Monoculture Farming and the Environment

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Objective

I can explain the environmental impacts of monoculture farming.

Part 1 of 4

Warm-up video

TED-Ed · 7:10Vetted channel

We don't generate video — this one is by TED-Ed on YouTube. The practice questions and exit ticket below were drafted by AI for this objective, and every question is editable in the teacher guide.

Part 2 of 4

Key concepts

3 concepts

  1. 1

    The first agricultural revolution led to expansion and exploitation, which fed people at the expense of forests, wildlife, and water.

  2. 2

    Conventional farming methods cleared large areas of land and planted them with a single crop, eradicating wildlife and emitting greenhouse gases.

  3. 3

    Future farms may use field robots to apply fertilizer in targeted doses and sensors to gather data on nutrients and water levels.

Part 3 of 4

Practice

12 questions

1

What is one negative environmental impact associated with conventional farming methods, as described in the video?

2

Why is it unsustainable to continue expanding agricultural lands to meet the food demands of a growing population?

Part 4 of 4

Exit ticket

Quick comprehension check

Describe two negative environmental impacts that result from monoculture farming practices, as discussed in the video.

Sample answer included in the free materials

Get the materials

Teacher guide, student handout, and slides — free, in Google Docs format

  • Teacher Guide

    Complete lesson plan with answer keys and alternate activities

  • Student Handout

    Printable worksheet

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