While most plants grow from seeds, many can also be grown from bulbs, tubers or stem cuttings. This is called
vegetative propagation. It is used in agriculture for growing many types of plants in the nursery and greenhouse industry, as well as for raising crops like potatoes and garlic.

Alternative Plant Propagation lesson available on the Curriculum Matrix.

Students measure ingredients, mix liquids and solids, then observe (and taste) the results in this tasty lesson. It is an ideal way to wrap up a pumpkin unit, field trip to the pumpkin patch or to use as a math-friendly way to celebrate Thanksgiving.

This lesson investigates the miraculous process of air and water combining with seeds, soil and sunlight to create nearly all the food we eat. By having students observe different types of seeds, this lesson takes plant germination one step further by having students record the differing growth rates and other observations in germination journals (template provided).

This fast-moving relay race teaches students that before any product leaves a factory, or enters a store, it began as a resource or product of the natural world – most likely agriculture. Students will work in teams and run a relay race where they have to quickly decide the source of a product and then race to place it into one of the buckets marked Factory, Store, Farm or Earth. Source Relay is a great interest approach activity for older students!

Check out the adapted online, student worksheet version for elearning puposes!
Answer Key to Source Relay with explanations.

*This lesson plan is similar to our Breakfast Relay lesson plan. Click the link to check it out!

This lesson introduces plant needs and the basic principles of garden design. Square foot gardening is a method of food production that allows gardeners to grow a large amount of food in a small space. Gardens are divided into a square foot grid, with every individual square measuring 1ft by 1ft. The size of the plants at maturity will determine how many of each plant type can fit into a single square. This method requires students to use their math and measurement skills to design a garden that fits the uniquely sized beds at their school. This lesson can be used to emphasize fraction practice for older students and simple units of measurement and counting for younger students.
This lesson was adapted from the Junior Master Gardener Learn, Grow, Eat, and Go! Curriculum. You can purchase that here: https://jmgkids.us/lgeg/

Throughout the years, farmers have dealt with a wide range of challenges. In this activity students will experience the challenges of modern-day farmers through a simulation card game. Students will discover the work required and choices made for the food they eat.

In this activity, students will observe barley seed heads and sort them to compare and contrast traits with parent barleys, showing that offspring are like, but not exactly like, their parents. Lesson developed by Barleyworld, Oregon State University.

Virtual Version of the lesson plan can be found here.

This lesson introduces students to trees as the source of many things they commonly use. Students will discover how trees provide three important materials (Cellulose, Wood, and Food) and play a product matching game to learn about the great diversity of items that come from each materials category.

Check out the adapted online, student worksheet version for elearning puposes!

Students describe the life cycle of the pumpkin by slowly pulling the seed, leaf, flowers and growing pumpkins from their very own, handmade Jack-o’-lantern. A great activity to wrap up a pumpkin lesson around Halloween.

Students will explore the life cycle of a Douglas-fir Christmas tree through this fun craft learning the various stages of growth through a series of lifecycle stickers.