By the end of the lesson, students will know the definition of a steward and will recognize that stewardship decisions require the consideration of multiple criteria.
Students understand uses, sustainability, care, and development of crops
Students learn where certain crops are grown in Wyoming and hypothesize reasons for some areas being better suited for growing crops than others (water availability, elevation, and topography).
Students will apply the definition of stewardship in order to identify and understand the importance of considering both visible and invisible aspects of an ecosystem.
Students learn that when one part of a food web changes, it impacts other parts of the web. Students learn that stewardship decisions impact the different components of food webs in different ways.
Students begin to learn what being a steward is in Wyoming. Throughout the course of the unit, students will develop this idea of stewardship.
Students make the connection between the geography/climate and success of agriculture in Wyoming.
Students will understand that Wyoming is unique because we have space available for our livestock.
Students utilize their understanding of ecosystems, economic cost, and culture to make a stewardship decision.
Students learn that newly introduced species can affect the balance of an ecosystem and that the changes can be positive or negative. Students learn that humans introduce species for a variety of reasons including to solve problems.
Students see the effects that poor soil, excess/insufficient water, and insufficient light have on a plant’s ability to survive. Students make the connection between caring for crops, successful production, and the role of stewardship in Wyoming’s agriculture.
Students learn how farming has changed over time and how technology enhances the tools that farmers use enabling them to be even better stewards of the land.
Students will show their appreciation for ranchers as good stewards when being responsible with their livestock and land.
Students learn that making stewardship decisions is complex.
Students learn about stewardship through the history of agriculture in Wyoming.
Students will understand that ranchers face multiple challenges in stewarding their livestock.
Students will understand that livestock face multiple challenges and many people are involved in solving those challenges.
Students define the role of a steward in Wyoming agriculture through their advertisements and presentations.
Students understand that organisms can survive only in environments in which their particular needs are met. Students understand that the needs of plants and animals are different but interdependent.
Students learn that a healthy ecosystem is one in which multiple species are each able to meet their needs in a relatively stable web of life. Students learn that multiple species can have their needs met in the same ecosystem and that humans play a role in managing species within an ecosystem.