Agriculture and Irrigation
S.S 8. (Science, Technology, and Society) Students will understand how societies have influenced and been influenced by scientific developments and technological developments.
Objectives
I can explain the concept of agriculture and irrigation.
Where does the food you eat come from?
Agriculture is the practice of growing food and other crops for consumption and sale. Irrigation is the process of supplying water to crops and farms. Irrigation helps farmers and gardeners get the most out of their land by helping plants get the water they need to stay healthy and produce more. Irrigation also helps to prevent soil erosion and can help to reduce water wastage.
Agriculture and Irrigation
Agriculture: The science, art, or practice of cultivating the soil, producing crops, and raising livestock and in varying degrees the preparation and marketing of the resulting products. Irrigation: The artificial application of water to land to help grow crops. Fertilizer: A natural or artificial substance that is added to soil or land to increase its fertility and produce better crops.
Concepts:
What are some of the basic components of agriculture? (component: a part of something)
How has agriculture changed the lives of humans throughout history?
Agriculture is really important because it helps us have enough food to feed all the people in our communities and even the world. Throughout history, when people learned how to grow their own food and take care of animals, they didn't have to rely only on hunting and gathering. This made it possible for more people to live in one place, create towns and cities, and build societies. Some examples of important crops in agriculture are wheat, rice, corn, and potatoes. Examples of raised animals include cows for meat and milk, chickens for eggs, and sheep for wool. Agriculture has been a key part of human life for a very long time, helping us grow and thrive as a species.
Concepts:
Before agriculture, people had to hunt and gather their food, which could be really hard. But when they learned to grow their own food, they could settle down in one place, build homes, and form communities. This helped civilizations grow and become stronger. Agriculture made it possible for us to have enough food to eat, and it still plays a crucial role in our lives today. Without agriculture, we wouldn't have the variety of foods we enjoy or the ability to support large populations. It's one of the most important things humans have ever learned to do!
Concepts:
What does irrigation mean and how does it help us grow crops?
Irrigation technology has been around since ancient times, with the first known systems being used in Mesopotamia around 4000 BCE. The word 'irrigation' comes from the Latin word 'irrigare', which means 'to moisten, wet, or water'. In some areas of the world, irrigation is used to grow crops that aren’t naturally found in the local climate, such as oranges in desert regions. Approximately 70% of the world's fresh water is used for irrigation in agriculture. In the US, a whopping 50% of the land is used for agriculture and irrigation.
Did you know?
What importance does irrigation play in managing water supply for crops?
Brain break: Draw a vertical line in the middle of the page, and on one side, draw a hilariously oversized ice cream cone, and on the other side, draw a mischievous looking slice of pizza.
Question: What is an effective way to irrigate a farm? Clues: • Think about the size of the farm and the amount of water needed to irrigate it. • Look into irrigation systems such as furrows, sprinklers or drip irrigation. • Think about the cost and labor needed to set up the irrigation system. In pairs: Select and solve one of the tasks: A. Work in pairs and come up with a plan to irrigate a farm. B. Explain your plan by drawing it out.
What is agriculture?
- Farming and growing crops
- Playing sports
- Singing songs
- Building houses
What is irrigation?
- Making ice cream
- Providing water to plants
- Painting pictures
- Flying in an airplane
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Why is irrigation important in agriculture?