KS4-5: Challenges facing farming systems and how technology can help

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Suitable for 14-19-year olds (secondary and high schools, and college), this article and accompanying activity sheet can be used in the classroom, tech/STEM clubs and at home.

This resource links to KS4 and KS5 Geography, locational knowledge; and Design &Technology, contextual challenges. It is also internationally relevant.

It can also be used as a careers resource and links to Gatsby Benchmarks:
Gatsby Benchmark 2: Learning from career and labour market information
Gatsby Benchmark 4: Linking curriculum learning to careers

The article explains the challenges facing hill farms in the UK, which also apply to hill farms elsewhere in the world. It discusses the differences between lowland and highland farming and how technology is adapting to meet farmers’ needs. There is also an interview with Prof Davy McCracken, plus ideas on where a career in agricultural sciences might lead.

The activity sheet includes discussion points - eight questions the students can answer in groups or individually. Students are also asked how different landscapes and environments will affect farming decision-making.

This resource was first published on Futurum Careers, a free online resource and magazine aimed at encouraging 14-19-year-olds worldwide to pursue careers in science, tech, engineering, maths, medicine (STEM) and social sciences, humanities and the arts for people and the economy (SHAPE).

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