Objectives:

Upon completion of this unit, students will be able to:

Identify the components of a Global Positioning System
Define the role and scope of Precision Agriculture
Explain the Cycle of Precision Farming
Better understand one of Agriculture’s emerging technologies

Connections to Kentucky Learner Goals:

1.3 Students make sense of the various things they observe.
1.13 Students make sense of ideas and communicate ideas with the visual arts.
2.1 Students understand scientific ways of thinking and working and use those
methods to solve real-life problems.
2.2 Students identify and analyze systems and the ways their components work
together or affect each other.
2.19 Students recognize and understand the relationship between people and
geography and apply their knowledge in real-life situations.
3.4 Students demonstrate the ability to be resourceful and creative.
5.2 Students use creative thinking skills to develop or invent novel, constructive ideas
or products.
6.1 Students connect knowledge and experiences from different subject areas.
 

Context:

Students will explore one of the fastest growing technologies in Agriculture and Industry.  Students will begin with an introduction to Global Positioning Systems that are being used in almost every aspect of industry.  Then, students will see how GPS relates to the growing use of Precision Farming practices.  Students will see the benefits that GPS & Precision Agriculture have created.

Methods/Materials:
 

Materials listed under individual activities:
Grid Mapping Activity
GPS Satellite Model
Cycle of Precision Farming Poster
GPS & Precision Agriculture Handout
Cycle of Precision Farming PowerPoint
 

Procedure:

Instructors will create a lecture using the GPS & Precision Agriculture handout or other similar information resource.  Students will then complete one of the activities listed depending on the age group involved.

Student Assessment:

Students can be assessed verbally as well as based on activity quality and completion.