Resource Library
Discover free lesson plans and materials created by our program and partners.

Resource Library

Facilitating Open Discussions
For meaningful dialogue to occur in an open discussion, it is essential that all students feel they can speak openly and honestly. This kind of free expression begins with a classroom culture in which students feel safe, engaged, and challenged.
Grade: 
6 – 8, 9 – 12
Making Sense of What We Read
In this lesson, students will use a text analysis practice to reflect on what makes a text “trustworthy”. The practice prompts students to think about their experiences and identities in relationship to the text's creator, and to question the biases they may hold.
Grade: 
6 – 8, 9 – 12
Circles of Connections
This lesson will introduce students to a worksheet that prompts them to reflect on what they have been learning, exploring, and discussing around the topic of Organic. The worksheet asks students to consider how their learning impacts their own lives, their communities, and society at large.
Grade: 
6 – 8, 9 – 12
Mindsets for Open Discussion
This lesson is designed for you, the teacher, to explore a variety of mindsets that can support you in building an open, supportive, inclusive, and rigorous classroom community. In this lesson, we ask you to review suggested mindsets and reflect on what comes up for you.
Grade: 
6 – 8, 9 – 12
Practices of Organic Farming: Tillage and Cultivation
In this collection of lessons, students will engage in hands-on activities that explore the practices of organic farming. Students will complete a rotation of four activities: soil investigation, cultivation, planting cover crops, and creating a compost pile.
Grade: 
6 – 8, 9 – 12
Progression:
6 of 10
An Introduction to Regenerative Agriculture
In this lesson, students will learn about regenerative agriculture and how it is similar to, and different from, organic agriculture. Students will explore what “regenerative” means, learn what practices are considered regenerative, and discuss the differences between regenerative and organic.
Grade: 
6 – 8, 9 – 12
Resources for Social Action Projects
The final inquiry project of the Understanding Organic curriculum encourages students to begin identifying ways they might want to impact change around issues of organic.
Grade: 
6 – 8, 9 – 12
Articles and Resources for Further Extensions
This document contains a list of articles that explore additional issues and topics related to organic that are not explored elsewhere in this curriculum.
Grade: 
6 – 8, 9 – 12
Farming and Family
In this lesson, students reflect on their personal relationship and their family’s relationships with farming. Students will interview a family member and conduct research into their family's history with growing food. Finally, they will use their answers to develop a creative project.
Grade: 
6 – 8, 9 – 12, Whole Family
Tasting the Seasons
Seeking out the best tasting produce can be a source of inspiration and connection for consumers, growers, and chefs. In many cases, the search for delicious flavors is a main motivator behind peoples’ decisions to buy, grow, or cook with organic and sustainably produced food.
Grade: 
6 – 8, 9 – 12
Interview a Community Food Member
One way to understand farming and food systems is by looking close to home, in our local communities. In this lesson, students will investigate how individuals near them grow food and care for the land.
Grade: 
6 – 8, 9 – 12

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