Social Emotional Learning Activity

Regenerative Farming and Our Food Systems

Overview

Students will watch the short film, Unbroken Ground by Patagonia. Unbroken Ground is a film that explores the innovative practices of regenerative agriculture, regenerative grazing, diversified crop development, and restorative fishing. Will these practices transform our relationship with the land and oceans? After watching the video, students will write a response exploring their own thoughts and feelings about regenerative farming.

 

Activity Duration:

  • 60 minutes

Vocabulary

  • Regenerative Farming

  • Grazing

  • Diverse Crops

 

Instructions

  1. Discuss: Ask your students what they know about regenerative farming. If they have not heard the term before, that’s okay! Give them the following definition and tell them that you’ll be watching a short film on different types of regenerative farming.

    Regenerative farming is all about farming in a way that takes care of the Earth, promotes biodiversity, and helps us grow food in a sustainable and responsible manner. It is an agricultural approach that aims to restore and improve the health of the soil, biodiversity, and ecosystem by working in harmony with nature. It focuses on sustainable practices such as avoiding chemicals, promoting crop rotation, and enhancing soil fertility to create a more resilient farming system.

  2. Watch: As you play the video, pause to discuss with your students using the timestamps and questions provided.

    Note: Video has one instance of mild vulgar language. Use teacher discretion.

  3. Reflect: Once you’ve finished the video, pass out the Regenerative Farming and our Food Systems worksheet. Instruct students to choose two out of the four prompts write their response to them in the space provided.

  4. Timestamps — Pause and Discuss:

  • 5:40: How would the hybrid grain crops discussed in the film support soil health? What broader impacts would they have on society?

  • 10:50 :Why did the farmers switch from raising cattle to raising bison? What impacts has this had on the landscapes and communities surrounding Cheyenne River Ranch?

  • 16:10: Why might a large farm growing only one kind of wheat crop require more pesticides? What might happen if those crops become infected with disease?

  • 23:00: What is the difference between industrialized fishing methods discussed and the restorative ones?