cultivating knowledge, appreciation and awareness of...
TRANSCRIPT
www.kidsonthefarm.yukonfood.com
Kids on the FarmCultivating knowledge, appreciation and awareness of agriculture through experiential learning
Farm tours for K-12
Demonstrated curriculum connections
Teacher’s Handbook
A Growers of Organic Food Yukon ProjectFunded by Canada-Yukon Growing Forward 2 and
Yukon Government Department of Education
The Kids on the Farm program facilitates hands-on opportunities for students in K-12 to explore the life cycles, interconnections and ethical issues related to agriculture.
Go on a tour of a local farm to learn about plants and animals, where food comes from, nutrient cycles, food security issues and much more!
Curriculum Connections for students in K-12 are described on pages 3 to 6 of this handbook. Partici-pating Farms are described on pages 7 to 14.
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What You Need to Know
Kids on the Farm facilitates school field trips to local farms for students in K-12.
Funds are limited - book early! Tour booking requests will be considered on a first come, first served basis.
Booking Period begins April 1. Booking requests will not be considered before April 1.
Plan ahead - book your fall farm tour this spring.
Farm Tour Costs
Transportation Subsidy: Every Kids on the Farm field trip is eligible for a transportation subsidy of 50% costs, up to $175. The teacher is responsible for making transportation arrangements and will receive the subsidy upon receipt of the Farm Tour Evaluation Form. For safety reasons, either a personal vehicle or a bus must stay on-site for the duration of any farm tour.
$7 Student Fee: Ask your principal about using the O & M Budget to cover the student fee, which is paid directly to the farmer on the day of your tour.
Make a Booking
1. Contact a Participating Farmer
Discuss your class’s learning objectives and desired activities, then agree on a date, time and duration for your farm tour.
2. Contact the Coordinator
Beginning April 1, email [email protected] to receive a booking confirmation. Funds will be reserved for your class’s transportation subsidy. Please provide the following information:
• Teacher’s name, email and phone number• School, grade and number of students• Farm name, date, time and duration of the farm tour
You will receive additional information and the appropriate forms via email.
Farm Tour Season is May 1-September 30: Spring activities can include holding baby animals and planting seeds, while fall activities can include harvesting vegetables. Many farm activities can be done in both seasons.
Complex Field Trip: The Yukon Department of Education considers a farm tour a complex field trip. Teachers are reminded to comply with the Field Trip Policy.
“Kids on the Farm program is the easiest program for teachers to use. It is easily accessible and straightforward. Follow the steps and you are on your way to a great farm.” - Lucille Gauthier, Kindergarten teacher at Whitehorse Elementary School (2016 Farm Tour Evaluation Form)
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Curriculum Connections for K-12
Grades K/1/2 Science: Plants, Animals and Life CyclesUse your 5 senses to explore life cycles on the farm* Plants: Sow seeds in spring or harvest vegetables in fall; learn plant parts and their functions.* Farm animals: Feed, brush, touch and/or hold farm animals; learn basic structures and functions.* Weather, seasonal change and the water cycle on the farm.
Grade 3 Science: Biodiversity on the FarmExplore the diversity of plant, animal and soil life* Plants: Local and non-native plants; learn plant parts; plants are producers, the foundation of food pyramids.* Animals: Farm animal characteristics; basic structures and functions of body systems; animals are consumers.* Soil biology: Healthy soil ecosystems; bacteria and fungi are decomposers; different soil particles; compost.* Food chains and food webs on the farm and in nature.
While at a working farm, students will be guided on a comprehensive tour and at least part of the tour will be devoted to observation, discussion and/or hands-on activities related to the recommended themes described below. PLEASE NOTE: It is imperative that each teacher and farmer discuss the class’ learning objectives and desired activities so that expectations are clear and for students to get the most out of the experience.
“The program is wonderful. This was my first visit. It was easy to organize and the paperwork was fine once I knew what to expect. I am looking forward to doing this again next year.” - Kristine Lachance, Grade 1 teacher at Takhini Elementary School (2016 Farm Tour Evaluation)
Big IdeasK: Plants and animals have observable features and behaviours. Daily and seasonal changes affect all living things.1: Living things have features and behaviours that help them survive in their environment. Observable patterns and cycles occur in the local sky and landscape.2: Living things have life cycles adapted to their environment. Water is essential to all living things and it cycles through the environment.
Big Idea: Living things are diverse, can be grouped and interact in their ecosystems.
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Grades 4/5/6 Science: Senses, Responses and Body Systems of Farm AnimalsLearn about the basic structures and functions of body systems of farm animals* Plants, farm animals and humans sense, respond and adapt to seasonal changes.* Compare the basic structures and functions of body systems of different farm animals.* Examine the internal body systems of a dead farm animal.
Grade 7 Science: Diversity of Plants and Animals in AgricultureExplore the survival needs and diversity of plants and animals on the farm* Survival needs of plants and animals and how wild vs domesticated individuals satisfy those needs.* Diversity of farm animals and crops has changed over time; heritage breeds, heirloom crops and seed saving.* Compare monoculture vs polyculture and natural vs artificial selection in farm animal and plant breeding.* Impacts of climate change on food production; sustainable agricultural practices, e.g. water conservation, crop rotation and composting.
Grade 8 Science: Micro-organisms on the FarmExplore the roles of “good” and “bad” microbes on the farm* Decomposers: Micro-organisms in soil and compost are key to nutrient recycling.* “Good” micro-organisms can help in making cheese, sauerkraut and salami, and are critical for digestion in cows, sheep and goats (ruminants).* “Bad” micro-organisms can harm by causing infections or diseases, and making food spoil.
“This program is amazing! Kids on the Farm makes it possible to go by subsidizing part of the bus cost. It is directly related to our curriculum outcomes!” - Line Pelletier, Grade 3 teacher at Whitehorse Elementary (2016 Farm Tour Evaluation)
Big Ideas4: All living things sense and respond to their environment. The motions of Earth and the moon cause observable patterns that affect living and non-living systems.5: Multicellular organisms have organ systems that enable them to survive and interact within their environment. Earth materials change as they move through the rock cycle and can be used as natural resources.6: Multicellular organisms rely on internal systems to survive, reproduce, and interact with their environment.
Big Idea: Evolution by natural selection provides an explanation for the diversity and survival of living things.
Big Idea: Life processes are performed at the cellular level.
Grade 9 Science: Nutrient Cycles on the FarmInvestigate nutrient, water and energy cycles on a local farm* Nutrient cycles, soil health and compost.* Solar radiation and the greenhouse effect.* Water cycle and water conservation practices.* Sustainable agriculture maintains a healthy ecosystem on the farm.
Grade 10 Science: Sustainability of a Farm EcosystemLearn how the abiotic and biotic elements of a farm interact* Investigate the cycling of matter and nutrients, soil health and compost.* Explore various relationships with respect to food chains, food webs and food pyramids.* Consider the impacts on food sustainability from natural vs artificial selection, ecological vs industrial agriculture, and invasive species.
Grade 10/11/12 Foods and Nutrition: Local Food ProductionSee where local food comes from and how it’s produced* Learn what factors influence the production and supply of food on a local farm.* Compare environmental and health issues related to local vs global food production and consumption.* Investigate food-related career opportunities and working conditions.
Grade 11 Biology: Ecology on the FarmExplore the interdependent roles of living things* Micro-organisms on the farm and their role in the cycling of nutrients.* Producers, consumers and energy flow in a farm ecosystem.* Soil organisms, plants, animals and humans are interdependent.
“Our learning objectives were met over and beyond. The day at the farm was our best school day this year.” - Lauren McCarthy, Kindergarten teacher at Whitehorse Elementary (2016 Farm Tour Evaluation)
Big Idea: The biosphere, geosphere, hydrosphere and atmosphere are interconnected, as matter cycles and energy flows through them.
Prescribed Learning OutcomesExplain the interaction of abiotic and biotic factors within an ecosystem.Explain various ways in which natural populations are altered or kept in equilibrium.
Prescribed Learning Outcomes10: Identify factors that affect food production and supply, especially in Canada today. Describe food-related occupations and careers.11: Demonstrate an awareness of environmental and health issues related to the production and consumption of food. Investigate food-related occupations and careers.12: Analyse global and environmental health issues related to the production and consumption of food. Analyse career opportunities and prerequisites related to food production, service and marketing.
Prescribed Learning Outcome: Analyse the functional inter-relationships of organisms within an ecosystem.
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Grade 12 Biology: Anatomy and Physiology of a Farm AnimalExamine the organ systems of a farm animal * Hands-on exploration of the digestive, circulatory, respiratory, nervous, urinary and/or reproductive systems of a farm animal.* Identify the structures and functions of the major organ systems.* Compare the structures/functions of organ systems of specific farm animals to humans.
“Students had a chance to interact with the animals, the compost, the garden, while learning from people who are passionate about what they do. Very inspiring!” - Valérie Théorêt, Grade 6 teacher at Whitehorse Elementary School (2016 Farm Tour Evaluation)
Prescribed Learning Outcomes: Analyse the functional inter-relationships of the structures of the digestive, circulatory, respiratory, nervous, urinary, and reproductive systems.
More Curriculum Connections
A Kids on the Farm tour can achieve curriculum connections for the following subject areas, from K-12:
• Physical and Health Education - Get physically active outdoors and learn about healthy food choices.
• Career Education - New experiences expand students’ career skill set and options.
• Arts Education - Learn about fibre-producing animals, felt with local wool at Wheaton River Gardens.
• Core French, Français langue première ou seconde - Farm tours are available in French.
Visites disponibles en français chez:
Fox Ridge Farm, Lendrum Ross Farm et Wheaton River Gardens.
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MAP LEGEND
Map data ©2018 Google Terms 10 km
Participating Farms
1. Circle D Ranch2. Dusty Trail Yukon3. Elemental Farm4. Fox Ridge Farm5. Lendrum Ross Farm6. Poplar Flats Farm7. Wheaton River Gardens
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Circle D RanchBarbara & Bill Drury and Rayden Saunders
www.circledranchyukon.com
About our Farm We have a large farm, divided into a number of areas with different uses. There’s an elk area (65 hectares), interesting wetlands with wild birds and beavers (especially in May and June), a large garden and 2 large greenhouses, and the haskap and black currant orchard (10 acres) with beehives. We’ll have 4 small piggies this spring, as well as baby chicks. There are also large pasture lands where the cows and their calves graze. We have a machinery area with lots of different farm equip-ment that kids like to explore, and we have a creek on our farm with great wading potential if it’s hot. There are 2 friendly farm dogs who like to accompany farm tours.
Farm Tours & School Visits• Up to 50 students in Grades K-12• Half-day or full day tours on any weekday except Thursday
Crops & Livestock Cows and their calves, elk and their calves, as well as little pigs and chicks in spring. I milk our cow to make cheese, butter and yogurt. Butter making is an easy and fun activity for children. Everyone gets a chance to be involved and we can taste what we make! Lots of vegetables like lettuces, collards, kale, cabbage, onions, carrots, broccoli, beets, herbs and sun-flowers in the garden. Flowers, tomatoes and cucumbers in the greenhouses, and a big haskap orchard with beehives across the creek... it’s a nice walk.
Growing Practices We do some crop rotation and I use composted manure from our cows in all the gardens and greenhouses. A demon-stration on how to build a compost is always interesting! We grow all our own seedlings and starter plants, and a participation demonstration on how to do this with the chil-dren is a fun activity. They will have something to take home with them at the end of the day to grow on their own!
Facilities• Outhouses• Covered outdoor eating area• School bus turnaround
Directions Drive west on the Alaska Highway (towards Haines Junc-tion). Turn right at KM 1459.5 into the main yard (25 minutes from downtown).
Dusty Trail Yukon Patricia Bort
About our Farm I wanted to grow a garden, but the soil was not very fertile. In reading a book on self sufficiency, I learned about using pigs to till and fertilize soil. We got 3 pigs and let them do the work. Now we have 3 garden plots that the pigs rotate through. I am able to grow wonderful vegetables without any commercial fertilizers. We also raise chickens for meat and use the chick-en manure to fertilize the gardens. Each spring, we get a new batch of pigs and chicks. All animals are butchered in the fall.
Farm Tours • Up to 30 students in Grades K-12• Half-day tours on any weekday except Thursday
Crops & Livestock We get baby chicks and baby pigs in May. I start tomatoes, cucumbers, broccoli, cabbage and cauliflower in February/March. By May, I am planting them in the greenhouse and garden. I also grow potatoes, carrots, beets, lettuce, radish, kale and lettuce. I sell to friends and at the farmer’s market on Thursdays. I also make jams, jellies and pickles from my produce. In September, we butcher turkeys and harvest the gardens. We still usually have pigs until the end of September when we take them in to be butchered.
Growing Practices I have 3 gardens, all fenced in. The pigs are in a different one of the gardens each year. The other 2 gardens are rotated between root crops and other crops. I also have 2 greenhouses with tomatoes and cucumbers. I use compost to fertilize the soil. We water the gardens from our well. Our animals are fed a grower we buy from a local farmer. We also grow greens to feed the animals.
Facilities• Outhouse and indoor washroom• Covered outdoor eating area• School bus turnaround
Directions Drive down the North Klondike Highway for 9.5 miles. Turn right on Policeman’s Point Road. Go 1 km and turn right on to Dusty Trail. Go 1.5 km and turn left at the old tractor that says Dale and Pat Bort. Drive into the yard and park by the shop.
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Elemental FarmBart Bounds & Kate Mechan
About our Farm We are a small-scale, certified organic farm located on the north side of the Takhini River, set a kilometer back in field and boreal forest. We are in our eighth season of operation and have always practiced organic management of our gardens and animals. The market garden is about 4.5 acres of garden beds, greenhouse, and a large compost pile. We live entirely off grid and use low impact, sustainable technologies to fuel, water and power our farm.
Farm Tours & School Visits• Up to 40 students in Grades K-12• Half-day or full-day tours on any weekday except Thursday
Crops & Livestock We grow a variety of annual crops, with a focus on greens and salad mixes. We also grow an array of roots, herbs, me-dicinal plants and edible flowers. We have a small greenhouse production and grow starts for gardeners. We also have a small amount of raspberries, rhubarb, perennial herbs and horserad-ish. We raise laying hens, as well as pigs, chickens and turkeys for meat. Three friendly dogs and two cats protect our gardens and livestock.
Growing Practices We use crop rotation, compost, organic fertilizers and soil amendments. We also use vermiculture, companion planting, green manures, compost tea, rotational grazing and season extension techniques. Watering happens via drip irrigation from a well on property. We farm using organic practices and philosophy and are constantly looking for ways to save water, improve soil health and reduce our footprint on the earth.
Facilities• Outhouses• Covered outdoor eating area
Directions After making your way up the Hotsprings Road, turn left on Takhini River Road. Take a sharp right into the driveway at the top of the hill at KM 5.6 - it is signed. Following the driveway back as far as it goes and we’ll greet you in the field.
Fox Ridge FarmCollin Remillard & Kathy Pritchaud
About our Farm In 2011, I began our small farm near Fox Lake by raising 25 meat chickens and from then on, we have expanded. In 2018, we will have over 10 breeding sows, one boar, 400 meat chick-ens, 50 egg layers and the same number of turkeys. Our main focus is swine production. Last year, we produced more than 100 piglets. We also have a greenhouse and a modest garden. We love to be outside and grow our own food.
Farm Tours & School Visits• Up to 30 students in Grades K-12• Half-day tours in spring on any weekday • Visites disponibles en français
Crops & Livestock In our greenhouse, we grow tomatoes, cucumbers, lettuce and beans. The pigs we have are large adult breeders. We also do artificial insemination of selected sows once a year to ensure that we have strong genetics with the temperment and form that we feel are desirable for our herd. In the spring, we sell market hogs and baby piglets for other farmers. During the summer, we sell small pigs for roasting. The roaster pigs are popular for weddings and celebrations.
Growing Practices Our small farm operation is on approximately 2 acres of de-veloped land. Our animals enjoy free range outdoor conditions as much as possible.
Facilities• Outhouse• Small bus turnaround or driveway loading
Directions We are located approximately 45 minutes north of down-town Whitehorse. To reach our farm, travel north (towards Carmacks) on the North Klondike Highway to kilometer post 235. Turn right onto a well traveled gravel road for approxi-mately 800 meters. Our driveway is located on the left hand side and is marked with the “Fox Ridge Farm” sign. A large bus will likely not be able to turn around on property, but there is a turnaround located nearby. A short 200 meter trip up our driveway is a beautiful walk.
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Lendrum Ross FarmBrian Lendrum & Susan Ross
About our Farm Our commercial dairy plant for cheese and milk processing is now closed, but the facilities and a small herd of dairy goats remain on the farm. Our 8 hectare farm has a 100 hectare graz-ing lease attached for the use of our goats. The goat kids are born in April. We grow seedlings in a greenhouse, transplant them into our market garden and sell vegetables at the farmers market. We also raise a small flock of laying hens and a few pigs and have 3 large Great Pyrenees dogs for goat protection. Farming is part of a lifestyle choice, which includes self-suf-ficiency and an appreciation of nature. The farm is off the electrical grid and uses solar power. We are located on Lake Laberge, with good beach access. In 2018, we will offer only tours in French or bilingual tours.
Farm Tours • Up to 40 students in Grades K-12• Half-day or full-day tours on Mon., Fri. and some Tues. • Visites disponibles en français
Crops & Livestock We grow a wide variety of vegetables including root crops, lettuce, cabbage, peas, greens, kale and raspberries. Our live-stock are goats, chickens, pigs and guardian dogs. We sell our products at the Fireweed Community Market and elsewhere.
Growing Practices Our vegetables have been certified organic since 2001. We have 2 vegetable gardens using drip irrigation, raised beds, and the extensive use of compost. We use no other amendments. The gardens are fenced because the goats range freely over the property and the attached grazing lease.
Facilities• Indoor washroom facility• Outhouse• School bus turnaround
Directions Travel north of Whitehorse on the North Klondike Highway. Drive about 30 km to KM 222 (white sign with three red 2’s on a power pole). Turn right and follow the winding gravel road 3.5 km to our farm. The road involves a steep downhill. Short-ly before the farm, you will pass a large property with buildings and heavy equipment on the left; continue 500 meters.
Poplar Flats FarmBernard and Amoree Briggs
About our Farm We are a small mixed farm (about 40 acres) that includes: beef cattle, irrigated hay fields, garden and greenhouse, large variety berry patch, apple greenhouse, meat birds and laying hens. We compost for field and garden soil health. We gen-erate the majority of our own power through solar. We have calves in the spring, anytime between late March to early June. By late April, we have young chicks at the farm and the greenhouse is in full swing. The garden, which includes a large selection of vegetables, gets planted in late May. In September, we may have another batch of baby chicks.
Farm Tours • Up to 40 students in Grades K-12• Half-day or full-day tours on any weekday
Crops & Livestock We grow just about everything that can be grown in the Yukon, including berries, apples, pumpkins, herbs, brassicas, and much more. We process everything here at the farm, including our beef because we have a cooler and butcher shop space. Early June, there is the possibility for older biology students to engage in and learn about chicken and beef butch-ering, including organ dissection.
Growing Practices We use crop rotation in the garden and greenhouse. Weed control for the entire farm is completely organic. Fertilizer for the garden and greenhouse is derived from what we produce here at the farm - compost and manure. Our chickens get local-ly grown grain and lots of fresh garden greens and grass. Our cattle graze on our pastures all summer long and eat our hay in the winter. The beef we produce is unique in the Yukon, be-cause we feed fresh carrots and potatoes all winter long (culled vegetables produced locally from the Yukon Grain Farm).
Facilities• Outhouses• Covered outdoor eating area and indoor eating area• School bus turnaround
Directions Drive north from Whitehorse on the North Klondike High-way, past the Takhini Hot Springs Road for about 7 km. Turn right onto Burma Road; we are the first driveway on the right.
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Wheaton River GardensShiela Alexandrovich 867-668-5964
About our Farm My farm is about 6 fenced acres on the banks of the Whea-ton River. I intensively use about 1/3 acre for raised beds, producing about 30 kinds of non-certified organic vegetables, and the rest we share with all the animals: a horse and llama, chickens, geese, a small flock of sheep, farm dogs and cats. This farm has been my homestead for 38 years, and I start-ed growing food for my kids and I. It is a wilderness farm with-out power or running water, and provides an active, quality life for myself and a variety of young people who come to learn.
Farm Tours & School Visits• Up to 25 students in Grades K-12• Full-day tours on any weekday except Thursdays• Visites disponibles en français
Crops & Livestock This year, I will sell my produce at the Mount Lorne Farm-er’s Market. At the Thursday Fireweed Community Market, I sell some vegetables, wool felt products and take bookings for summer education programming. In spring, there are lambs, chicken and goose egg collecting, sheep milking demos, some-times chicks, worms, and always planting and compost making. Fall is about harvesting vegetables and eating some for lunch, sometimes preserving them, cranberry picking when they’re ready, and getting the farm ready for winter.
Growing Practices I am long time organic; compost from my animals, green manure and rotation of crops provide nutrient cycling. I believe in ‘no waste’ growing and demonstrate nature cycles throughout the farm.
Facilities• Outhouses• Covered outdoor eating area• School bus turnaround
Directions Travel on Klondike Highway 1 towards Carcross for 15 km. Turn right onto the Annie Lake Road. Travel 22 km, then turn left onto the Far Side Road and continue for 1.5 km. There is a Y in the road - stay to the left where it is signed for ‘Shiela’s Stu-dio’. At the wooden gate, open and come in. Please close the gate behind you.
What You Need to Know
Funds are limited - book early! Tour booking requests will be considered on a first come, first served basis.
Booking Period begins April 1. Booking requests will not be considered before April 1.
Plan ahead - book your fall farm tour this spring.
Farm Tour Costs
Transportation Subsidy: Every Kids on the Farm field trip is eligible for a transportation subsidy of 50% costs, up to $175. The teacher is responsible for making transportation arrangements and will receive the subsidy upon receipt of the Farm Tour Evaluation Form. For safety reasons, either a personal vehicle or a bus must stay on-site for the duration of any farm tour.
$7 Student Fee: Ask your principal about using the O & M Budget to cover the student fee, which is paid directly to the farmer on the day of your tour.
Make a Booking
1. Contact a Participating Farmer
Discuss your class’s learning objectives and desired activities, then agree on a date, time and duration for your farm tour.
2. Contact the Coordinator
Beginning April 1, email [email protected] to receive a booking confirmation. Funds will be reserved for your class’s transportation subsidy. Please provide the following information:
• Teacher’s name, email and phone number• School, grade and number of students• Farm name, date, time and duration of the farm tour
You will receive additional information and the appropriate forms via email.
Farm Tour Season is May 1-September 30: Spring activities can include holding baby animals and planting seeds, while fall activities can include harvesting vegetables. Many farm activities can be done in both seasons.
Complex Field Trip: The Yukon Department of Education considers a farm tour a complex field trip. Teachers are reminded to comply with the Field Trip Policy.
For More Info: [email protected] www.kidsonthefarm.yukonfood.com
“Kids on the Farm program is the easiest program for teachers to use. It is easily accessible and straightforward. Follow the steps and you are on your way to a great farm.” - Lucille Gauthier, Kindergarten teacher at Whitehorse Elementary School (2016 Farm Tour Evaluation Form)