Growing Our Food

Curriculum Area:

Kindergarten Science, Next Generation Science Standards (NGSS): K-LS1-1
"Use observations to describe patterns of what plants and animals (including humans) need to survive."

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Objective:

By the end of the lesson, students will be able to explain, in their own words, the concept of agriculture, understand that food comes from farms, and identify basic crops that are grown in the US.

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Materials Needed:

• A small basket or tub of fruits and vegetables (Real or plastic: e.g., apples, carrots, corn, etc.)
• A set of picture cards (showing farms, tractors, crops, grocery stores, etc.)
• A toy shovel, gloves, or a small wheelbarrow (optional for engagement)
• Large sheet of paper and markers/crayons for drawing
• A science book or story about farming (age-appropriate, like "From Seed to Plant" by Gail Gibbons)

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Lesson Flow:

1. Circle Time Introduction (5 minutes)

Hook: "Where Does Our Food Come From?"

• Begin the lesson with students sitting in a circle. Hold up an apple and ask, “Where did this come from?”
• Let students share and discuss responses (grocery store, backyard, tree, etc.). Acknowledge their ideas and say, “You’re all right! But do you know how it gets to the store or your table? That’s where something called ‘agriculture’ helps!”
• Write the word agriculture on a board or chart and explain it simply:
  "Agriculture means growing plants or raising animals for food, like farming!"

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2. Hands-On Exploration (10 minutes)

Activity: “What’s on the Farm?”

• Show students the basket or tub of fruits and vegetables. Let them take turns picking an item and identifying what it is. Ask questions like:
  “Have you seen this before?”
  “Where do you think it grows? In the ground? On a tree?”
• Use the picture cards to show examples of where each item might come from (e.g., a picture of a cornfield for corn, an orchard for apples). Discuss how farmers grow these foods in fields or gardens.
• Bring in a tactile element: Let students use the toy shovel or pretend to "plant seeds" in the circle time area.

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3. Storytime (5 minutes)

Read Aloud: "From Seed to Plant" or any farm-related book

• Read a short story about farming or growing food (ensure it’s age-appropriate).
• Pause to ask questions like:
  “What did the farmer do first?”
  “Why do plants need water and sunlight?”
• Encourage students to connect the book to what they’ve learned about agriculture so far.

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4. Creative Wrap-Up (5 minutes)

Drawing Activity: “My Farm”

• Provide each student with a sheet of paper and crayons or markers.
• Encourage them to draw their own farm with crops, animals, or anything they learned about during the lesson.
• Let them share their drawings with the group, reinforcing the concept of agriculture by asking, “What are you growing on your farm?”

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Extension Idea (Optional/Home Connection):

Send students home with a small bag of seeds (e.g., sunflower seeds or grass seeds) and instructions for planting them with their families. This will engage parents and build on the lesson at home.

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Assessment:

• Observe students’ discussions and participation during the basket exploration activity and storytime.
• Collect and display their “My Farm” drawings to assess their understanding of farming and agriculture.

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Teacher Reflection/Notes:

• Did students grasp the idea that agriculture is growing food?
• Were they able to identify examples of crops or foods?
• Adjust future lessons to integrate more sensory experiences, like tasting fruits or visiting a local garden (if possible).

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This hands-on and creative lesson connects young learners to the world of agriculture in a way that’s both engaging and developmentally appropriate!