Key Points

Methods

Begin by writing this quote on the board:

“If you would understand anything, observe its beginning and its development.” Aristotle

Ask the students what they think the quote means.

Yesterday we talked about World History of Agriculture and today we will be discussing the History of Agriculture in the United States. By the end of the period you should be able to relate how the history of agriculture affects our lives today, the impact of various leaders throughout the years and why history is an important part of progress.

Teacher Led Discussion

Key Points

Methods

While we have talked about agriculture across seas, we have yet to talk about the United States. While countries overseas were making progress, the U.S. was just starting out.

In the 17^th century the U.S. was a British colony on the verge of becoming a independent country. During this time they imported many of the goods and livestock we have now.

During the 18^th century many important events occurred such as the Declaration of Independence, plantation style farming was adopted in the south, Eli Whitney invented the cotton gin, Charles Newbold invented the plow, land was purchased, and the idea of agriculture in the new government was set into place by Washington.

In the 1800’s the agriculture was made a permanent part of the senate, great advancements were made in the technology available to farmers, agriculture was made available in some schools, and the efficiency of farmers was greatly increased.

1900’s- First Corn Club for boys was developed as well as agriculture extension, surplus becomes a problem, FFA is founded, the great depression occurred, biotechnology improves crop quality and standards are set on food quality.

Teacher led Discussion/ Begin Slide Show, have students take notes

Key Points

Methods

Place the whipping cream in the jar half way and tell the students to take turns shaking it until butter is formed (refer to website for guidelines.)

While they are dong this, explain to them that if we had been born over a hundred years ago we would have to make everything from hand. Back then the women had to churn milk for hours to make butter.

Hand out note cards with information from slideshow randomly distributed on them. Have the students find other students with facts from the same century and group together. Once they have found each other ask them to write down how they feel the different facts on their notecards impact their lives today and what the world would be like if they never occurred.

Group Activity

Teacher Led Discussion

Group Activity

Key Points

Methods

Have the students come up and explain why they wrote down what they did. After they finish saying what they wrote, ask the students what they think about their answers.

As the students are doing this take the butter and separate it from the buttermilk.

Once the students have finished presenting, allow them to come up and sample the butter that they have made.

Today we finished our discussion on agriculture history. You should all be able to relate how the past leaders and the actual events affect out everyday lives.

References

Student led discussion