Centre Pivot Irrigation Systems

Name:

Date:

📚 Part 1: Multiple Choice

WALT: We are learning to identify how centre pivot systems work and where they are used.

Success criteria: I can name the main parts, give two benefits, and select correct uses from options.

Differentiation: Read questions aloud or use paired reading. Advanced learners should justify answers in one sentence.

Extension: Research a local farm using pivots and note one technology feature (e.g. GPS, variable rate).

Dyslexia-friendly: Read each question one line at a time. Use a ruler to track lines and highlight key words.

1. What best describes a centre pivot irrigation system?

A long fixed pipe laid along a paddock edge

A circular irrigator that pivots from a central point

A manual hose system for small gardens

A system that floods the whole field from one side

2. Which is a main advantage of centre pivots?

They need large teams of labour each day

They apply water accurately with minimal labour

They always irrigate field corners evenly

They are only suitable in greenhouses

3. Centre pivots usually leave which area unirrigated in a square field?

The centre of the field

The corners of the field

The highest slope points only

The area under the pivot tower

4. On which type of farm are centre pivots most commonly used?

Small urban gardens

Large, flat dairy and arable farms

Rooftop vegetable plots

Indoor hydroponic systems

✏️ Part 2: Short Answers & Activities

WALT: We are learning to explain operation, benefits and limitations of centre pivots.

Success criteria: I can write short answers, do a simple area calculation and sketch a top-down field showing irrigated area.

5. In one sentence, explain how a centre pivot moves to irrigate a field:

6. List two benefits of centre pivot systems for large farms:

7. Describe one limitation of a centre pivot and how a corner arm attachment can help:

8. Maths: A pivot irrigates a circular area with radius 250 metres. Calculate the area in hectares (1 hectare = 10,000 m²). Show working:

9. Practical drawing: Sketch a top-down view of a square field with a centre pivot showing the irrigated circle and indicate the unirrigated corners. Label the circle and at least one corner. Use the next page to construct your drawing.

Differentiation: Support: use sentence starters for Q5–7 (e.g. "The pivot rotates..."). Challenge: estimate water use per hectare if given sprinkler rate (research required).

Extension: Compare centre pivots with lateral move irrigators in a short paragraph (use the drawing box if helpful).

Dyslexia-friendly: Break tasks into steps: 1) Read the question, 2) Underline key words, 3) Draft answer, 4) Check with a partner.