Investigation 1: Is there a future for subsistence agriculture?

This investigation focuses on subsistence ways of life, which are based on ancient practices far removed from modern technology and urban industrial livelihood patterns. After looking briefly at three main types of subsistence agriculture, students investigate intensive subsistence agriculture, specifically Asian rice production, and they interpret satellite images for clues about challenges to the future of this type of agriculture. Students debate the proposition that subsistence agriculture will continue to play a significant role in feeding the populations of the developing world. In contrast to subsistence agriculture, Investigation 2 deals with the industrial, commercial agriculture common to the developed countries in North America and Europe.

9-12 Module 2 Investigation 1 in .pdf format

Investigation 1 Student Materials in .pdf format