Topic: Human Influences on Ecosystems – Food Supply
Lesson 1: Increasing Food Production
| Section | Details |
|---|---|
| Objective | – Describe methods used by humans to increase food production. |
| Activities | Starter (5 mins): Show images of modern farming techniques (e.g., machinery, fertilizers). Main (25 mins): 1. Discuss how agricultural machinery, chemical fertilizers, insecticides, herbicides, and selective breeding contribute to increased food production. 2. Compare traditional farming to modern methods. Plenary (10 mins): Students list three ways humans have improved crop or livestock production. |
| Resources | Images/videos of modern farming practices, diagrams of fertilizer and pesticide use. |
| Time | 40 minutes |
| Homework | Write a paragraph on one method used to increase food production and its impact on ecosystems. |
| Assessment | Class participation and listing of food production techniques. |
| Past Paper Practice | IGCSE Biology 0610/21/M/J/18 Q4(a). |
Lesson 2: Large-Scale Monocultures
| Section | Details |
|---|---|
| Objective | – Describe the advantages and disadvantages of large-scale monocultures of crop plants. |
| Activities | Starter (5 mins): Show examples of monoculture farming (e.g., wheat fields, oil palm plantations). Main (25 mins): 1. Explain the concept of monoculture. 2. Discuss advantages (e.g., efficiency, high yield) and disadvantages (e.g., reduced biodiversity, pest vulnerability). Plenary (10 mins): Students discuss in pairs how monocultures might impact local ecosystems. |
| Resources | Case studies of monoculture farming, videos/images of monoculture vs. mixed farming. |
| Time | 40 minutes |
| Homework | Research an example of monoculture farming in your country and its environmental impact. |
| Assessment | Students explain one advantage and one disadvantage of monocultures. |
| Past Paper Practice | IGCSE Biology 0610/41/O/N/19 Q5(a). |
Lesson 3: Intensive Livestock Production
| Section | Details |
|---|---|
| Objective | – Describe the advantages and disadvantages of intensive livestock production. |
| Activities | Starter (5 mins): Show images of intensive livestock farming (e.g., battery hens, feedlots). Main (25 mins): 1. Discuss advantages (e.g., high meat/milk production, economic efficiency). 2. Discuss disadvantages (e.g., animal welfare concerns, environmental impacts). Plenary (10 mins): Students debate whether intensive livestock farming is sustainable. |
| Resources | Videos/images of intensive livestock farms, case studies of livestock farming practices. |
| Time | 40 minutes |
| Homework | Write a report on the environmental and ethical impacts of intensive livestock farming. |
| Assessment | Students explain one advantage and one disadvantage of intensive livestock farming. |
| Past Paper Practice | IGCSE Biology 0610/22/M/J/20 Q6(c). |
Key Notes for Teachers:
- Use real-world examples to illustrate modern farming techniques.
- Highlight the environmental trade-offs of large-scale food production methods.
- Encourage critical thinking through debates and discussions on sustainability.
Key Notes for Students:
- Modern farming methods increase food production but can impact ecosystems.
- Monocultures simplify farming but reduce biodiversity and increase pest risks.
- Intensive livestock production is efficient but raises ethical and environmental concerns.
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