Milestone Exploration for Students
Technology & Engineering
Agricultural Inventors
Suggested Book
The Boy Who Changed the World (Norman Borlaug) by Andy Andrews
This book tells the story of Nobel Laureate, Norman Borlaug. Norman grew up as an average farm boy in Iowa, but later his work as a plant scientist reached far and wide to help improve the growth of wheat, rice, and corn all over the world. This book highlights the benefits of emerging science, but also has an underlying message to teach, "Every choice you make, good or bad, can make a difference."
Suggested Book
Eli Whitney and the Cotton Gin by Jessica Gunderson
This graphic novel tells the story of how Eli Whitney invented the cotton gin, and the effects it had on the Southern United States.
Suggested Book
The Girl Who Thought in Pictures: The Story of Dr. Temple Grandin by Julia Finley Mosca
When young Temple Grandin was diagnosed with autism, no one expected her to talk, let alone become one of the most powerful voices in modern science. Yet, the determined visual thinker did just that. Her unique mind allowed her to connect with animals in a special way, helping her invent groundbreaking improvements for farms around the globe!
Suggested Book
John Deere, That's Who! by Tracy Maurer
Back in the 1830s, who was a young blacksmith from Vermont, about to make his mark on American history? John Deere, that's who! This illustrated biography tells the story of John Deere and his contributions to agriculture. Learn how John Deere invented a steel plow and changed farming forever.
Suggested Book
A Weed is a Flower: The Life of George Washington Carver by Aliki
George Washington Carver often said, "A weed is a flower growing in the wrong place." From humble beginnings, Carver became one of the greatest scientists in the United States. His dedication to helping people led him to find over three hundred uses for the peanut and over one hundred uses for the sweet potato. A simple biography of the man born a slave, who became a scientist and devoted his entire life to helping the South improve its agriculture.
Video
Agricultural Engineering
Explore the career of an agricultural engineer. Agricultural engineers apply knowledge of engineering technology and biological science to agricultural problems concerned with power and machinery, electrification, structures, soil and water conservation, and processing of agricultural products. (1:36)
Game
Equipment Engineer
Ready? Set? Build! Test your knowledge of heavy equipment (and your spelling skills) as you choose the right tool for the right job.
Timeline
Agricultural Technology Timeline Cards
Create a timeline of agricultural technology by ordering the technology cards from oldest to newest and matching with the correct year card. An answer key is available in Activity 1 of the High-Tech Farming lesson.
Innovating Farm Equipment
Suggested Book
The Most Magnificent Thing by Ashley Spires
A young girl sets her mind to creating the most magnificent thing! She has the plans in her head, gathers all the necessary materials, and builds her first prototype. However, her invention is not exactly what she had planned, and after repeated attempts at making her invention "magnificent," she quits. Her pet dog convinces her to walk away, and when she returns she tackles her project with renewed enthusiasm and conviction. The result—the most magnificent thing! This is a fun, educational look at the engineering design process.
Video
Journey 2050: Technology & Innovation
Cutting-edge technology and innovations are being used in agriculture with a purpose to overcome the challenges we face in providing food, fuel, and fiber for a growing population. The use of technology can be found in nearly every aspect of our daily lives and has revolutionized farming with more innovation on the horizon! Some technologies are emerging while others have been adopted globally. Have you seen any of the innovations in action? (4:57)
Build a Barn
Suggested Book
Barn at Night by Michelle Houts
When you grow up on a farm, adventures happen all day long—even at night! On a cold winter evening, a father and daughter go out to the barn and are welcomed with a warm scene. Who is awake, who is asleep, and who is just making their first appearance in the barn?
Videos
Visit five different types of livestock barns to learn about their purposes, designs, and special features and how they meet the needs of the animals that live there.
Farming the Future
Suggested Book
The Magic School Bus Rides Again: Robot Farm by Gabe Polt
Wanda proudly hosts this year's school harvest feast, but she was so busy promoting it she forgot to get the food! Luckily, Ralphie happens to know of a farm that grows the finest produce around, but there's a problem—he thinks it's haunted! There are tractors driven by ghosts, plants that climb walls, and so many robots! Could the spooky discoveries actually be helping the farm?
Video
The Future of Farming
Farming is being revolutionized by a technological wave. This video highlights technological advancements in both animal and plant agriculture. Learn how drones, robots, GPS systems, hydroponics, vertical farming systems, and more can help grow and harvest crops more efficiently. You can also see tools used in livestock production such as activity monitors, thermal imaging tools, and 3-D imaging which assist farmers in keeping their animals healthy. (12:29)
Video
Farm Forward
Imagine what artificial intelligence, automation, and connectivity can do to grow farm operations and improve efficiency. (3:54)
Ag Mag
Ag Today: Issue 5: Science, Technology, Engineering and Math Can Sustainably Feed the World!
Explore the term sustainability and what that means to farmers who need to produce 60% more food with the same amount of land in order to feed a growing population. Discover what byproducts are and how they are used, how food packaging has decreased waste, and how farmers use technology such as various tools, robots, and hand-held devices to improve their efficiency.
Career Exploration
Suggested Book
Right This Very Minute by Lisl Detlefsen
What's that you say? You're hungry? Right this very minute? Then you need a farmer. You have the stories of so many right here on your table! Learn more about where your food comes from—right this very minute!
Websites
AgExplorer
AgExplorer is a comprehensive career resource to help you explore the broad range of careers within the industry of agriculture. Careers may have you using advanced equipment, creating new hybrid seeds, raising animals, managing people, or designing new products and packaging. The industry of agriculture can open up a world of possibilities, and the demand for professionals in every agricultural area is high. Learn more about which career might be right for you by watching the videos, exploring the career pages, and completing the Career Finder interactive.
Ag & Food Careers
Are you interested in science, technology, communications, engineering, or business? Find your passion in agriculture and food, no matter what your interests are? Check out what current agriculture and food workers are saying about their jobs! See over 50 careers in agriculture through videos and infographics.
Video Series
Field to Film Career Snapshots
Explore more than 20 agriculture-related careers with these "snapshot" videos. The video playlist features careers on the farm as well as many others in sales, technology, education, and more.