Introduction
Introduce the concept of vertical farming to the children by showing them a short video about it (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vhJA7Zu8B3I). Explain to them the benefits of vertical farming in terms of sustainability, efficiency and safety. Talk about how vertical farming solutions support environmental sustainability in terms of reducing wastage, minimising land resources needed, and promoting safe and sustainable food production.
Lesson Outline
1) Explain what vertical farming is and why it’s important in terms of sustainability. 2) Show a video of a vertical farm (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5KTzS-y0XgY) 3) Break the children into groups and give each group a task to research different vertical farms around the world. They can look into the different types of vertical farms and the impact they are having on the environment. 4) Ask the children to draw a diagram of a vertical farm and label the different parts and features. 5) Invite a representative from a local vertical farm to come in and give a short talk about their experiences and the impact vertical farming has had on sustainability. 6) Ask the groups to present their findings to the whole class. Encourage them to think of creative solutions to global environmental problems that vertical farming could help to solve. 7) Ask the children to write a creative piece of writing or poem about vertical farming, or create a picture or poster that promotes the idea of vertical farming to others.
Questioning
Throughout the lesson, ensure to ask the children open-ended exploratory questions to ensure they are engaging with the content of the lesson, e.g. “What do you think are the advantages of vertical farming?”, “What kind of environmental problems do you think vertical farming could help with?”
Assessment
Observe the children throughout the lesson, as well as their groupwork and presentations, in order to assess their understanding and engagement. Use this observation to provide feedback and support for the groups.
Differentiation
Provide additional resources for the more able children, such as an article about the latest developments in vertical farming (https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/technology-49243023).
Allow time for the less able children to discuss the concept with their peers to better understand it before they are asked to create their pieces of work.
Provide two versions of the creative pieces of work – one which allows for drawings and colours, and one which allows for more descriptive writing.
Plenary
Invite the children to discuss the concept of vertical farming and the impact it has on environmental sustainability. Ask them to think of suitability, cost, and other potential benefits and drawbacks of vertical farming, and how it fits into the wider context of environmental sustainability.
Resources
- Video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vhJA7Zu8B3I
- Video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5KTzS-y0XgY
- Article: https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/technology-49243023
- Worksheet: https://www.twinkl.co.uk/resource/t-t-53119-vertical-farming-activity-sheet