Rogue Valley Farm to School Curriculum
Fall
Kindergarten
Farm Scavenger Hunt Students get a chance to explore the farm with all their senses and learn about specific topics such as seeds, seasons, and the farm ecosystem.
Seed Dispersal Students explore 4 different mechanisms of seed dispersal and identify farm plants going to seed using each method.
1st-2nd Grade
Root Investigation Students will differentiate between two different types of roots. Students will describe the importance and function of roots for a plant’s survival.
Fall Farm Scavenger Hunt Students get a chance to explore the farm and make connections and observations about how farms change with the seasons.
Shapes in the Garden Students search for shapes in the field, exploring plants, garden structures, and the natural environment. Students develop an understanding of the characteristics and properties of geometric shapes.
From the Field to the Table Students will harvest vegetables from the farm, wash them and prepare them for snack. Students will distinguish between ripe and unripe vegetables. Students will learn proper post-harvest handling techniques and nutrition facts about the food they harvest.
A Feast for the Eyes Students will create sculptures out of vegetables that have outgrown their edibility. Students will identify and harvest vegetables in the field that have passed their prime.
3rd-4th Grade
Seed Saving Students will draw and describe a plant life cycle, discussing in depth the production of seed. Students will harvest seed to be saved for next year’s planting.
Plant Lifecycle Hunt Students discuss the plant lifecycle and plant part functions. Students identify plants at different stages in their lifecycle.
Plant Parts and Our Bodies Students discuss the plant lifecycle and plant part functions. Students learn about the nutrients that plants provide our bodies.
Insect Investigation Students will capture and investigate insects, learning to identify them as a pest or beneficial. Students will be introduced to organic pest control strategies and the importance of insect pollination on a farm.
Compare and Contrast Students use all five senses to find and classify contrasting objects on the farm. Students develop deeper understanding of opposites through categorizing garden plant traits.
Compost Connections Students will learn what compost is, how it is made, and why it is important for organic farmers. Students will learn to describe and represent the nutrient cycle. Students will examine the compost made at the farm and build a compost pile with materials from the farm.
5th-6th Grade
Seed Saving Students will harvest seed to be saved for next year’s planting. Students will discuss important elements to consider when saving seed, and explore specific seed-saving methods for different plant families.
Pasture Connections Students will define an ecosystem, and name the elements found in a pasture ecosystem. Students will draw connections between all the elements in a pasture ecosystem.
Pasture Connection Observation Sheet Use this sheet with the Pasture Connections lesson plan. Students will make observations about animal behavior and ecosystem connections.
How Many Seeds in a Tomato Students take measurements of different tomatoes and make predictions about the number of seeds in each one. They then count and use estimation and math skills to find the answer.
Erosion, Splash! Students will learn about the negative consequences of erosion on soil health and watershed quality. They will compare the amount of erosion (splash) that occurs with various soil conservation techniques and discuss the implications for farm soil and watershed health.
Spring
Kindergarten
Color Hunt Students get a chance to explore the farm and make observations of the diversity and variety of colors found on the farm.
Living Camera Students use observations to find locations around the farm.
1st-2nd Grade
Introduction to a Seed Students will learn what a seed is, as well as the different seed parts. Students have an opportunity to see many different types of seeds. They can dissect, draw seeds, play a seed guessing game, and plant seeds in the greenhouse or in the field.
Spring Farm Scavenger Hunt Students get a chance to explore the farm and make connections and observations about how farms change with the seasons.
3rd-4th Grade
Worm Bingo Students explore worm composting by examining compost and identifying elements of a compost pile. Students describe how worms participate in composting. Students explain what worms need to live and how we provide for these needs in the worm bin.
Plant Pollination Students examine flower anatomy and identify the characteristics of a flower that make it attractive to a pollinator. They will discuss what animals are responsible for pollination. Students will play a pollination game to reinforce the concept of cross-pollination.
Invisible Gold Students will identity different nutrients found in fruits and vegetables. They will discuss the importance of having different nutrients in their diets, and how color can be an indicator of different nutrients.
Edible Plant Parts Students identify the 6 plant parts and describe the plant lifecycle. Students discuss the structure and function of the plant parts and classify fruits and vegetables by plant parts.
5th-6th Grade
Soil Scientists Students will examine the soil composition, testing for texture, nutrients, and structure. Students will examine soil, describe important soil attributes for farming and list things farmers do to improve the soil.
Ecosystem Hunt Students explore the farm to find evidence of ecosystem components and interactions involved in the creation of our food. They answer the essential questions: “In what ways do we depend on ecosystems for our food?” And “How does food production effect ecosystems?” Students will describe ecosystem components and find examples of each component on the farm.
Other — Mixed Grade Levels
Harvest & Planting Students learn proper techniques for performing farm tasks including planting seeds, transplanting seedlings, cultivation, bed preparation and harvest. Students will distinguish between ripe and unripe vegetables.
Figuring Out the Food System Working in groups, students are given a food product from the grocery store. Students work together to make a poster displaying the path that food follows from the farm to their table including processing, packaging, transportation etc. Students discuss inputs, outputs, costs, and environmental impact of different food products. Better suited for the classroom. Other — Mixed Grade Levels
Post Harvest Meal Lessons
2nd/3rd Grade Recipe Card Lesson