and Other Resources
How to Grow Eggplants – Complete Growing Guide (11:27)
In this growing guide we will be talking all about eggplants! When to tell if they are ripe, how to fertilize, when to fertilize, how much to water them, temperature requirements, and spacing.
Louisiana Harvest of the Month Video Series: Eggplants (11:26)
This month's Louisiana Harvest of the Month just might be the most mysterious of all the vegetables. In many parts of the world it's called an Aubergine but it's even known as the king of vegetables. It's eggplant! Early varieties were white oval fruits that looked a lot like chicken eggs, which is how the eggplant originally got its name. What else is this mystery vegetable hiding? Let's head to the farm to find out what other secrets we can reveal about this ancient plant.
Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services: Eggplant Brochure
Brochure containing eggplant facts and recipes. Scroll to the bottom of the "Eggplant Nutrition" paragraph to download the flyer.
Harvesting and Saving Eggplant Seeds (7:31)
Saving eggplant seeds is very easy, and doesn't require fermenting. A couple of eggplants will produce many more seeds than you need.
I Grow Eggplant (2:00)
A farmer from Florida describes growing eggplant.
Oxidation in Apples (4:12)
This tutorial explains oxidation and how to stop oxidation on an apple slice down to the molecular level. This video can be shown before the eggplant lesson to explain oxidation and give students ideas for stopping the oxidation of their eggplant slice.
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Leafy Greens:
Leafy Greens:
Lessons and Activities
PRISM: Seed Germination Experimental Design Challenge
In this lesson, students will participate in the experiment design-process. The goal of this investigation is for students to design and carry out an experiment on seed germination, analyze their own data, and report their findings. Seeds from leafy-green varieties of plants (or beans as recommended in the lab) are great options. This lab is flexible and student-driven, so the sky is the limit in terms of experimental design and expected level of data analysis/lab report write-up.
Louisiana Student Standards
Math Science English
Language ArtsSocial Studies Health Art A1: N-Q.A.1 HS-LS1-3
HS-LS1-4
HS-LS1-6
HS-LS2-7
HS-LS4-4
HS-LS4-5
RST.9-10.8
RST.11-12.8
WHST.9-10.7
WHST.11-12.9
WHST.9-12.2
WHST.9-12.5
WHST.9-12.7
WHST.9-12.9
National Ag in the Classroom: Journey 2050 – Introduction to Sustainable Agriculture
Students will explore and understand the core question, “How will we sustainably feed nearly 10 billion people by the year 205 and begin to think about the challenges and opportunities presented by this question. Students will explore factors such as expected population growth, food waste, and various positive and negative factors impacting sustainable agriculture.
Louisiana Student Standards
Math Science English
Language ArtsSocial Studies Health Art HS-ESS3-1
HS-ESS3-2
HS-ESS3-3
HS-ESS3-4
HS-LS2-7SL.9-10.1
SL.9-10.2
SL.9-10.3
SL.9-10.4
SL.11-12.1
SL.11-12.2
SL.11-12.3WG.5.2
WG.6.1
WG.6.2
WG.6.3Oregon Harvest for Schools: Kale Café
Kale is known as a “super food” since it is so nutrient rich, containing vitamins K, A, C, and B6, along with potassium and calcium. It also includes antioxidants and phytonutrients that may help prevent cancer. Kale is easy to grow and cold hardy. Students can conduct cafeteria taste tests, with the winning recipe becoming a regular in the school lunch line. To further educate students on the benefits of eating green, students can create informational brochures, posters, and/or displays showcasing how kale is grown and the health benefits of eating kale. This lesson would be ideal for a digital media and health/nutrition science collaboration!
Louisiana Student Standards
Math Science English
Language ArtsSocial Studies Health Art SL.9-10.1
SL.11-12.11-H-1.1
1-H-4.2
4-H-1.1
4-H-1.2
7-H-2.1Building an Inexpensive Hydroponics/Aeroponics System
Scott Dekarske of Wet-Werk Hydroponics in Memphis, TN and Master Gardener Stephan Leonard show how to assemble an inexpensive aeroponics system. It only takes a few hours to assemble this system. This site has the complete materials list, building video, and other hydroponics basics videos.
Louisiana Student Standards
Math Science English
Language ArtsSocial Studies Health Art HS-ESS3-3
HS-ESS3-4National Ag in the Classroom: Aeroponic Engineering and Vertical Farming
Students will use the Engineering Design Process to develop and construct an aeroponic garden to grow a food crop. Students will develop and apply an understanding of plant anatomy and physiology related to plant growth and ultimately discuss the possibilities and limitations of using vertical farming to produce our food. Aeroponic Engineering and Vertical Farming PDF
Louisiana Student Standards
Math Science English
Language ArtsSocial Studies Health Art HS-ESS3-3
HS-ESS3-4
HS-LS2-4
HS-LS2-7RI.11-12.7
WS.9-10.7
WS.9-10.8
WS.9-10.9
WS.11-12.7
WS.11-12.8
WS.11-12.9
SL.9-10.1
SL.9-10.2
SL.9-10.4
SL.11-12.1
SL.11-12.2WG.6.1
WG.6.2
Leafy Greens:
Videos and Other Resources
Louisiana Harvest of the Month Video Series: Greens (10:53)
This month’s Louisiana Harvest of the Month is a staple in southern cooking. It's greens! Check out our video to learn a little more about what makes greens so special!
Strawberries, Spinach, and Kale Top “Dirty Dozen” List: How to Minimize Pesticide Intake (4:16)
Nearly 70 percent of conventionally grown produce sold in the U.S. was found to have pesticide residue, according to a new report from the Environmental Working Group. Samantha Heller, registered dietitian at NYU Langone Health, joins "CBS This Morning" to discuss how strawberries, spinach, and kale top their so-called "dirty dozen" list of produce with the most pesticide contamination.
Spinach Time-Lapse (40 days) (2:34)
A time-lapse video that shows how both leaves and roots grow on spinach plants.
Growing Kale and Collard Greens (5:49)
A suburban homesteader gives tips on growing collards and kale.
Growing Swiss Chard from Seeds, Days 0-31 (13:14)
A home gardener describes the process of growing swiss chard from seeds in a container.
Farm of the Future (3:37)
This video features a Farm of the Future: leafy greens grown on a Minecraft-like vertical farm. Using aeroponics to mist nutrients and water to the roots of plants, this farm uses no soil and 95% less water than traditional farming.
The Future of Farming (12:28)
Technology is revolutionizing farming. That's great news — by the year 2050 Earth's population will be 10 billion, so we need to almost double the amount of food we now produce.
True Food TV: Hydroponic Spinach | How Does It Grow? (5:40)
Very informative video on spinach and how it is grown hydroponically.
University of Maine Cooperative Extension: Best Ways to Wash Fruits and Vegetables
This bulletin explains the best ways to wash fruits and vegetables, including leafy greens, to remove pesticides, pests, bacteria, and soil.
Hydroponic Gardening: Grow Organic Plants Fast (3:06)
Virtual field trip to an organic hydroponic lettuce farm. Students will see how lettuce is grown hydroponically year-round.
Kids Gardening: Gardening Basics – Hydroponics
This is a simple guide to the two main types of hydroponic systems: passive and active.
Kids Gardening: How To – Starting Seeds for Hydroponics
Although purchasing seedlings for your hydroponics setup is an option, many growers prefer to start their own plants from seeds. There are lots of practical reasons — and it’s fun, too! This PDF explains the process.
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Lettuce:
Lettuce:
Lessons and Activities
Georgia Organics: Lettuce Experiment
Students will discover the function of a cell membrane and learn how materials move in and out of a cell using a lettuce leaf. Students will try to figure out what would be allowed into a cell through predictions, observations, and explanation. They will conduct an experiment to show the movement of water into and out of the cell.
Louisiana Student Standards
Math Science English
Language ArtsSocial Studies Health Art 6-MS-LS1-1
6-MS-LS1-2
6-MS-LS2-1
6-MS-LS2-3
HS-LS1-2
HS-LS1-3Kids Gardening: Soil vs Water – Exploring Hydroponics
This lesson guides students to compare plants grown traditionally in soil with plants grown hydroponically. This is an innovative and engaging way for older students to explore plant needs.
Louisiana Student Standards
Math Science English
Language ArtsSocial Studies Health Art HS-ESS3-2
HS-ESS3-4
HS-ESS3-6
HS-LS2-7SL.9-10.1
SL.11-12.1Kids Gardening: Do-It-Yourself Hydroponics
The idea of growing plants in nontraditional ways, like by using hydroponics techniques, can really capture students’ attention and get them excited about gardening. Prefabricated hydroponic units can be pricy, so this activity provides information about designing DIY options that may be a little more economical.
Louisiana Student Standards
Math Science English
Language ArtsSocial Studies Health Art HS-LS2-7
HS-ESS3-2
HS-ESS3-4Lettuce:
Videos and Other Resources
Kid Engineer: Growing Plants with Fish (4:48)
Did you know you can grow plants using pipes, water, and fish instead of soil? Kid Engineer Rikalize shows how she designed and built her own aquaponics farm.
Louisiana Harvest of the Month Video Series: Lettuce (13:04)
This month’s Louisiana Harvest of the Month is made up of 95% water and is used as toppings on things as tacos and sandwiches but it also tasty on its own. It’s lettuce! Let us learn a little bit more about the second most popular vegetable in the United States.
Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services: Lettuce Brochure
Brochure containing lettuce facts and recipes. Scroll to the bottom of the "Lettuce Nutrition" paragraph to download the flyer.
NASA Space Station Live: Lettuce Look at Veggie (4:06)
Astronauts on the International Space Station are ready to sample their harvest of a crop of "Outredgeous" red romaine lettuce from the Veggie plant growth system that tests hardware for growing vegetables and other plants in space.
Hydroponic Gardening: Grow Organic Plants Fast (3:06)
Virtual field trip to an organic hydroponic lettuce farm. Students will see how lettuce is grown hydroponically year-round.
Kids Gardening: How To – Starting Seeds for Hydroponics
Although purchasing seedlings for your hydroponics setup is an option, many growers prefer to start their own plants from seeds. There are lots of practical reasons — and it’s fun, too! This PDF explains the process.
Kids Gardening: Gardening Basics – Hydroponics
This is a simple guide to the two main types of hydroponic systems: passive and active.
True Food TV: 6 Amazing Heirlooom Lettuces to Plant Now for Fall/Home Gardening: Ep. 8 (10:03)
Along with introducing her top picks for easy-to-grow, delicious lettuce, kale and mustard greens, Nicole Jolly of True Food TV explains the history of lettuce.
-
Mushrooms:
Mushrooms:
Lessons and Activities
Natural Experiments: Chemistry with Mushrooms
In this chemistry-focused lab, students will explore the hidden chemistry within natural, unprocessed foods such as mushrooms to discover the answer to are there any foods that are truly “free of chemicals” as is oftentimes advertised. Students will test mushroom for the presence of macro and micro molecules such as protein, potassium, sodium, vitamin C, chloride ions, and phosphate ions.
Louisiana Student Standards
Math Science English
Language ArtsSocial Studies Health Art HS-LS1-1
HS-LS1-72-H-1.7
3-H-2.1
3-H-2.2
North American Mycological Association: Mushroom Dissection Lab
This dissection lab allows students to explore the various parts of a typical mushroom. Prior to this lab, students should have explored how fungi reproduce and the various types of fruiting bodies that can be produced. Students will need to understand foundational fungus anatomy vocabulary. While the lesson does not specifically direct an exploration of multiple types of mushrooms, this could be a fun extension to have students compare physical similarities and differences between different mushroom varieties.
Louisiana Student Standards
Math Science English
Language ArtsSocial Studies Health Art HS-LS1-1
HS-LS1-2
HS-LS1-4Mushrooms:
Videos and Other Resources
WOSU Public Media: Columbus Neighborhoods-Tiger Mushroom Farms (5:10)
When Te’Lario Watkins was 7 years old, he founded Tiger Mushroom Farms. The business quickly grew, and now his entire family is involved.
Picking The Right Mushroom For Every Recipe (27:54)
Join Chef Adrienne Cheatham for a deep dive into everything you’d ever need to know about cooking with mushrooms.
Growing Mushrooms Time Lapse Compilation (3:26)
Observe the similarities and differences between black pearl, elm oyster, pink oyster, grey oyster, and golden oyster mushrooms through this time lapse complilation.
North American Mycological Association: How They Grow
This page has a series of images that can be used for teaching about fungi
Mushroom Madness
This NatureKidsNB activity kit contains several guided activity ideas to help your students learn more about mushroom. Lessons do not need to all be done together—do as many or as few as you’d like
How 400 Million Mushrooms are Grown a Year in This Small Town (11:24)
From shiitakes to criminis, 60% of America's mushrooms come from one small Pennsylvania town, Kennett Square. But America's mushroom capital is getting hit hard with a labor shortage. With not enough pickers, farmers have been forced to kill off rooms of mushrooms they can't get to in time. It's led to million-dollar losses for mushroom farmers already operating on thin margins. So what caused the labor crunch, and can the industry recover? We visited three mushroom farms in Kennett Square to find out.
Louisiana Harvest of the Month Video Series: Mushrooms (10:22)
This month’s Louisiana Harvest of the Month is not a plant or an animal. It’s often mistakenly called a vegetable, but it is actually the fruit of a fungus. It’s mushrooms! These tasty toadstools prefer to grow in the dark. In fact, they require no sunlight at all, but today we're going to shed some light on what it takes to get these meaty, nutritious mushrooms from the farm to your fork.
Do Mushrooms Have Roots? A Lesson on How Mushrooms Grow (4:13)
The answer is ‘No’, but they do have a wonderful root-like structure called mycelium. (4:13)
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Melon & Watermelon:
Melon & Watermelon:
Lessons and Activities
Watermelon.org: Watermelon Weathering It
In this lesson, groups of students are asked to research the climates the five states the lead the nation in watermelon production. Students will share what their group discovered about their assigned state, facilitating a whole-class discussion comparing the weather and climate of these states.
Louisiana Student Standards
Math Science English
Language ArtsSocial Studies Health Art HS-ESS3-1 W.9-10.7
W.9-10.8
W.9-10.9
W.11-12.7
W.11-12.8
W.11-12.9
SL.9-10.1
SL.9-10.2
SL.9-10.3
SL.9-10.4
SL.11-12.1
SL.11-12.2
SL.11-12.3
WG.6 California Harvest of the Month: Melons
This Harvest of the Month newsletter has activities that give students the opportunity to explore, taste, and learn about reasons to eat melons. It also includes botanical information, melon history, and nutrition facts. Lessons include studying nutrition fact labels for different melon varieties, conducting a bug hunt in your school garden, and a melon math activity.
Louisiana Student Standards
Math Science English
Language ArtsSocial Studies Health Art SL.9-10.1
SL.9-10.2
SL.9-10.3
SL.9-10.4
SL.11-12.1
SL.11-12.2
SL.11-12.34-H-1.1
4-H-1.2
7-H-2.1Oklahoma Ag in the Classroom: Melon Meiosis
Students will read about the discovery of colchicine, which made seedless watermelon possible. Students will use modeling clay and beans to model meiosis and mitosis. Students will design imaginary watermelons and write marketing plans for them. Students will examine the meanings of prefixes in scientific words.
Louisiana Student Standards
Math Science English
Language ArtsSocial Studies Health Art HS-LS1-4
HS-LS3-1
HS-LS3-2RI.9-10.1
RI.11-12.1
W.9-10.7
W.9-10.8
W.9-10.9
W.11-12.7
W.11-12.8
W.11-12.9
SL.9-10.1
SL.9-10.2
SL.9-10.3
SL.9-10.4
SL.11-12.1
SL.11-12.2
SL.11-12.3Melon & Watermelon:
Videos and Other Resources
Louisiana Harvest of the Month Video Series: Watermelon (11:51)
This month's Louisiana Harvest of the Month was so loved by American writer, Mark Twain, that he declared, “when you taste it you know what the angels eat,” and it is a heavenly treat on a hot summer day. It’s watermelon! Louisiana is known to grow some of the sweetest varieties of watermelon, so today we are in Washington Parish at Perry Talley’s farm to learn a little bit more about this angelic fruit.
Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services: Watermelon Brochure
Brochure containing watermelon facts and recipes. Scroll to the bottom of the "Watermelon Nutrition" paragraph to download the flyer.
Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services: Cantaloupe Brochure
Brochure containing cantaloupe facts and recipes. Scroll to the bottom of the "Cantaloupe Nutrition" paragraph to download the flyer.
The Trick to Making the Perfect Sorbet (3:57)
This video demonstrates how to use a floating egg to adjust the density of a sorbet solution made with simple syrup (equal parts sugar and water solution) and pureed fruit (6 cups) such as cantaloupe or watermelon. Using the floating egg concept, students can make a sorbet that freezes perfectly: not too hard (not enough sugar) and not too slushy (too much sugar).
How Do Farmers Make Seedless Fruit? (4:40)
This video explains how and why seedless fruit are produced.
True Food TV – Seedless Fruits: Are They GMOs? (5:57)
Revealed: the mystery of seedless fruits. Find out how seedless grapes, oranges, and cucumbers actually grow — and if they’re genetically modified organisms.
True Food TV – SEEDLESS Watermelon: You’ll Never Guess How It’s Grown (3:39)
If seedless watermelons have no seeds, how exactly are they grown? And what about other seedless fruit? Bananas and seedless grapes — how do they grow? Prepare to have your mind blown.
How to Pick a Ripe Watermelon (2:07)
An informative video on how to know when a watermelon is ripe enough to pick. Some of these tips can also be used to pick a ripe watermelon from the store.
Watermelon from Seed: Time-Lapse (1:05)
A time-lapse video of a watermelon growing from germination (Day 8) to first true leaves (Day 39).
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Radish:
Radish:
Lessons and Activities
Kids Gardening: Vegetable Carving
Carving vegetables is a great way to promote creativity, hone fine motor skills, and learn about global cultures. It can also be a fun way to get kids interested in trying out new foods, and to create festive decorations. Check out this fun activity and let your students explore different root vegetables through vegetable carving!
Louisiana Student Standards
Math Science English
Language ArtsSocial Studies Health Art k-4
VA-CE-E4
VA-AP-E2
VA-AP-E4
VA-HP-E1
VA-HP-E4
5-8
VA-CE-M4
VA-CE-M5
VA-AP-M2
VA-AP-M3
VA-AP-M6
VA-HP-M1
VA-HP-M2
VA-HP-M4
VA-HP-M5
9-12
VA-CE-H3
VA-CE-H4
VA-CE-H5
VA-AP-H2
VA-AP-H4
VA-AP-H6
VA-HP-H1
VA-HP-H2
VA-HP-H4Seeds to Success: Radish Germination Lab- Experimental Design Experience
The purpose of this lab is for students to undergo the experimental design and peer review processes, start to finish. Students will select a household chemical and investigate how it affects both the germination time and growth of radish seeds. While this lab does utilize radish seeds due to their fast germination time, this lab still requires a significant time commitment for students to plan, revise, carry out, and analyze data from their experiments. This lab should be done once students are familiar with all the components of a written lab report and have a grasp of experimental design. Experimental Design Lab Doc Teacher Resource Page and Grading Rubric Doc
Louisiana Student Standards
Math Science English
Language ArtsSocial Studies Health Art HS-PS1-1
HS-PS1-2
HS-PS1-5
HS-LS1-2
HS-EVS2-1
HS-EVS2-2
HS-EVS2-5
HS-EVS2-6
HS-EVS3-1
HS-EVS3-3
HS-EVS3-4
HS-EVS3-6
SL.9-10-1
SL.9-10-4
W.9-10.2
W.9-10.4
W.9-10. 7
W.11-12.1
W.11-12.2
W.11-12.4
W.11-12.7
SL.11-12.4
University of Georgia’s The Science Behind Our Food: Dose-Response Radishes
This lesson serves as an introduction to the idea of toxicology and how different chemicals can influence living beings. Students will use the germination of radish seeds to experiment with different doses of toxins and observe the response.
Louisiana Student Standards
Math Science English
Language ArtsSocial Studies Health Art HS-PS1-1
HS-PS1-2
HS-PS1-5
HS-LS1-2
HS-EVS2-1
HS-EVS2-2
HS-EVS2-5
HS-EVS2-6
HS-EVS3-1,3,4,6SL.9-10.1
SL.9-10.4
WS.9-10.2
WS.9-10.4
WS.9-10.7
WS.11-12.1
WS.11-12.2
WS.11-12.4
WS.11-12.7
SL.11-12.4
Food Corps: Rocks to Radishes – Understanding the Food System
Students will make the connection between their food sources and geology. They will make the connection between the origins of food in nature and understand the important actors and stages involved from seed to fork. Students will develop a concept of what a “food system” is.
Louisiana Student Standards
Math Science English
Language ArtsSocial Studies Health Art HS-ESS3-2
HS-ESS3-3
HS-LS1-2
HS-LS1-5
HS-LS2-4WG-6 Radish:
Videos and Other Resources
Eleven Experiments with Radish Seeds
A simple botany project is testing the germination of radish seeds in different conditions. Radish seeds are easy to acquire, inexpensive, large enough to see and pick up with your fingers, and quick to germinate under normal conditions. Testing germination does not take weeks, doesn't require a lot of room, and is easy to measure—just count the seeds that sprout!
Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services: Radish Brochure
Brochure containing radish facts and recipes. Scroll to the bottom of the "Radish Nutrition" paragraph to download the flyer.
How to Grow Radishes – Complete Growing Guide (6:37)
This growing guide will demonstrate how to grow radishes from start to finish.
Radish Time-Lapse (68 days) (2:35)
This is a time-lapse video of radishes growing.
Center for Ecoliteracy: Nourishing Students: Posters
Display these posters in kitchens, cafeterias, classrooms, and during after-school programs as a fun and engaging way to promote fresh fruits, vegetables, and healthy eating. Nourishing Students: Enrichment Activities for Grades K–5 coordinates with these five posters and makes after-school, out-of-school, and summer programs more memorable. Each poster is designed to print 24" by 36." These posters won the 2018 Graphic Design USA award for Health + Wellness. This set of free, downloadable full-color posters features wildlife animals with the following fruit or vegetable: Radish, Strawberry, Grape, Tomato, Orange.
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Rice:
Rice:
Lessons and Activities
Seeds to Success: The Geography of Rice
In this lesson, students are challenged to complete a research project comparing one top rice producing American state with one top rice producing country to learn about similarities and differences in geography, climate, and agriculture practices. The project culminates with students presenting their findings
Louisiana Student Standards
Math Science English
Language ArtsSocial Studies Health Art WS.9-10.2
WS.9-10.6
WS.9-10.7
WS.9-10.8
SL.9-10. 2
SL.9-10.4
SL.9-10.5
WS.11-12.2
WS.11-12.6
WS.11-12.7
WS.11-12.8
SL.11-12. 2
SL.11-12.4
SL.11-12.5
WG.1
WG.6.A
WG.6.E
WG.8.A
WH.25
Focus on the Family: Rice Art Mosaics
Have you ever seen a mosaic at a museum? Artists take small pieces of broken tile and arrange them to make beautiful designs. With a little imagination, you can create your own mosaics using materials from your kitchen.
Louisiana Student Standards
Math Science English
Language ArtsSocial Studies Health Art VA-CE-H2
VA-CE-H3
VA-CE-H5
VA-CA-H5
VA-CA-H1
Nourish: Food Traditions
This lesson challenges students conduct an interview of another classmate with the goal of learning more about that classmate’s family traditions. Once interviews are completed, groups of students collaborate to create a Venn diagram that compares the food traditions within their groups. Students can be asked to focus specifically food traditions centered around a specific ingredient, like rice.
Louisiana Student Standards
Math Science English
Language ArtsSocial Studies Health Art SL.9-10.1
SL.9-10.4
LS.9-10.1
SL.11-12.1
SL.11-12.4
LS.11-12.12-H-1.1
2-H-1.3
2-H-2.1
2-H-2.3Rice:
Videos and Other Resources
Louisiana Harvest of the Month Video Series: Rice (12:27)
This month’s Louisiana Harvest of the Month has a long history in Louisiana, although it is not native here. It is actually one of several contributions brought from West Africa to the Southern table. It’s rice! Rice is an essential ingredient in Cajun cuisine, such as gumbo, jambalaya, etouffee, and boudin. Join me, here in Acadia Parish, as we uncover the grains of truth behind this simple, hearty dish.
MN Ag in the Classroom Harvest of the Month: Wild Rice (6:10)
Wild rice is a staple in Minnesota. So what makes it wild? Listen to expert Shannon Kesner about how wild rice grows and what type of climate it grows in. Watch how the White Earth Reservation in Naytahwuash, Minnesota shows how important wild rice is to the Ojibwe tribe.
“Rice above the statistics”: using grains of rice for data visualization
Here is a fantastic exposition by the artists of Stan's Cafe which uses rice to present physical representations of the real-world statistics.
This Artist Sculpts Animals and Flowers From Grains of Rice
Chen Guorui's artworks—no matter the shape or size—are formed from base units of rice grains formed into triangles
Traditional Rice Planting and Harvest in Vietnam and Thailand 2020 (8:08)
Observe traditional rice planting and harvesting in Vietnam and Thailand.
Rice- How Does it Grow? (Part one) (15:58)
Flooded rice paddies have become a big problem for our planet. Meet a farmer going against the current, growing dryland (or upland) rice in a regenerative, sustainable, small-scale practice.
How It’s Made: Rice (5:04)
Rice is arguably the most popular food on Earth. Here's how they make it on a global scale
Think Rice: Explore the U.S. Rice Industry
Visit rice fields & mills to discover the U.S.-grown rice difference in this chef-hosted virtual tour.
Rice:
Books
Rice: Global Networks and New Histories by Francesca Bray, Peter A. Coclanis, et al. (2017)
Rice is a first step toward a history of rice and its place in capitalism from global and comparative perspectives.
Rice: A Global History by Renee Marton (2015)
Examining the early years of rice’s burgeoning popularity, Marton shows that trade of the grain was driven by profit from both high status export rice and the lower-quality versions that fed countless laborers. In addition to urbanization and the increase in marketing and advertising, she reveals that rice’s rise to supremacy also came through its consumption by slave, indentured servant, and immigrant communities. She also considers the significance rice has in cultural rituals, literature, music, painting, and poetry. She even shows how the specific rice one consumes can have great importance in distinguishing one’s identity within an ethnic group. Chock full of delicious recipes from across the globe, Rice is a fascinating look at how this culinary staple has defined us.
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Shrimp:
Shrimp:
Lessons and Activities
NSTA: Surviving Inside the EcoSphere
This data analysis task challenges students to understand how an EcoSphere is able to sustain life as a closed system. Through analyzing data, students will come to understand how the EcoSphere functions and how the shrimp are able to survive inside the closed container. In doing so, students will connect how the cycling of matter in an environment is necessary to support the life of all organisms. Students must then use the CER model to answer the question "How can the shrimp get the matter and energy they need to survive?"
Louisiana Student Standards
Math Science English
Language ArtsSocial Studies Health Art HS-LS1-5
HS-LS1-6
HS-LS1-7
HS-LS2-3
HS-LS2-4
HS-LS2-5WS. 9-10.1
WS. 9-10.2
WS. 9-10.4
WS. 11-12.1
WS. 11-12.2
WS. 11-12.4
LUMCON: Biodiversity of Terrebonne Bay
Explore trawling as a scientific research method and the diversity of demersal and pelagic species of Terrebonne Bay by working with data collected by LUMCON over decades.
Louisiana Student Standards
Math Science English
Language ArtsSocial Studies Health Art HS-LS2-2
HS-LS2-7
HS-LS4-6
HS-ESS3-3University of Utah: Abuse-a-Cyst Brine Shrimp Lab
Brine shrimp populations survive in some of the harshest environments. Subject brine shrimp cysts to extreme conditions then try to hatch them to see just how tough they are.
Louisiana Student Standards
Math Science English
Language ArtsSocial Studies Health Art HS-LS2-1
HS-LS4-2
HS-LS4-3
HS-LS4-4
HS-LS4-5
HS-EVS1-1
HS-EVS2-2Shrimp:
Videos and Other Resources
Outside the Levees: Shrimping Catch and Cook (20:42)
In this video we go to St. Bernard Parish for a night time shrimping trip. After that we’ll go to Rebouche's Cafe in St. Bernard to cook up shrimp benedict.
FARMED SHRIMP | How It’s Made (5:15)
Ever wondered how farmed shrimp are grown? See the full process right here!
Behind the Scenes: The Gulf Coast Shrimp Industry (5:59)
“Shrimping is a way of life here,” says this third-generation shrimper. Learn more about the Gulf Cost shrimp industry in this behind-the-scenes video.
PBS NewsHour: Tiger Shrimp Invade Louisiana Waters (3:18)
An invasive species known as tiger shrimp have been spotted in the Gulf of Mexico over the last six years. Charlie Whinham talks with shrimpers and researchers about how these huge shrimp could cause big problems for Louisiana's multi-billion dollar industry.
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Sweet Corn:
Sweet Corn:
Lessons and Activities
Kansas Corn STEM: Concentrations
One of the biggest issues facing producers today are the misconceptions surrounding some of the most fundamental practices of production, the use of sprayed pesticides, herbicides and fertilizers. This lab will investigate the non-standardized formulations of at-home glyphosate products and application suggestions as opposed to the commercial agricultural products and practices. Special attention will be paid to the ideas of concentrations, dilutions, and application surface area for both types of application situations. Corn Concentration Lab ppt
Louisiana Student Standards
Math Science English
Language ArtsSocial Studies Health Art HS-LS2-1
HS-LS2-2
HS-LS2-6
HS-LS2-7
HS-EVS-1-3
HS-PS1-5
HS-PS3-3
Kansas Corn STEM: Explore Corn
Corn is a vital part of the American economy and landscape. Understanding how corn is planted, grown, and harvested helps students comprehend the importance of this crop to the Midwest. As cities grow, many people move away from an agricultural understanding, even though it is essential to their lives. In this activity, students will get a background in the origins of corn, as well as the growth process for a single corn plant. Students will also get the chance to dissect a corn plant Explore Corn ppt
Louisiana Student Standards
Math Science English
Language ArtsSocial Studies Health Art HS-LS1-5
HS-LS3-2
HS-ESS3-1
RI 9-10.1
RI 9-10.7
RI.11-12.1
W.9-10.7
W.9-10.8
W.9-10.9
WS.11-12.7
WS.11-12.8
WS.11-12.9
SL.9-10.1
SL.9-10.4
SL.11-12.1
National Ag in the Classroom: Plant Nutrient Deficiencies Grades
Students will recognize that plants, like people, require essential nutrients to be present in the right amounts in order to be healthy, use reference materials to diagnose plant nutrient deficiencies, define fertilizer as a type of “food” for plants, and appreciate that fertilizers are used to replenish nutrients in agricultural soils.
Louisiana Student Standards
Math Science English
Language ArtsSocial Studies Health Art HS-LS1-1
HS-LS1-2
HS-LS1-3
HS-LS2-4RI.9-10.1
RI.11-12.1
WS.9-10.7
WS.9-10.8
WS.9-10.9
WS.11-12.7
WS.11-12.8
WS.11-12.9
SL.9-10.1
SL.9-10.4
SL.11-12.1National Ag in the Classroom: Journey 2050 – Introduction to Sustainable Agriculture
Students will explore and understand the core question, “How will we sustainably feed nearly 10 billion people by the year 205 and begin to think about the challenges and opportunities presented by this question. Students will explore factors such as expected population growth, food waste, and various positive and negative factors impacting sustainable agriculture.
Louisiana Student Standards
Math Science English
Language ArtsSocial Studies Health Art HS-ESS3-1
HS-ESS3-2
HS-ESS3-3
HS-ESS3-4
HS-LS2-7SL.9-10.1
SL.9-10.2
SL.9-10.3
SL.9-10.4
SL.11-12.1
SL.11-12.2
SL.11-12.3WG.5.2
WG.6.1
WG.6.2
WG.6.3National Ag in the Classroom: Soil and Sustainability
Students observe soil ecosystems to investigate how human impact affects the biodiversity of soils using the Simpson's Index of Diversity. Then, students conduct an investigation using field corn to determine how the introduction of nitrogen fertilizers impact soil microorganisms and biodiversity.
Louisiana Student Standards
Math Science English
Language ArtsSocial Studies Health Art HS-LS2-1
HS-LS2-6
HS-LS2-7
HS-ESS3-2
HS-ESS3-3RI.9-10.1
RI.9-10.7
RI.9-10.8
RI.11-12.1
RI.11-12.17
WS.9-10.7
WS.9-10.8
WS.9-10.9
WS.11-12.7
WS.11-12.8
WS.11-12.9
SL.9-10.1
SL.9-10.2
SL.9-10.3
SL.9-10.4
SL.11-12.1
SL.11-12.2
SL.11-12.3Sweet Corn:
Videos and Other Resources
TED-Ed: The History of the World According to Corn (5:22)
Trace the 9,000-year-old history of the domestication of corn, or maize, and its effects on global agriculture.
Maryland Farm & Harvest: The Difference Between SWEET Corn & FIELD Corn (4:43)
Did you know there's a big difference between the corn you eat on the cob and the corn that's made into cornmeal? Al Spoler stops by Hopkins Produce in Havre de Grace and shows us the difference between sweet corn (which you eat fresh, frozen, or canned) and field corn (which is dried out and used for cornmeal and livestock feed.) Dave Hopkins shows Al how to pick sweet corn by hand, and then his wife Michele has a great recipe for fresh corn soup!
SciShow: The Science of the World’s Most Colorful Corn (6:29)
Don't be fooled! The yellow or white corn you see in the grocery store is only the tip of the rainbow-colored iceberg of corn coloration. And these more genetically diverse varieties of corn might just save our husks one day.
HHMI BioInteractive Video- Popped Secret: The Mysterious Origin of Corn (17:51)
The Mysterious Origin of Corn tells the story of the genetic changes involved in the transformation of a wild grass called teosinte into corn. Evidence from genetics supports archeological findings pinpointing corn’s origins to a very particular time and place in Mexico. Use this video to see how a small number of genetic changes can have a dramatic effect on an organism.
Corn time lapse – 12 days – Plant time lapse series (1:50)
Observe the germination and early growth of corn.
Fields of Gold: How Sweet Corn Pollination REALLY Works (2:19)
Learn about the wild way baby sweet corn grows — with tassels and corn silk, unlike any other plant!
Three Sisters Legend
The legend explains the history of this Native American companion planting method.
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Snap Beans:
Snap Beans:
Lessons and Activities
National Ag in the Classroom: Is There Ever Too Much of a Good Thing?
This activity directs students in performing an experiment measuring the growth of beans using too much fertilizer, too little fertilizer, and the right balance of fertilizer. Students will learn how and why farmers use the correct amount and type of fertilizer to grow crops used for our food and fiber. Is There Ever Too Much of a Good Thing? PDF Journey 2050: Nutrients This is an accompanying video for this lesson. It discusses how nutrients are essential for life. They provide energy and support the growth and maintenance of our bodies, and they are essential for healthy plants as well. Learn about the role nutrients play in our journey to 2050. (5:04)
Louisiana Student Standards
Math Science English
Language ArtsSocial Studies Health Art HS-LS1-3
HS-LS2-4SL.9-10.1
SL.9-10.4
W.9-10.2
W.9-10.4
W.9-10.7
W.11-12.1
W.11-12.2
W.11-12.4
W.11-12.7
SL.11-12.4
California Harvest of the Month: Green Beans
This Harvest of the Month newsletter has activities that give students the opportunity to explore, taste, and reasons to eat green (snap) beans. It also includes information on its origins and how it grows. Lessons and activities include a school garden experiment, taste testing activity, and a cafeteria contest.
Louisiana Student Standards
Math Science English
Language ArtsSocial Studies Health Art 4-H-1.1
4-H-1.2
7-H-2.2Snap Beans:
Videos and Other Resources
Beans time lapse – 53 days (3:17)
Observe the growth of a bean plant over 53 days
Three Sisters Legend
The legend explains the history of this Native American companion planting method.
Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services: Snap Beans Brochure
Brochure containing snap bean facts and recipes. Scroll to the bottom of the "Snap Bean Nutrition" paragraph to download the flyer.
Forever Securing World Food Supply with Crop Trust(16:10)
Follow world-renowned scientist Cary Fowler into the heart of the Arctic, where the Svalbard Global Seed Vault lies nestled in the frozen Norwegian landscape. Among the most important buildings in the world, the Seed Vault holds the key to human survival: more than 880,000 seed samples, the largest collection in the world. These seeds are critical because, unless safeguarded, agriculture biodiversity is at risk of decline in the face of changing environmental and population pressures.
A Rare Look Inside the Doomsday Seed Vault Deep in the Arctic (5:23)
If society endures an apocalypse, what will we eat?! Seed vaults are our food-preservation time capsule for the future.
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Squash:
Squash:
Lessons and Activities
Seeds to Success: Predicting Pumpkins
Just in time for Fall, this lesson allows students to predict and explore correlations between physical characteristics of pumpkins. Students will predict three correlations, collect data, and create scatterplots to determine if any sort of correlation exists. Once students are done collecting data, pumpkins could be used for a carving contest or seeds could be kept and roasted for a fun snack!
Louisiana Student Standards
Math Science English
Language ArtsSocial Studies Health Art A1: S-ID-B.6
A1: S-ID.C.7
A2: S-ID-B6
HS-LS3-3 National Ag in the Classroom: The Science of a GMO
Students will compare and contrast methods of selective plant breeding, describe the scientific process of creating a genetically modified plant, compare genetically modified soybean seeds to conventional soybean seeds, describe the impact weeds have on plant growth, and understand how a genetically modified seed can help farmers manage weeds. The Science of a GMO PDF
Louisiana Student Standards
Math Science English
Language ArtsSocial Studies Health Art HS-LS3-1
HS-LS3-2
RI.9-10.1
RI.9-10.7
RI.9-10.8
RI.11-12.1
RI.11-12.7
WS.9-10.7
WS.9-10.8
WS.9-10.9
WS.11-12.7
WS.11-12.8
WS.11-12.9
SL.9-10.1
SL.9-10.2
SL.9-10.3
SL.9-10.4
SL.11-12.1
SL.11-12.2
SL.11-12.3National Ag in the Classroom: Evaluating GMO Perspective
In this lesson students will learn about transgenesis, a technology used to genetically modify plants. Students will learn what crops in the United States have been genetically modified and why a farmer might choose to grow a GM crop, and they will evaluate how social science impacts the implementation of technology in our food supply.
Louisiana Student Standards
Math Science English
Language ArtsSocial Studies Health Art HS-LS3-1
HS-LS3-2RI.9-10.1
RI.9-10.7
RI.9-10.8
RI.11-12.1
RI.11-12.7
WS.9-10.7
WS.9-10.8
WS.9-10.9
WS.11-12.7
WS.11-12.8
WS.11-12.9
SL.9-10.1
SL.9-10.2
SL.9-10.3
SL.9-10.4
SL.11-12.1
SL.11-12.2
SL.11-12.3Squash:
Videos and Other Resources
Louisiana Harvest of the Month Video Series: Winter Squash (11:08)
This month’s Louisiana Harvest of the Month was so vital to the early settlers of our country, that they may not have survived without it during those harsh New England winters. Today they are every part of our autumn celebrations. It’s winter squash! The indigenous people of that time taught us all that we know and love about pumpkins, squash and gourds. This is Chenier Farms, where they’re going squash our curiosity on how this crop is grown, harvested, and prepared into a cornucopia of treats!
Zucchini Growing Tips I Wish I’d Known (6:44)
Prevent powdery mildew with proper spacing. How to identify male and female flowers, and which ones will produce fruit. How to get rid of insect pests specific to squash.
Growing Zucchini At Home In A Container – Large, Long Fruit – 1 To 72 Day Diary (14:59)
This video diary shows the process of growing zucchini is buckets from germination to fruiting.
Louisiana Harvest of the Month Video Series: Summer Squash (10:41)
This month’s Louisiana Harvest of the Month comes in all sorts of beautiful sizes and colors and its name celebrates, probably your favorite season. It’s summer squash! There are some many interesting things to know about this amazing group of vegetables. Let’s head out to the farm to find out more!
Three Sisters Legend
The legend explains the history of this Native American companion planting method.
Cook with Class: How Summer Squash Grow (1:26)
Video showing the development of zucchini squash from immature fruit with flower to mature fruit on the plant.
Allotment Diary: Zucchini Growing Time-Lapse (1:20)
This video shows a zucchini plant growing and flowering during 5 days of filming.
True Food TV: Zucchini Growing Tips That I Wish I Had Known (6:44)
Prevent powdery mildew with proper spacing. Identify male and female flowers. Learn which ones will produce fruit, and how to get rid of insect pests specific to squash.
Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services: Winter Squash Brochure
Brochure containing winter squash facts and recipes. Scroll to the bottom of the "Winter Squash Nutrition" paragraph to download the flyer.
Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services: Summer Squash Brochure
Brochure containing summer squash facts and recipes. Scroll to the bottom of the "Summer Squash Nutrition" paragraph to download the flyer.
FDA: Feed Your Mind – Stakeholder Toolkit
The Feed Your Mind initiative offers science-based, plain-language information in the form of web content, fact sheets, infographics, and videos that you can share with your constituents, members, partners, and other stakeholders to increase their knowledge and understanding of GMOs. There are many free videos, infographics, and PDF documents that can be downloaded from this site.
Farmers 2050
This is a free sustainability farming game. This game builds on the concepts introduced in the Journey 2050 program and adds real-life complexity.
GMO Answers: How GMOs Made? The Genetically Modified Hawaiian Papaya Case Study (5:31)
Find out how GMOs are made by following the Hawaiian Papaya GMO case study. The Hawaiian Papaya is a good example of a GMO crop that was genetically modified because of a disease that had a negative effect on the quality of commercial food cultivation. The Papaya Ringspot Virus was ruining Hawaii’s papaya industry. So, scientists decided to use genetic modification to resolve this problem. GMOs are created to withstand certain environmental problems, like insects or diseases. In order to do this, biotechnologists take the following steps: first, they determine whether genetic engineering is the most effective way to solve the problem. Then they identify the genetic material that can solve the problem and copy the desired trait from a donor organism. This trait is then implanted into the host plant’s DNA. In this case, the GMO Rainbow Papaya was engineered to resist the virus.
FDA: Feed Your Mind – GMOs 101: Your Basic Questions Answered
Feed Your Mind is the Federal Food and Drug Administration’s new education initiative to help consumers better understand genetically engineered foods, commonly called GMOs or genetically modified organisms.
GMO Answers
A genetically modified crop is a crop that has had its genetic makeup altered in order to produce a more desirable outcome, such as resistance to disease or change in size. This is a very specific type of plant breeding that takes the desirable DNA trait from one organism and implants it into another to create a new, stronger product — one that’s impossible to produce through traditional farming methods. Squash is one of the 10 GMO vegetables on the market.
A Timeline of Genetic Modification in Modern Agriculture
Most of the foods we eat today were created through traditional breeding methods. But changing plants and animals through traditional breeding can take a long time, and it is difficult to make very specific changes. After scientists developed genetic engineering in the 1970s, they were able to make similar changes in a more specific way and in a shorter amount of time. This is a free, downloadable graphic of the history of genetic modification in agriculture.
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Strawberries:
Strawberries:
Lessons and Activities
TROP ICSU: Wild Strawberry Fruiting and Climate Change
This lesson plan enables students to understand phenology and phenological events in plants. Environmental factors such as precipitation patterns, photoperiod, and temperature affect the timing of the first blooms and fruit setting for the formation of fruit. This lesson plan shows the relationship between climate and phenological events using the example of the timing of fruit production in wild strawberries.
Louisiana Student Standards
Math Science English
Language ArtsSocial Studies Health Art HS-ESS3-6
HS-LS2-1
HS-LS4-4
FDA: Strawberry DNA Extraction Activity (p.17-22)
In this activity, students’ interest in food science is enhanced through an engaging and fun activity — the extraction, isolation, and observation of the DNA from strawberries. Background information is found on p.17. Answer key to activity sheet can be found on p.99.
Louisiana Student Standards
Math Science English
Language ArtsSocial Studies Health Art HS-LS1-1
HS-LS3-1
HS-LS3-2Center for Ecoliteracy: Seasonal, Local Food (p.26-34)
In this activity, students research what produce grows in their area and in what season, and they learn about the advantages and disadvantages of eating locally grown food. They create a seasonal circle and a resource booklet for obtaining local produce to share with their families. Strawberries are one of Louisiana students' favorite seasonal, local fruits.
Louisiana Student Standards
Math Science English
Language ArtsSocial Studies Health Art WG.2.3
WG.6.2National Ag in the Classroom: Fruits and Vegetables – The Right Pick for Vitamins and Minerals
Students will describe the farm-to-table process of common fruits and vegetables, recognize the nutrients fruits and vegetables provide, and evaluate methods of food storage and preparation for preserving nutrients. Fruit and Vegetables: The Right Pick for Vitamins and Minerals PDF
Louisiana Student Standards
Math Science English
Language ArtsSocial Studies Health Art RI.9-10.1
RI.9-10.7
RI.9-10.8
RI.11-12.1
RI.11-12.7
W.9-10.7
W.9-10.8
W.9-10.9
SL.9-10.1
SL.9-10.2
SL.9-10.3
SL.9-10.4
SL.11-12.1
SL.11-12.2
SL.11-12.33-H-2.3
4-H-1.1
4-H-1.2
7-H-2.1Strawberries:
Videos and Other Resources
Strawberry growing from Seed to Fruit (90 Days Time-Lapse) (3:05)
Enjoy this Wild Strawberry plant growing from seed to fruit in 90 Days.
Louisiana Harvest of the Month Video Series: Strawberries (10:50)
This month’s Louisiana Harvest of the Month is grown in every U.S. state and every Canadian providence. It became the official Louisiana state fruit in 1980 and it’s celebrated each year at its very own festival in Ponchatoula. It’s strawberries! Join me and let’s learn a little more about what makes this fruit the berry best!
California Department of Agriculture: Strawberry Fields…Forever (4:08)
Sakakihara Farms, strawberry growers, like other California growers, are learning to grow their crops despite drought conditions, by using newer high-tech tools that help monitor water and fertilizer use.
Stated Clearly: DNA and How Does It Work? (5:23)
This animated short film has been made for those wanting a simple introduction (or even a refresher) on how DNA creates a living creature. In this video you will learn a bit about genetic code, DNA transcription and translation, and the importance of proteins in the chemistry of life.
How to Extract DNA from Strawberries (9:45)
In this video, Drs. Eric Green and Carla Easter from the National Human Genome Research Institute of the National Institutes of Health demonstrate how to extract DNA from strawberries using everyday household items.
Strawberries, Spinach, and Kale Top “Dirty Dozen” List: How to Minimize Pesticide Intake (4:16)
Nearly 70 percent of conventionally grown produce sold in the U.S. was found to have pesticide residue, according to a new report from the Environmental Working Group. Samantha Heller, registered dietitian at NYU Langone Health, joins "CBS This Morning" to discuss how strawberries, spinach, and kale top their so-called "dirty dozen" list of produce with the most pesticide contamination.
Real Food TV: Why Are Strawberry Seeds on the Outside? (0:45)
Most fruits have seeds buried deep inside the fleshy part we eat. So why are strawberries so different? Watch this short video to find out.
Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services: Strawberry Brochure
Brochures containing facts and recipes for blueberries, watermelon, snap beans, strawberries, tomatoes, and corn. Scroll down to find the strawberry brochure.
Center for Ecoliteracy: Nourishing Students: Posters
Display these posters in kitchens, cafeterias, classrooms, and during after-school programs as a fun and engaging way to promote fresh fruits, vegetables, and healthy eating. Nourishing Students: Enrichment Activities for Grades K–5 coordinates with these five posters and makes after-school, out-of-school, and summer programs more memorable. Each poster is designed to print 24" by 36." These posters won the 2018 Graphic Design USA award for Health + Wellness. This set of free, downloadable full-color posters features wildlife animals with the following fruit or vegetable: Radish, Strawberry, Grape, Tomato, Orange.
FDA: Science and Our Food Supply: Exploring Food Agriculture and Biotechnology – Teacher’s Guide for High School Classrooms
You may be familiar with Science and Our Food Supply, the award-winning supplemental curriculum developed by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and the National Science Teaching Association (NSTA). It uses food as the springboard to engage students in inquiry-based, exploratory science that also promotes awareness and proper behaviors related to food safety. The FDA has developed a new component to the program: Science and Our Food Supply: Exploring Food Agriculture and Biotechnology — Teacher’s Guide for High School Classrooms, 1st edition. Designed to be used separately or in conjunction with the original program, this curriculum aims to help students understand traditional agricultural methods and more recent technologies that many farmers use today. This is a free, downloadable curriculum.
Nourish Life: Michael Pollan: Why Eat Local? (1:58)
Food journalist Michael Pollan encourages buying local food to conserve energy, support farmers, and preserve the natural landscape.
Nourish Life: In Season (2:05)
Have you ever eaten a freshly picked strawberry in the height of its season? In this video, farmer Nigel Walker, Dr. Nadine Burke, and others share why eating seasonally is good for your body and the planet — and it tastes better, too!
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Sweet Peppers:
Sweet Peppers:
Lessons and Activities
Kids Gardening: Vegetable Carving
Carving vegetables is a great way to promote creativity, hone fine motor skills, and learn about global cultures. It can also be a fun way to get kids interested in trying out new foods, and to create festive decorations. Check out this fun activity and let your students explore different root vegetables through vegetable carving!
Louisiana Student Standards
Math Science English
Language ArtsSocial Studies Health Art k-4
VA-CE-E4
VA-AP-E2
VA-AP-E4
VA-HP-E1
VA-HP-E4
5-8
VA-CE-M4
VA-CE-M5
VA-AP-M2
VA-AP-M3
VA-AP-M6
VA-HP-M1
VA-HP-M2
VA-HP-M4
VA-HP-M5
9-12
VA-CE-H3
VA-CE-H4
VA-CE-H5
VA-AP-H2
VA-AP-H4
VA-AP-H6
VA-HP-H1
VA-HP-H2
VA-HP-H4National Ag in the Classroom: Filling the Global Grocery Bag
Students learn what factors affect a country's ability to produce its own food and how food expenses differ throughout the world. Filling the Global Grocery Bag PDF
Louisiana Student Standards
Math Science English
Language ArtsSocial Studies Health Art WS.9-10.7
WS.9-10.8
WS.9-10.9
WS.11-12.7
WS.11-12.8
WS.11-12.9
SL.9-10.1
SL.9-10.2
SL.9-10.3
SL.9-10.4
SL.11-12.1
SL.11-12.2
SL.11-12.3WG.1.4
WG.4.2
Sweet Peppers:
Videos and Other Resources
Growing Sweet Bell Pepper Plant From Seed To Fruit (118 Days Time Lapse) (2:24)
Time lapse of growing sweet red bell pepper from seed to harvest over 118 days.
The Sophisticated Glasshouse Enterprise Growing Capsicums in Warkworth (4:57)
Southern Paprika is New Zealand’s largest single site glasshouse grower of capsicums. Founders Hamish and Robin Alexander originally built a one hectare glasshouse at Point Wells back in 1998. Over the years, additional glasshouses have been added, and Southern Paprika now have 26 hectares of state of the art glasshouses, producing almost 7 million kilograms of capsicums per year.
True Food TV: Bell Peppers | How Does It Grow? (6:05)
Very informative video on how bell peppers are grown commercially.
Ted Ed: The Science of Spiciness (3:54)
When you take a bite of a hot pepper, your body reacts as if your mouth is on fire — because that's essentially what you've told your brain! Rose Eveleth details the science and history behind spicy foods, giving insights into why some people continue to pay the painful price for a little spice.
Nature Fresh Farms: Improve Yield with Priva Greenhouse Automation and Microsoft (2:27)
Nature Fresh Farms is one of the largest independent greenhouse-produce growers in Canada and uses Priva’s computer system. Nature Fresh is able to closely monitor its greenhouses: from temperature, humidity, and CO2 input to irrigation, harvesting, and product packaging.
Nature Fresh Farms: A Day in the Life – New Year Means New Crops (10:14)
In this installment of his "A Day in the Life" series, Herman connects with our growers across all of our greenhouses in Leamington, ON to talk about tomatoes, bell peppers, and cucumbers. From seedling to first picked fruit, learn how our veggies come to life.
Nature Fresh Farms: The Pepper Lover’s Guide to Sweet Peppers
Crisp and refreshing, with flavors that range from tangy to candy-rivalling sweet, sweet peppers are some of the most popular, versatile, and healthy produce items out there. So… just how many types of sweet peppers are there? We’re here to share our favorites with you — from the sweetest Reds to the crispest Greens.
Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services: Bell Pepper Brochure
Brochure containing bell pepper facts and recipes. Scroll to the bottom of the "Bell Pepper Nutrition" paragraph to download the flyer.
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Sweet Potatoes:
Sweet Potatoes:
Lessons and Activities
Seeds to Success: Sweet Potato vs. White Potato Osmosis Lab
This lab allows students to apply their knowledge of osmosis to compare the sucrose content of sweet potatoes and white potatoes. Students will soak pieces of potato in sucrose solutions of various concentrations. After calculating and graphing the potatoes’ percent change in mass, students will use their data to draw conclusions about sucrose concentrations in the two different plant cell types.
Louisiana Student Standards
Math Science English
Language ArtsSocial Studies Health Art A1: S-ID-B.6
A1: S-ID.C.7
A2: S-ID-B.6
HS-LS1-3
HS-PS1-5
HS-PS1-6
Sweet Potatoes:
Videos and Other Resources
Louisiana Harvest of the Month Video Series: Sweet Potatoes (10:12)
This month’s Louisiana Harvest of the Month was grown by our nation’s first president, George Washington. It’s a root but its leaves are also edible. Have you guessed it? It’s sweet potatoes! Now let’s learn a little bit more about the sweet potato, a vegetable with a history as colorful as its bright orange flesh.
P. Allen Smith: How to Harvest Sweet Potatoes (3:15)
Harvesting and storing sweet potatoes.
Amazing Natural World: Harvesting Sweet Potatoes (4:04)
Harvesting Japanese sweet potatoes in a small backyard plot.
South Carolina ETV: Sweet Potato Harvesting (5:43)
Sweet potatoes planting slips to harvesting on a large farm scale.
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Tomatoes:
Tomatoes:
Lessons and Activities
Seeds to Success: Tomatoes and Temperature
In this lesson, students set-up and run an experiment to explore how temperature affects the vascular tissue of tomato plants. This lesson takes approximately 3 weeks to complete.
Louisiana Student Standards
Math Science English
Language ArtsSocial Studies Health Art HS-LS1-2
HS-LS1-3
HS-LS2-4
HS-ESS2-2
SL.9-10.4
SL.11-12.4
TED-Ed: Amazing Ways Plants Defend Themselves
Plants are constantly under attack. They face threats ranging from microscopic fungi and small herbivores like caterpillars, up to large herbivores like elephants. But plants are prepared with a whole series of internal and external defenses that make them a less appealing meal — or even a deadly one. Valentin Hammoudi explains some of the fascinating ways that plants defend themselves. The TED electronic lesson includes a video and a test.
Louisiana Student Standards
Math Science English
Language ArtsSocial Studies Health Art HS-LS1-2
HS-LS4-3Center for Ecoliteracy: The Story of Food (p.16-25)
p.16-25. This lesson introduces the idea that all of our food involves a story, which often reveals a connection to the global community. It shows how some of our food is grown by local farmers and how some comes from producers halfway around the world. It suggests that, depending on what we eat, our food can either support local economies and preserve open space, or cause species loss and other problems. This activity compares the stories of commodity corn and heirloom tomatoes.
Louisiana Student Standards
Math Science English
Language ArtsSocial Studies Health Art HS-ESS3-1
HS-ESS3-3
HS-ESS3-4RI.9-10.1
RI.9-10.7
RI.9-10.8
RI.11-12.1
RI.11-12.7
SL.9-10.1
SL.9-10.2
SL.9-10.3
SL.9-10.4
SL.11-12.1
SL.11-12.2
SL.11-12.3C.6.2
C.6.3
C.6.6Tomatoes:
Videos and Other Resources
Growing TOMATO Plant From Tomato Slice TIME LAPSE – 120 Days (2:32)
Growing a tomato plant from a tomato slice--from seed to fruit!
Louisiana Harvest of the Month Video Series: Tomatoes (10:08)
This month’s Louisiana Harvest of the Month was legally designated as a vegetable over a 100 years ago in the United States; although, it is botanically classified as a fruit. Now it is the third most popular vegetable in the United States. It’s tomatoes! No matter how you slice it, the tomato is a delicious treat and so much fun to grow!
True Food TV: How to Grow Tomatoes that Taste Amazing! (9:31)
Pruning. Trellising. Sucker removal. Pest management... all the things you need to know to grow successful tomato plants.
True Food TV: Heirloom Tomato | How Does It Grow? (11:10)
Heirloom tomatoes are SCIENTIFICALLY sweeter than the round red ones that dominate our supermarkets. So why don't we see more heirlooms? Because they are insanely difficult to grow — and sell! Very informative video on how heirloom tomatoes are grown.
True Food TV: Tomatoes | How Does It Grow? (11:02)
Tomato farming is NOT what you think it is! Meet the farmers behind your pasta sauce, who grow and harvest plum-style processing tomatoes — the source of more vitamins than any other fruit or vegetable consumed in the U.S. The history of the tomato is interwoven into a virtual field trip to a commercial tomato farm.
GroVeg: Ways of Ripening Green Tomatoes (3:31)
Explains multiple ways of ripening green tomatoes.
Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services: Tomato Brochure
Brochures containing facts and recipes for blueberries, watermelon, snap beans, strawberries, tomatoes, and corn. Scroll down to find the tomato brochure.
Center for Ecoliteracy: Nourishing Students: Posters
Display these posters in kitchens, cafeterias, classrooms, and during after-school programs as a fun and engaging way to promote fresh fruits, vegetables, and healthy eating. Each poster is designed to print 24" by 36." These posters won the 2018 Graphic Design USA award for Health + Wellness. This set of free, downloadable full-color posters features wildlife animals with the following fruit or vegetable: Radish, Strawberry, Grape, Tomato, Orange.
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General Lessons & Activities:
General Lessons & Activities:
Lessons and Activities
Berry Ink Painting
Take a step back in time and allow students to create their own watercolor paints using berry juice! This lesson can be used to teach ratios as students mix water and different types of berry juice to create new colors!
Louisiana Student Standards
Math Science English
Language ArtsSocial Studies Health Art K.MD.A.1
3.NF.A.1
3.MD.A.2
6.RP.A.2
6.RP.A.3
7.RP.A.22.5 VA-CE-E2
VA-CE-E3
VA-HP-E4
VA-CE-M2
VA-CE-M3
VA-HP-M4
VA-CE-H2
VA-CE-H3
VA-HP-H4Kids Gardening: Object-Based Storytelling in the Garden
Objects evoke memories, emotions, and ideas and can be used as inspiration to express our thoughts and feelings. In this lesson, young gardeners use objects they find in the garden or in a natural space to help them create a story that shares a lived experience. Consider having students create a gallery walk within the school that showcases the objects and the writing those objects helped to inspire!
Louisiana Student Standards
Math Science English
Language ArtsSocial Studies Health Art W.9-10.3
W.9-10.4
L.9-10.1
L.9-10.2
W.11-12.3
W.11-12.4
L.11-12.1
L.11-12.2Seeds to Success: Scribble Stones
Students plan, design, and contribute word rocks to the school rock garden. This very adaptable activity can be adjusted and used across all grade levels and subjects!
Louisiana Student Standards
Math Science English
Language ArtsSocial Studies Health Art L.K.1
L.K.2
L.1.1
L.1.2
L.2.1
L.2.2
L.3.1
L.3.2
L.4.1
L.4.2
L.5.1
L.5.2
L.6.1
L.6.2
L.7.1
L.7.2
L.8.1
L.8.2
L.9-10.1
L.9-10.2
L.11-12.1
L.11-12.2
VA-CE-E1
VA-CE-E2
VA-CE-E4
VA-CE-E6
VA-AP-E6
VA-CE-M2
VA-CE-M5
VA-CE-M6
VA-AP-M6
VA-CE-H2
VA-CE-H5
VA-CE-H6
VA-AP-H6
Seeds to Success: Ripe for the Searching
Louisiana Harvest of the Month word search. Use the word bank to find the hidden names of the harvest of the month items. Words can be going horizontally, vertically or diagonally.
American Farm Bureau: When I Grow Up: Discovering Ag Careers
Although this document is considered appropriate for grades 6-8, there is valuable information for students in grades 10-12 who are considering a career in an agriculture-related field. There is a growing demand for recent college graduates entering the workforce in the agricultural sector. The resources in this kit are based on nine agriculture career focus areas:
- Agribusiness Systems
- Agricultural Education
- Animal Systems
- Biotechnology Systems
- Environmental Service Systems
- Food Products & Processing Systems
- Natural Resources Systems
- Plant Systems
- Power, Structural, & Technical Systems
- One lesson that introduces students to the career focus area and associated career opportunities
- Three standards-based, interdisciplinary supplemental activities that each feature a different career from that area
- One take-home activity sheet that introduces students to another career from that area through a fun, engaging activity.
Nature Fresh Farms: Mindful Eating
The purpose is to introduce the idea of being mindful and to teach students how to develop and apply healthy, mindful eating practices within their daily lives. Students will learn how to answer critical questions, such as: What is mindful eating? Why is mindful eating important? How can I apply a mindful eating routine to my life? Additional Materials: Appetite vs Hunger Infographic Mindful Eating Log Mindful Tracker Mindful Eating Powerpoint Quiz: Mindful Eating
Louisiana Student Standards
Math Science English
Language ArtsSocial Studies Health Art SL.9-10.1
SL.9-10.2
SL.9-10.3
SL.9-10.4
SL.11-12.1
SL.11-12.2
SL.11-12.34-H-1.1
4-H-1.2
7-H-2.2National Ag in the Classroom: Journey 2050 – Introduction to Sustainable Agriculture
Students will explore and understand the core question, “How will we sustainably feed nearly 10 billion people by the year 2050?” and begin to think about the challenges and opportunities presented by this question. Students will explore factors such as expected population growth, food waste, and various positive and negative factors impacting sustainable agriculture.
Louisiana Student Standards
Math Science English
Language ArtsSocial Studies Health Art HS-ESS3-1
HS-ESS3-2
HS-ESS3-3
HS-ESS3-4
HS-LS2-7SL.9-10.1
SL.9-10.2
SL.9-10.3
SL.9-10.4
SL.11-12.1
SL.11-12.2
SL.11-12.3WG.5.2
WG.6.1
WG.6.2
WG.6.3
Florida Ag in the Classroom: A Rainbow of Nutrition
p.80-95. Although this lesson is suggested for grades 3-5, it is an excellent lesson with resources to help older students identify the inherited traits of the different plant families, including the nutritional value that each family provides. In this lesson students will research foods made from plant families, identify family members and common nutrients, and create artwork depicting one family group or a food made from that family. This lesson contains beautiful full-color student handouts of the plant families and the nutrition that they provide.
Louisiana Student Standards
Math Science English
Language ArtsSocial Studies Health Art HS-LS4-1
HS-LS4-4W.9-10.7
W.9-10.8
W.9-10.9
W.11-12.7
W.11-12.8
W.11-12.9
SL.9-10.1
SL.9-10.2
SL.9-10.3
SL.9-10.4
SL.11-12.1
SL.11-12.2
SL.11-12.37-H-2.1 TED-Ed: Do We Really Need Pesticides?
This lesson will help students understand pest management. This an electronic lesson to accompany the video by Fernan Pérez-Gálvez who weighs the pros and cons of pesticides. The lesson consists of multiple-choice and discussion questions.
Louisiana Student Standards
Math Science English
Language ArtsSocial Studies Health Art HS-EVS2-1
HS-ESS3-4
HS-ESS3-6
HS-LS2-74-H-1.1
4-H-1.2Center for Ecoliteracy: Analyzing Food Ads (p. 48-55)
How do marketing techniques influence what we eat? Today’s students must navigate a world filled with advertising and consumer marketing. By learning to examine this profusion of messages with a critical eye, they will be better able to make healthful and responsible food choices. Students will analyze food commercials or ads using Food Marketing Techniques. Also, consider inviting students to bring in ads or digital photos of billboards that advertise food. Then, students can design ads that influence fellow students to make healthy food choices by choosing cabbage, broccoli, or cauliflower instead of the unhealthy foods found in the commercials and ads.
Louisiana Student Standards
Math Science English
Language ArtsSocial Studies Health Art RI.9-10.1
RI.9-10.8
RI.11-12.1
W.9-10.7,
W.9-10.8
W.11-12.7
W.11-12.8
SL.9-10.4
WG.5.5 3-H-2.1
3-H-2.2
3-H-2.3Drexel University: Build a Healthy Plate
In this lesson students will build a healthy plate featuring the 2015-2020 Dietary Guidelines. They will explore the three components of building a healthy eating style: variety, amount, and nutrition. Students will learn to identify foods high in solid fats, added sugars, and salt. They will also list ways to shift to an eating style that includes healthier food and beverage choices. Drexel My Plate Powerpoint
Louisiana Student Standards
Math Science English
Language ArtsSocial Studies Health Art RI.9-10.
RI.9-10.7
RI.9-10.8
RI.11-12.1
RI.11-12.7
W.9-10.7
W.9-10.8
W.9-10.9
W.11-12.7
W.11-12.8
W.11-12.9
SL.9-10.1
SL.9-10.2
SL.9-10.3
SL.9-10.4
SL.11-12.1
SL.11-12.2
SL.11-12.34-H-1.1
4-H-1.2
7-H-2.1
7-H-2.2General Lessons & Activities:
Videos and Other Resources
Green Mountain Farm to School: Cooking with Kids
Welcome to Green Mountain Farm to School’s Cooking with Kids Guide. We believe that cooking with students is a valuable learning opportunity, but we know it may be difficult to know how to start. After years of visiting schools to lead hands-on cooking and nutrition activities with children, we’ve developed a list of best practices and resources to help others bring the excitement of cooking to their classroom. Through planning and preparation, these cooking activities can become a highly-anticipated part of your curriculum. Use our safety tips, suggested recipes, and guidelines to bring cooking and nutrition education to your site.
National Agricultural Literacy Outcomes
Spielmaker, D. M., & Leising, J. G. (2013). National agricultural literacy outcomes. Logan, UT: Utah State University, School of Applied Sciences & Technology. Retrieved from http://agclassroom.org/teacher/matrix This free downloadable document outlines benchmarks related to agricultural literacy and academic achievement.
Nature Fresh Farms: Using Bees to Pollinate (3:09)
Some of the hardest workers at our farm, bumble bees pollinate close to 600,000 plants a day, 7 days a week! Cam tells us about their important role in our growing process.
Nature Fresh Farms: A Bug’s Life – Using Beneficial Bugs to Help Grow Our Vegetables (8:46)
Our Integrated Pest Management (IPM) strategy uses good bugs like lady bugs to eliminate the bad bugs to reduce the need for pesticides. The Nature Fresh™ Farms #BugBrigade uses up to 19 different beneficial bugs (bios) to control various pests throughout our greenhouses.
Nature Video: The Buzz about Pesticides (3:42)
Bees, the most important pollinators of our crops, are in trouble. All over the world, their populations are decreasing and scientists want to know why. In this video, Nigel Raine and Richard Gill introduce us to the bumble bees they study at Royal Holloway near London. Their experiments show that two commonly used pesticides affect foraging behavior and brood development, making bumble bee colonies more likely to fail.
Smithsonian: Slo-Mo Footage of a Bumble Bee Dislodging Pollen (1:39)
Buzz pollination is a special technique for dislodging pollen from certain types of plants — and bumble bees are among the few species of bee capable of doing it.
Consumer Reports: A Simple Trick to Tell if Produce is Organic (0:47)
It can be hard to decode all the labels you see in a grocery store produce section. Here’s how you can find organic produce even when you don’t see a label that says Organic.
Consumer Reports: When to Buy Organic – A Produce Cheat Sheet
When is it critical to buy organic and when is it OK to go for conventional? Consumer Reports' new guide reveals which fruits and vegetables carry the biggest pesticide risk. Here, a quick buying guide for 10 popular items. (2:52)
TED-Ed: Do We Really Need Pesticides? (5:17)
Annually, we shower over 5 billion pounds of pesticides across the earth to control insects, unwanted weeds, funguses, rodents, and bacteria that may threaten our food supply. But is it worth it, knowing what we do about the associated environmental and public health risks? Fernan Pérez-Gálvez weighs the pros and cons of pesticides.
General Lessons & Activities:
Books
The Little Gardener: Helping Children Connect with the Natural World by Julie Cerny (2020)
The Little Gardener is an engaging illustrated guide for parents, grandparents, caregivers, and educators who want to help children explore the natural world through gardening. Part how–to, part teaching tool, and part inspiration, The Little Gardener is a thoughtful combination of detailed instructions, tips, anecdotes, and seasonal activities designed to connect gardeners to natural systems.
French Fries and the Food System by Sara Coblyn (2001)
French Fries and the Food System features powerful, original lessons written and developed by The Food Project's growers and educators to develop a deep understanding of and appreciation for the land and local food systems.
Saving Seeds: A Home Gardener’s Guide to Preserving Plant Biodiversity by Dan Jason (2020)
Saving Seeds is a clear and winsome introduction to the essentials of seed saving, from seed selection criteria to harvest and storage tips. It also addresses the role of seed-saving communities: local swaps, seed companies, friends and neighbours and even how the Internet can support this time-honoured practice.
Keeping a Nature Journal (2003)
Keeping a Nature Journal is full of engaging exercises and stimulating prompts that will help you hone your powers of observation and appreciate new aspects of nature’s endlessly varied beauty.
Project Garden: A Month-by-Month Guide to Planting, Growing, and Enjoying ALL Your Backyard Has to Offer (2012)
Ideas to explore, innovate, and cultivate through simple projects that will get a garden growing at any time of year.
The Louisiana Urban Gardener: A Beginner’s Guide to Growing Vegetables and Herbs (2017)
This book offers easy guidelines and useful tools to jump-start and maintain small yet bountiful gardens.
