Suggestions on how to integrate Urban Farm activities in work School curriculum

We all continue to adapt to the realities of a new normal. The Pandemic and the socio-economic crises related to inequities already ingrained in our society have propelled us to continue to use the simultaneous crises as an opportunity to envision and create a more equal, just and healthy society. We know that online learning is here to stay and will actually be a standard component of the new models of teaching and learning.

Farming is a hands-on activity but many of the aspects of farm activities are based on the integration of scientific research and best professional practices that ensures that an educational production farm is successful. These include hiring qualified farm managers, creating budgets, developing partnerships with governmental and private enterprises, writing grants, continuing research on best farming practices and becoming active advocates of a Green Economy consciousness.

These are just a few suggestions that we want to share to support teacher’s work on how to integrate Morris Campus Farm across the curriculum

Science

Plant reproduction and the importance of a healthy soil
Composting process and why is important for a healthy society
Biodiversity in an urban farm
The importance of Pollinators
What is PH balance and how a healthy farm does it
Why does the farm manager create a crop plan? How does this process relates to science?
Scientific vocabulary used by the farm manager
Watch the video posted on the website morriscampusfarm.org

Schedule a visit during early spring to design a project in the farm grounds with the support of the farm manager

Language and Communication

Students can create a list of concepts and vocabulary that is necessary to work in the farm.

Create a timeline of the farm yearly calendar that incorporates farm activities such as seedling, planting harvesting.

Search for literature and poetry that is based on farm work such as:

Thoreau: Walden
Wendell Berry: The Farm and The Unsettling of America: Culture and Agriculture
William Wordswoth: I wandered lonely as a cloud
Novella Carpenter: Farm City: The Education of an Urban Farmer

Research news articles in NYT and Bloomberg Green.

Have your students research their own or their family relationship with gardening and using fresh products in their cooking tradition.

Masanobu Fukuoka: The One Straw Revolution

Schedule a visit during early spring to design a project in the farm grounds with the support of the farm manager

Mathematics

Measure the growth of plants

Analysis of the mathematical factors that need to be considered and integrated in the construction and budget of building and maintaining an urban production farm.

Schedule a visit during early spring to design a project in the farm grounds with the support of the farm manager

Healthy Communities: The Pandemic and the role of an active citizen in creating a healthier and equal society
Social Studies and Civics

Research the NYS Data related to the interrelation on health and pre-conditions and the people affected by the Pandemic.
Why eating healthy food and having access to fresh pesticide free affordable products is a political act.
How many fresh markets are in their neighborhood?
Why is whole food out of reach for most of the people?
What percentage of the city, state and federal government budget is gear towards local urban farms/ Why?
Why do we need to educate and train professional farm workers to be hired as effective farmers in the cities?
What role will a green economy have in re envisioning a healthier and equal society?
What is the history of agriculture in NYC and The Bronx?
How can establishing functional farms or gardens in schools can improve access to healthier food for students and staff.
Write a letter to the mayor and local governments regarding urban farming?

Schedule a visit during early spring to design a project in the farm grounds with the support of the farm manager