Impacts of Urban Agriculture
OBJECTIVE
Students will explore alternative agriculture methods occurring in urban environments, particularly in the form of community gardens.
Students will identify the ways in which these systems create not only an alternative food system, but also an alternative economic and social system.
ESSENTIAL QUESTIONS
- Where does food come from?
- What foods can be grown in cities?
- Who are urban farmers?
- How can we address poverty through our food system?
- What does it mean to be “food insecure?”
MATERIALS
Access to provided resources (links, articles, videos)
Presentation materials (poster board, markers, digital tools)
Paper and writing instruments for reflections
RESOURCES
Urban Farming Around the World, Time Magazine:
Case Study: Green City Force, New York
Truly Living Well: Center for Natural Urban Agriculture, Atlanta GA
Procedure
Lesson Overview
Introduction (20 minutes)
- Discussion Starter:
- Begin with a brief discussion on where food comes from, encouraging students to share their thoughts on urban farming and community gardens.
- Introduce the essential questions, particularly focusing on the implications of food security and food deserts.
- Concept Introduction:
- Present the concepts of urban agriculture as a healthy life choice and the social justice aspect of food security.
Activity 1: Research and Case Studies (30 minutes)
- Group Formation:
- Divide students into small groups and assign each group a specific case study to research, using the provided resources:
- Green City Force, New York
- Truly Living Well, Atlanta
- Farm-to-Prison programs
- Divide students into small groups and assign each group a specific case study to research, using the provided resources:
- Research Phase:
- Groups will investigate how their assigned case study illustrates urban agriculture’s impact on food security and social justice.
- Provide guiding questions for research:
- What practices are used in this urban agriculture project?
- How does it contribute to the local food system?
- What economic and social benefits does it provide to the community?
Activity 2: Class Presentation (30 minutes)
- Present Findings:
- Each group will present their case study to the class, summarizing key points about how their project addresses urban agriculture’s impact.
- Encourage the use of visuals (posters, slides) to enhance their presentations.
- Class Discussion:
- After presentations, facilitate a discussion to compare and contrast the different approaches to urban agriculture highlighted in the case studies.
- Explore how these projects challenge the concept of food deserts and contribute to social justice.
Activity 3: Reflection and Action Plan (20 minutes)
- Individual Reflection:
- Have students write a short reflection on what they learned about urban agriculture and its importance in addressing food insecurity. They should consider:
- What surprised them?
- How does this knowledge affect their view of food systems in their own community?
- Have students write a short reflection on what they learned about urban agriculture and its importance in addressing food insecurity. They should consider:
- Creating an Action Plan:
- As a class, brainstorm ways students can get involved in local urban agriculture efforts or advocate for better food access in their community.
- Consider starting a school garden, partnering with local farms, or participating in community gardening events.
Closure (10 minutes)
- Wrap up the lesson by revisiting the essential questions. Ask students to share their thoughts on how urban agriculture can be a solution to food insecurity and poverty.
- Encourage ongoing engagement with urban agriculture initiatives in their local area.
Assessment:
- Evaluate group presentations based on clarity, engagement, and understanding of the material.
- Review individual reflections for insights and personal connections to the topic.
- Assess participation in discussions and brainstorming sessions.