Canadian Agriculture at a Glance Teacher's Kit > Lesson plans

Lesson: Stop the car! Are those llamas in that field?

View the article (PDF)
Introduction
Curriculum connections
Notes to teacher
Teaching and learning strategies
Assessment/evaluation strategies
Accommodation and enrichment strategies
Links to other activities
Suggestions for further research
Worksheet

Introduction

It is becoming more common for farms to raise animals other than cows, pigs and chickens. This activity looks at the increase in alternative livestock operations in Canada.

Curriculum connections

Geography

• demonstrates an understanding of the diversity of agricultural endeavors in Canada.

Family Studies/Home Economics

• identifies food supply and production industries in Canada.

Notes to teacher

This entire unit, which corresponds to the chapter "Farm Profiles" in the book, can be done as a group work project, with each group completing one activity and presenting it to the rest of the class. (PDF)

Teaching and learning strategies

1. The teacher puts the term "livestock" on the board or overhead. Students list animals that they feel qualify under this term.
2. Students read the article "Stop the car! Are those llamas in that field?" on pages 103 to 107 in Canadian Agriculture at a Glance. (PDF)
3. After the students read they complete the worksheet.
4. The class compares their lists to the one on the board or overhead.
5. Students add terminology to their glossaries.

Assessment/evaluation strategies

1. Evaluate worksheets.
2. Assess glossaries for accuracy and completion.

Accommodation and enrichment strategies

1. Some students may require assistance in order to complete written work.
2. Students with special needs may work with a partner to complete a task.
3. Templates for note-taking should be provided to students with special needs.
4. Main ideas and/or new information should be mapped out and organized to meet the needs of all students.
5. Wherever possible, vocabulary lists should be provided with a discussion of context clues and related vocabulary.
6. For enrichment, students can find out what types of alternative livestock are raised in their area.
7. For enrichment, students can visit a farm where alternative livestock are being raised.

Links to other activities

This activity is linked to:

• Bud the Spud moves west
• What's in your grocery cart?
• What's growing under glass?
• Fresh produce north of 60
• From Concord to Chardonnay: Canada's grape transformation
• Little bees, big potential
• Tapping the Manitoba maple - a Prairie cottage industry
• The little devils are everywhere!
• From wild beast to docile partner

Suggestions for further research

• Students can find out which new species are being introduced into Canada.
• Students can use 2001 Census of Agriculture data in E-STAT for data analysis, graphing and mapping activities for specific geographic areas of local interest.

Please send comments or examples of how you used this lesson in your class to Learning Resources.

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