Organic Farming & Non-GMO Practices

This plan balances theoretical understanding with practical activities, encouraging students to critically analyze organic and Non-GMO farming.

  • Define organic farming and non-GMO and explain their key principles.

  • Compare and contrast organic and non-GMO practices with conventional farming.

  • Analyze the benefits and challenges of these sustainable farming methods.

Materials Needed

  • Whiteboard or presentation slides

  • Video or infographic explaining organic and non-GMO farming

  • Case study or article on an organic/non-GMO farm

  • Worksheets for activities and discussion

Lesson Outline

1. Introduction (10 minutes)

  • Engage: Begin with a question: “Have you ever seen labels like ‘organic’ or ‘Non-GMO’ on food? What do they mean?”

  • Show examples of organic and Non-GMO labels to spark curiosity.

  • Provide brief definitions:

    • Organic Farming: Agriculture without synthetic fertilizers, pesticides, or genetically modified organisms, emphasizing soil health and biodiversity.

    • Non-GMO: Foods or products made without genetically modified organisms.

2. Main Content (20 minutes)

Part A: Principles of Organic Farming (10 minutes)

  • Key practices:

    • Natural pest control and fertilizers (e.g., composting, crop rotation).

    • Biodiversity and wildlife conservation.

    • No synthetic chemicals or GMOs.

  • Benefits:

    • Healthier soil and ecosystems.

    • Reduces chemical residues in food.

    • Supports long-term sustainability.

Part B: Understanding Non-GMO (10 minutes)

  • What are GMOs?

    • Organisms whose DNA has been altered using genetic engineering.

  • Non-GMO farming principles:

    • Use of traditional breeding methods.

    • Avoidance of genetically engineered seeds.

  • Benefits:

    • Preserves biodiversity.

    • Supports consumer choice for natural products.

3. Activity (20 minutes)

Option 1: Organic vs. Non-GMO Comparison

  • Divide students into small groups.

  • Task: Compare organic and Non-GMO practices with conventional farming in a table format, focusing on farming methods, environmental impact, and consumer benefits.

  • Groups present findings to the class.

Option 2: Label Investigation

  • Provide students with images of food packaging or let them investigate at home.

  • Task: Identify products with organic and Non-GMO labels. Discuss how these labels influence consumer decisions and how reliable they are.

4. Conclusion and Reflection (10 minutes)

  • Discussion Questions:

    • “What are the key differences between organic and Non-GMO practices?”

    • “Why do some consumers prefer these farming methods over conventional ones?”

  • Homework/Extension:

    • Research a local organic or Non-GMO farm and write a short report on their practices.

    • Create an infographic or social media post explaining the benefits of organic and Non-GMO farming.

Assessment

  • Participation in group activity and discussions.

  • Accuracy and thoughtfulness of homework assignments.

  • Engagement during the lesson.