Describe the origin of corn, including its ancestor plant and geographic location.

Corn, also known as maize, was first domesticated from teosinte in Mesoamerica around 9,000 years ago.

Why did Europeans initially reject corn when they arrived in America?

Europeans initially shunned corn, believing it was the source of physical and cultural differences between them and the Mesoamericans.

Standardization made corn easier to package and sell, which was beneficial for train operators and traders.

Mechanized harvesters and synthetic fertilizer (ammonium nitrate) significantly increased corn production.

8th GradeELA45 min

aligned to Ccss Ccss.ela-literacy.ri.8.3

I can analyze the central ideas presented in "The Omnivore's Dilemma".

6 min

The history of the world according to corn - Chris A. Kniesly

TED-Ed

9 min

Key concepts students will learn:

•
Over 99% of cultivated corn is the exact same type: Yellow Dent #2.
•
Nearly 9,000 years ago, corn, also called maize, was first domesticated from teosinte, a grass native to Mesoamerica.
•
In the 1850s, trade boards in rail hubs like Chicago encouraged corn farmers to breed one standardized crop.

14 min

10 questions • Multiple choice & Short answer

5 min

“Describe two central ideas presented in the video about corn's role in our society and explain how they contribute to the omnivore's dilemma.”

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