Importance of Agricultural Learning. Dr. Elizabeth Finnegan

Transcription

1 Importance of Agricultural Learning Dr. Elizabeth Finnegan

2 Why teaching Agriculture is important Agriculture plays a critical role in the entire life of a given economy Irish exports are worth 9 billion annually Agriculture is the main source of livelihood for ~140,000 families (farms) 1-in-7 Irish jobs come from the Irish Agri-Food Industry For consumers, a continued supply of safe, quality, traceable and sustainably produced, affordable food Helps maintain the beautiful green landscape we are renowned for and which is enjoyed by everyone

3 Who do we need 3 times a day, everyday?

4 Schools play an important role in the education of agriculture, food and natural resources! Schools can make a substantial contribution to the health and well-being of not just the pupil, but the wider school community Good nutrition and physical activity during early school years are vital for a child s present and future well-being! Creating positive experiences with food at an early age will help them make more informed food choices in later life

5 Family Farm Modules WinterWoolies Teaches kids about how animals like sheep, provide us with raw materials like wool Farmtastic Connects kids from an early age with where many foods come from Teaches kids that healthy foods come from the farm Gives them a basic insight in food production systems The Art of Butter Churning Provides an unique opportunity for children to get hands on experience in the traditional art of butter churning Kids are always amazed to see butter forming right before their eyes Living Earth - DPS Kids get to explore the tiny world of our Irish Mini Beasts such as those found in our garden, pond and native hedgerow Involves hands-on practical garden activities such as pond dipping and searching for mini beasts using scientific equipment and Each programme also includes a tour of the Family Farm

6 Dig In resource pack Learn all about life on the farm and the countryside Divided into 4 modules Junior infants to sixth class Within each, 20 lesson plans, dealing with different aspects of farming, countryside, food, and electrical safety and the environment Curriculum linked: strands - Science, Geography and SPHE The suggested activities at the end of each lesson plan allow for aspects of English, Maths, Art and Drama to also be incorporated

7 Classroom Activities Farm Drama Assign each student to different roles in a farm environment E.g. trees, crops, hedges, pollinators, birds, animals, water, farmer Using a timer, give each student one minute to explain, their role in a farm environment, Ask them then to explain how they would react in different seasons Ask them then to explain how they would react in extreme forms of climate (drought, blizzard, hurricane)

8 Farm and Countryside Safety

9 Headlines Young man dies after accident on stud farm Man dies in tractor accident in Co. Meath Man killed by bull in farming accident Second farm death in less than a week as man in his 70s dies in farm accident involving quad

10 Child fatalities on Irish farms Year Child Total % fatalities fatalities % % % %

11 What is being done at primary level? Farm and Countryside Safety Essay Competition 2011 Farm and Countryside Safety colouring competition 2012 Farm and Countryside Safety Welly competition 2013 Farm and Countryside Safety Maze 2014 Farm and Countryside Safety DVD 2015

12 Once upon a farm Highlights the importance of farm and countryside safety to primary level students Aids teachers in relaying the potential dangers on the farm and in the countryside Allows children to be more aware of these potential dangers Take home messages conveyed at home and in the wider community

13 Let s watch the DVD Main points to emphasise to students: Identify the main dangers on the farm and why they are a risk How to minimise the risk and what practices to follow; i.e. how to stay safe Learning outcomes Be aware of the potential dangers posed with each scenario Understand the general precautions surrounding each activity

14 Useful Resources Irish Peatland Conservation Council IPCC