Unit 04
12—15 | Unit 04

Agriculture Transforms the Landscape

Students will understand that agriculture transforms the landscape and what the consequences are of these transformations (deforestation, erosion, etc.).

Age
12—15
Time requirement
5 lessons (45 min each)
Historical sciencesNatural Sciences

Content

Understanding how agriculture transforms the landscape around us and how that plays a key role in climate change, as it contributes to processes such as deforestation, land degradation, desertification, and erosion among others. The unit aims to teach students how these transformations occur and how dramatic they can be. It will also delve into the differences between intensive and extensive agriculture.


The Unit consists of three sections:

  • The first section introduces to the concept of land use change, its relation to climate (deforestation, desertification…) and the consequences or impacts this land use change has on the surrounding landscapes and climate change.
  • The second section focuses on analyzing and unveiling the consequences of agricultural expansion. The goal of this section is to raise awareness and create an understanding of the deep impact agriculture has on the landscape, soil, and climate change.
  • The third section will be about reflecting on how we can actively contribute to reducing the agriculture footprint. Students learn about strategies and measures already identified and they discuss, which of them might be of importance in their home landscape.

 

Pupils will learn that:

  • The transformation of the landscape has consequences that increase the effect of climate change:
    - deforestation
    - land degradation
    - erosion
    - desertification
  • To differentiate between intensive and extensive agriculture and different modes of production.

Land use change due to agriculture has a direct impact on ecosystem transformation and so CO2 caption by forests or other native landscapes. How agriculture shapes and transforms the landscape, from pre-existing forests or native landscapes to agricultural lands.

Activities

45 minutes

Students put in common the previous knowledge or perceptions they already have about the impact that agriculture has on the landscape and the environment.

10 minutes

Students learn how the landscape is transformed because of agriculture and will understand the impact that agriculture has on their immediate environment.

35 minutes

Students learn how the landscape is transformed because of agriculture and will understand the impact that agriculture has on their immediate environment.

45 minutes

Students will reflect on the multiple impacts of agriculture on the landscape and environment.

45 minutes

Practical exercise for students to experiment on how agriculture changes the landscape and understand the consequences of agriculture in Nature.

25 minutes

Activity to reflect on the previous knowledge and lessons learned about the impact of agriculture on the landscape.

20 minutes

Students will reflect on the possible negative impact of agriculture on the landscape and try to find possible solutions to this problem.