Manitoba teachers have a new resource where they can get information about canola, potatoes, soybeans, pork and other products that come from the province’s farms.
The website was deemed necessary because some students, parents and teachers were seen to have limited knowledge of food production.
“Limited” knowledge is probably too polite.
In some cases, their understanding of farming was less than zero.
“Teachers have shared with us that parents helping with the outdoor school garden were surprised to learn that potatoes grew underground and not on trees. (And) that one student thought that flour was made from ground-up marshmallow,” said Karen Hill, curriculum specialist with Agriculture in the Classroom Manitoba (AITC-M).
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AITC-M recently launched the Foundations of Agriculture Virtual Resource Hub, an online resource that features information on 18 crops and livestock products in Manitoba.
“(It will) help students connect what they eat to the crops and animals needed to produce those foods, and ultimately, the people involved in getting food to their plate,” the AITC-M website says. “Making the connection between food and where it comes from can lead to healthier eating choices and a better appreciation for agriculture and its role in feeding the world.”
The Foundations of Agriculture Hub has images of the 18 key commodities. Clicking on the barley icon, for instance, leads to fact sheets about the crop and an eLearning course. The course includes multiple choice questions and a video about planting, growing and harvesting barley.
Hill said teachers asked for basic facts and figures about farming because they don’t have that information.
“Many teachers have told us that they don’t feel well equipped to teach agriculture concepts,” she said. “This Foundations of Manitoba Agriculture Hub will provide a great place to equip themselves with knowledge and resources.”
The information should help teachers talk about food and farming in the classroom, but it’s also a resource for students seeking more information on agriculture.
“(It’s) meant to start conversations about Manitoba’s agriculture industry or extend student learning after participating in one of our many programs like the Amazing Agriculture Adventure, Follow the Farmers, Canadian Agriculture Literacy Month,” Hill said.
The Foundations of Agriculture Virtual Resource is financially supported by several industry sponsors, including Peak of the Market.
It can be found at aitc.mb.ca/foundations-of-manitoba-agriculture.
