Lesson Plans

Grade Level: K–3
Time: 30 minutes
Objective: Students will explore what life would be like without agriculture by identifying
everyday items that come from farms
and discussing the important role
farmers play in our daily lives.

Grade Level: K–3
Time: 30 minutes
Objectives: Students will learn how popcorn is
grown and harvested before observing
the science behind popping kernels and
enjoying a tasty treat.

Grade Level: 1-4
Time: 30 minutes

Objective: Students will investigate the water cycle through a hands-on activity and learn why
water is an essential resource for farmers
and agriculture.

Grade Level: K–4
Time: 30 minutes

Students will explore pumpkins as an
agricultural commodity while creating a
delicious pumpkin pie treat and learning
about the ingredients that come from
farms.

Grade Level: Pre-K to 2nd Grade
Time: 30 minutes

By the end of this lesson, students will:
Understand the basics of seed germination
Learn what seeds need to grow (water, warmth, air)
Create a fun necklace to observe seed sprouting over time

Grade Level: 3rd–5th Grade
Time: 30 minutes

By the end of this lesson, students will:
Recognize and understand key agriculture terms
Practice teamwork and communication skills
Have fun reinforcing ag knowledge through drawing and guessing

Grade Level: 2-5
Time: 40 minutes

Students will investigate different types
of soil and discover why healthy soil is
essential for growing crops and supporting
agriculture.

Grade Level: Pre K-3
Time: 30 minutes

Students will explore different varieties of apples by observing, comparing, and tasting them while learning about orchards and how
apples are grown.

Grade Level: 3-5
Time: 30 minutes

Students observe how a seed sprouts and investigate the conditions necessary for germination to occur.

Grade Level: 3rd Grade
Time: 30 minutes

By the end of this lesson, students will:
Understand the basics of how turkeys are raised on farms
Use addition, subtraction, and estimation in real-life farming examples
Learn how food gets from farm to table

Grade Level: 6th–8th
Time: 45 minutes

By the end of this lesson, students will:
Understand key tasks and decisions involved in managing a Christmas tree farm
Apply real-world math skills (budgeting, multiplication, estimation, area)
Explore the role of seasonal businesses in agriculture

Grade Level: 9th–12th
Time: 40 minutes

By the end of this lesson, students will:
Understand how agricultural issues are identified and brought to policy makers
Learn about the Farm Bureau’s role in representing farmers and rural communities
Practice critical thinking and debate on current or hypothetical policy issues

Grade Level: K–2
Time: 30 minutes
Objectives: Students will discover that farms come in all shapes and sizes while learning about the different types of farms found
throughout Iowa and the products they
produce.

Grade Level: 3-5th Grade
Time: 40 minutes
Objectives:
By the end of this lesson, students will:
Identify differences between farming in the past and farming today
Understand how tools, technology, and daily life on the farm have changed
Practice comparing and contrasting through discussion and creative activity

Grade Level: 3-5th
Time: 40 minutes

Objective: Students will use
engineering skills to protect an egg while
learning about poultry production.

Grade Level: K–3
Time: 30 minutes

By the end of this lesson, students will:
Understand that dairy products come from cows raised on farms
Learn how butter is made from cream
Use teamwork and observation while making their own butter

Grade Level: K–4
Time: 30 minutes

Students will learn about the important
role bees play in agriculture and
pollination while creating their own
crayons made from beeswax.

Grade Level: K-2nd
Time: 40 minutes

Students will learn about pigs and the
important role they play in agriculture
while discovering the many products
that come from pigs and creating their
own piggy bank craft.

Grade Level: K-3

Time: 30 minutes

Students will explore different types of weather and discover how changing weather
conditions impact farmers, crops, and
animals throughout the year.

Grade Level: 3rd–5th
Time: 40 minutes

Students will solve an agriculture mystery using clues related to crops, animals, and farming practices.

Grade Level: 3-5th
Time: 45 minutes

Students solve puzzles and clues to
"escape" while reviewing agriculture

Grade Level: 3rd–5th
Time: 40 minutes

By the end of this lesson, students will:
Understand what barn quilts are and their connection to rural and farm culture
Learn about symmetry and pattern design
Create their own unique paper barn quilt square

Grade Level: 4th–6th
Estimated Time: 45 minutes

By the end of this lesson, students will:
Recognize and compare historical barn styles in the Midwest and Germany
Understand how design serves specific purposes (form follows function)
Use observation and critical thinking to evaluate designs for climate, region, and use
Create their own barn design inspired by historical styles

Grade Level: 9th–12th
Time: 40 minutes

By the end of this lesson, students will:
Learn about current technologies transforming agriculture (drones, GPS, sensors, automation)
Understand how technology improves efficiency, sustainability, and yields
Discuss the benefits and challenges of adopting new tech on farms