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2015 Teacher’s Handbook
Kids on the Farm
Cultivating knowledge, appreciation and awareness of
agriculture through experiential learning
A Growers of Organic Food Yukon Project
Funded by the Canada-Yukon Growing Forward 2 Agriculture Education Program
For a digital copy of the Kids on the Farm 2015 Teacher's
Handbook, go to the Growers of Organic Food Yukon website at
http://organic.yukonfood.com/
or request a copy by emailing
[email protected]
Table of Contents
About Kids on the Farm ..........................................................2
How to Participate ...................................................................4
Farm Profile 1: Circle D Ranch ..............................................8
Farm Profile 2: Elemental Farm ..........................................10
Farm Profile 3: Grizzly Valley Farms .................................. 12
Farm Profile 4: Lendrum Ross Farm ..................................14
Farm Profile 5: Midnight Sun Alpaca ................................ 16
Farm Profile 6: Rivendell Farm .......................................... 18
Farm Profile 7: Wheaton River Gardens ............................ 20
Farm Profile 8: Northern Spirit Alpaca Farm ...................... 22
Farm Profile 9: EarthShare Farms ..................................... 24
Farm Profile 10: Little Fox Farm .......................................... 26
Farm Profile 11: Grizzly Pig Farm ....................................... 28
Farm Visit Guide ................................................................ 30
Goals for the Farm Tour ..................................................30
Pre-trip Activities ........................................................... 31
Packing List ................................................................... 31
Farm Safety .................................................................. 32
During the Farm Tour .................................................... 32
After the Farm Tour ....................................................... 33
Farm Tours Achieve Prescribed Learning Outcomes ......... 3 4
Kindergarten - PLO Chart for Farm Tours ....................... 35
Grades 1/2/3 - PLO Chart for Farm Tours ...................... 36
Grades 4/5/6/7 - PLO Chart for Farm Tours .................... 37
Grades 8/9 - PLO Chart for Farm Tours ......................... 38
Resources ........................................................................... 39
Farm Vocabulary ................................................................. 41
Farm Tour Payment Form ................................................... 43
Farm Tour Evaluation Form for Teachers ............................ 44
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About Kids on the Farm
WHAT
The Kids on the Farm Program was developed to help increase the knowledge,
appreciation and awareness of agriculture among Whitehorse students and
teachers through experiential learning on farm tours.
This program facilitates school field trips to local farms by providing resources to
connect teachers with farmers, demonstrating how farm tours fit into the BC/Yukon
curriculum guide, and by providing subsidies to help cover transportation costs.
The Kids on the Farm pilot program was initiated in January 2013 as a way to
formalize farm tour opportunities for Whitehorse classes from Kindergarten to
Grade12. The program is currently in its second pilot year, with hopes of becoming
highly regarded, well-established and financially sustainable.
WHY
Farm tours provide hands-on opportunities for students to learn curriculum-based
information outside the classroom in subjects including Science, Social Studies, Health
and Environment. Benefits of farm tours to students include:
 Engaging in the school curriculum while having fun.
 Seeing first-hand where food and fibre come from and what they look like in their
natural state (e.g. carrots in the ground, milk in the goats' udders, cows on
pasture, or fleece on alpaca).
 Developing environmental awareness; learning about the natural world around
them, various interactions, connections and interdependencies; and learning about
how their own actions can impact the environment.
 Opportunities to be instructed and inspired by local farmers, and participate
in activities they may not be able to do at home (e.g. sow seeds, feed
animals).
 An awareness of the diversity of local farming operations.
 Making connections with food, farms and our global world when shopping at
the grocery store.
 A greater understanding and appreciation of food and fibre production from farm
to consumer, a process we all rely on every day.
 Being physically active in a non-traditional physical education setting.
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WHO
The Kids on the Farm program is designed for all Whitehorse school children, from
Kindergarten to Grade 12. The program aims to provide experiential agriculture education
opportunities to a maximum number of Whitehorse students.
As an incentive, the program has funding to subsidize transportation costs for 20 tours, at a
rate of 50%, to a maximum of $175 per tour. There is a nominal fee of $5 per student to
participate (also applicable to all chaperones in excess of a class's recommended
supervision needs).
Growers of Organic Food Yukon (GoOFY) developed the Kids on the Farm program, with
funding from the Canada-Yukon Growing Forward 2 Agriculture Education Program. GoOFY
is a registered not-for-profit organization based in the Yukon, which promotes organic
practices and provides support, education, and advocacy about organic growing and
processing.
Kids on the Farm Program Coordinators:
Jan- Apr
Lori LaRochelle [email protected]
After May 1
Sarah Ouellette [email protected]
867-334-8601
343-369-1458
WHERE
There are eleven farms participating in the 2015 Kids on the Farm program. See the
locations of the farms on the map below and read the farm profiles beginning on page 8.
1 Circle D Ranch
2 Elemental Farm
3 Grizzly Valley Farms
4 Lendrum Ross Farm
5 Midnight Sun Alpaca Farm
6 Rivendell Farm
7 Wheaton River Gardens
8 Northern Spirit Alpaca Farm
9 EarthShare Farms
10 Little Fox Farm
11 Grizzly Pigs Farm
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WHEN
Book a tour after April 1, 2015. Farm tours can be held between May 1st and the last day of
your school year. Fall tours can be held between the first day of school and September
30th, 2015. Tours are booked by contacting the farmer directly to set a day and time.
Please note: This is a NEW procedure, different from previous years, when tours were
scheduled through the Kids on the Farm coordinator.
Once the tour has been scheduled with the farmer, you must obtain Funding Confirmation
by contacting the Kids on the Farm program coordinator:
Jan- Apr
Lori LaRochelle [email protected]
867-334-8601
After May 1 Sarah Ouellette [email protected]
343-369-1458
It is the teacher's responsibility to book and pay for transportation in advance of the tour. Be
sure to inform the bus company that the bus must stay on the farm for the duration of the
tour.
How to Participate
1. Request a Tour by contacting the Farmer
Review the Farm Profiles in this handbook and choose the farm you'd like to tour. After
April 1st, you may email or phone the farmer to set the date, time and duration of your
school tour. (Please note: This procedure is different from previous years, when tours
were scheduled through the Kids on the Farm coordinator.) Keep in mind that many
tour activities are seasonal and weather dependent.
It is very important that you and the farmer discuss your goals and learning objectives
so that your class gets the most out of your tour. What background will the students
be bringing with them? What can the farmer expect them to know and to be able to
understand? Help the farmer relate to the students at an appropriate level. You can
also provide suggestions of ways to ensure the students are actively involved and
using a variety of learning skills.
Be prepared to provide the following information:
 Name, email, daytime and evening contact numbers
 School, grade level and number of students
 Desired tour date and duration
 Desired activities
 Any special needs the group may have
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2. Obtain Tour Funding Confirmation and Trip Forms
Confirm your tour early to avoid disappointment, especially if your class wants to plant
crops in the spring or harvest crops with in the fall. Funding is limited to twenty tours,
so please contact us immediately after you’ve made arrangements with a farmer.
To reserve funds and confirm your tour, contact the Program Coordinator:
Jan- Apr
Lori LaRochelle [email protected]
867-334-8601
After May 1
Sarah Ouellette [email protected]
343-369-1458
Both the farmer and teacher must notify the Program Coordinator when a tour has been
booked. Both will receive a Tour Funding Confirmation e-mail. Teachers will also
receive the appropriate forms and reminders of important details.
3. Fulfill all requirements of Yukon Education's Field Trip Policy
It is the teacher's responsibility to be in compliance with the principles and
requirements of the Field Trip Policy and other applicable Yukon Education policies.
Yukon Department of Education Offsite Experiential Learning Trip forms are required
for all Kids on the Farm tours. Please ask your principal and/or the Kids on the Farm
coordinator if you require assistance completing these forms.
All farm tours: Field Trip Form 1 Checklist & Authorization
Most farm tours:
Field Trip Form 2 Simple Consent
A few of our farm tours:
Field Trip Form 3 Complex Consent
Field Trip Form 4 Risk Analysis
Field Trip Form 6 Contingency Plan
A farm tour is an excellent opportunity to explore the relationships between soil,
plants, animals and humans. Possible farm activities include:
 Touching compost and/or soil
 Using tools, such as shovels, rake and wheelbarrows
 Planting seeds
 Watering gardens
 Harvesting vegetables
 Tasting herbs, edible weeds and/or vegetables
 Tasting fresh, filtered sheep milk
 Watching, touching and/or feeding animals (possibly including, but not limited
to, alpaca, sheep, goat, llama, cow, horse, pig, chicken, duck, goose, dog, cat)
 Gathering chicken, goose or duck eggs
 Eating lunch or snack around a campfire
 Any other activities discussed with the farmer
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Yukon Education policy recommends the following level of supervision on a field trip:
Kindergarten: 1 adult to 5 students
Grades 1-3: 1 adult to 8 students
Grades 4-6: 1 adult to 10 students
Grades 7-9: 1 adult to 13 students
Grades 10-12: 1 adult to 15 students
If your school group has any special needs, you may require more chaperones.
4. Collect Students' Tour Fees
There is a fee of $5 per student to participate in a farm tour, which helps to
compensate the farmer for his/her time. This fee is also applicable to any chaperones
in excess of your class’s recommended supervision needs (above).
The Yukon Education Experiential Fund provides $75 per student per year for
activities such as farm tours. If you have not already done so, talk to your principal
about using some of your school’s allotment.
The total fee must be recorded on the Payment Form and given to the farmer at the
time of the tour. Arriving without this fee is disrespectful to the farmer and creates
extra work for everyone.
5. Arrange and Pay for Transportation
It is the teacher's responsibility to book and pay for transportation in advance of the
tour. Be sure to inform the bus company that the bus must stay on the farm for the
duration of the tour.
Kids on the Farm will subsidize the transportation costs at a rate of 50%, up to $175
per tour. You must have a Funding Confirmation email from the Program Coordinator
prior to your tour to receive this subsidy (see Step 2). Please note, our funding limits us
to providing transportation subsidies for a maximum of twenty tours.
6. Prepare for the Farm Tour
Read the 'Farm Visit Guide' section of this handbook, to learn about all the ways in
which you can prepare your students and yourself for your farm tour. Doing some
advance groundwork will allow you to capitalize on the learning opportunities
during the tour.
7. Enjoy your Farm Tour
8. Give Tour Fees to Farmer
Before leaving the farm, give the students' tour fees to the farmer (as per #4 above). In
recognition of their work preparing and conducting the tour, farmers will be paid an
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hourly honorarium. The students' fees help cover a portion of this honorarium; the
Kids on the Farm program pays the difference.
9. Complete the Payment Form
Before leaving the farm, fill out the Payment Form with the farmer. This form is
necessary for us to process your transportation subsidy and to pay the farmer. The
Payment Form must be signed by the teacher and the farmer. If you forget to do this,
it will be your responsibility to do so later. It is the responsibility of the teacher to
submit the Payment Form.
10. Submit the Tour Evaluation Form and Payment Form to receive a Transportation
Subsidy
Your feedback is essential to the success of the Kids on the Farm program. Only you
can provide a teacher's perspective on what went well and what should be improved
for future tours.
The Tour Evaluation Form for Teachers can be completed quickly online at
https://www.surveymonkey.com/s/2DZ5FW2. A paper copy is included at the back of
this handbook; additional copies are available from the Program Coordinator. Please
complete and submit to:
- email to [email protected]
- fax to 867-393-3566
It is the responsibility of the teacher to submit the Payment Form and Tour
Evaluation Form. When Kids on the Farm receives both of your forms, you will be
reimbursed 50% of your transportation costs, to a maximum of $175 per tour, as
long as you received a Tour Funding Confirmation email prior to the tour (as per #2
above).
The closing dates for submitting Payment and Tour Evaluation forms are:
June 30, 2015 for spring tours
October 15, 2015 for fall tours
Transportation subsidies will not be available after these dates.
Emergency Trip Cancellation
If you need to cancel your farm tour, please give the farmer and program coordinator as
much advanced notice as possible. Farmers are very busy people and work hard to
ensure your class trip is educational, engaging, safe and fun!
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Farm Profile 1: Barbara & Bill Drury
Circle D Ranch
About our Farm
We are a large farm, divided into a
number of areas with different uses.
There is an elk area (65 hectares),
interesting wetlands with wild birds
(especially in May/June), 2 large
gardens, 2 greenhouses and a field
with 6 boarder horses. We have a
dairy cow, a small herd of beef cows
and a small flock of laying hens. We're
also going into haskap cultivation this
summer. Haskaps are delicious hardy
berries that are native to northern
circumpolar regions around the globe.
We have a great butcher shop which
would be very interesting for the kids
to see.
School Tours
Up to 40 students per tour in Grades K-7.
Come for a half-day or full-day tour on any
weekday.
Farm Activities &
Discussion Topics
Butchering facility
Canning and preserving*
Cheese making*
Compost
Crop rotation
Edible weeds
Food chains
Food security
Greenhouse management
Harvest vegetables
Large animals
Organic growing
Plant identification
Poultry
Seasonal changes
Soil biology
Soil cycle
Soil preparation
Sow seeds
Wetland ecology
* 20 students maximum
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Facilities
• Outhouses
• Covered outdoor eating area
• School bus turnaround
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www.circledranchyukon.com
[email protected]
(867) 668-1045
Farm History
We got into farming through my husband's
family back in the 1960's. My husband Bill
became a farmer in the 1970's, and I joined
him in the 1980's. Check out the website for
more info.
Crops and Livestock
Elk, beef, chicken and vegetables,
especially kale, which I make into chips for
sale at the Fireweed Community Market and
through the Potluck Food Co-op. We direct
market our meats.
Growing Practices
We do some crop rotation and I use
compost in all gardens and greenhouses.
We are looking at doing a pilot project in
holistic pasture management with the large
animals.
Directions
We are 30 km west of Whitehorse on the
way to Haines Junction, at KM 1459.5 on the
Alaska Highway. Look for the homemade
sign on the right. We're very easy to find.
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Farm Profile 2: Bart Bounds & Kate Mechan
Elemental Farm
About our Farm
The total property is 49 hectares,
50/50 boreal forest and field/farm. A
kilometer long driveway opens into a
field; the heart of the activity is in the
northwest corner of the field,
surrounded by aspen/pine forest and
bog. The market garden is watered via
springs, which are located a short walk
from the main garden space.
The market garden is approximately
1.2 hectares. This hectarage is divided
into vegetable/plant and greenhouse
production and animal housing/
ranging. There is also a small section
devoted to harvesting/market
preparation and storage of tools,
organic fertilizers and animal feed. We
live on the property without running
water and electricity, which influences
our decisions and resources as
farmers.
School Tours
Up to 40 students per tour in Grades K-12.
Come for a half-day or full-day tour on any
weekday.
Visites disponibles en français.
Farm Activities &
Discussion Topics
Canning and preserving
Compost
Conservation irrigation
Crop rotation
Edible weeds
Growing season extension
Food chains
Food security
Harvest vegetables
Organic growing
Plant identification
Poultry
Seasonal changes
Small animals
Soil biology
Soil cycle
Soil preparation
Sow seeds
May June Aug Sept
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Facilities
• Outhouses
• Covered outdoor eating area
• School bus turnaround
• Wheelchair accessible
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[email protected]
(867) 335-4323
Farm History
Elemental Farm, a small family farm, was born in
the spring of 2011 and has been growing steadily
ever since. Organic philosophy and practices inform
the work done around the farm and though not yet
certified organic, there is commitment to move in this
direction.
Crops and Livestock
We grow a wide variety of annual crops, with a
large focus on greens and salad mixes. In addition to
greens, we also grow a diverse array of roots,
cooking herbs, medicinal plants, edible flowers, and
are moving into greenhouse production as well.
Some of our plants include perennials (raspberries,
herbs, rhubarb, horseradish), which are becoming
more established as seasons pass.
Our garden production is complemented by laying
hens and free range chicken and turkey. We also
have rabbits, 2 dogs and a 3-legged master hunting
cat that loves people.
Growing Practices
We use crop rotation, compost, organic fertilizers,
and soil amendments. Irrigation is administered
primarily via drip irrigation. We use organic practices
and philosophy and while we are not certified
organic, we are working toward this goal.
Directions
After making your way up the Hotsprings Road,
turn left on Takhini River Road. The farm is found by
turning a sharp right at the top of the hill into the
driveway at KM 5.6. The farm is marked with a sign,
Elemental Farm. Following the driveway back as far
as it goes will land you at the heart of the activity.
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Farm Profile 3: Joan & Allan Norberg
Grizzly Valley Farms
About our Farm
Grizzly Valley Farms is a 10 hectare
farm nestled against a low mountain
ridge. The barnyard is next to several
gardens, which are in production.
There is also a fruit garden being
developed from an old vegetable
garden.
Only about a third of the property is
in production, the remainder is allowed
to remain in its natural state. In this
undeveloped area, there is a
combination of trees, shrubs and native
grasses. At some times of the year,
there are also mushrooms.
Farm History
We were raised on small farms in the
prairies and it was a lifestyle we always
wanted. In 2000, we purchased
agricultural land so that we could raise
and grow our own food. In 2001, we
started raising laying hens and turkeys.
We had a surplus of meat and eggs, so
we sold some to friends.
In 2003, we joined the Yukon Made
Market to sell eggs, vegetables and
preserves. A few years later, we added
pigs and meat chickens. The Yukon
Made Market eventually became the
Fireweed Community Market. As the
market has grown, so has our
production at Grizzly Valley Farms.
School Tours
Up to 30 students per tour in Grades K-12.
Come for a half-day tour on a Monday,
Tuesday or Friday.
Farm Activities &
Discussion Topics
Edible weeds
Food chains
Food security
Forest ecology
Guardian animals
Harvest vegetables
Large animals
Plant identification
Poultry
Seasonal changes
Soil preparation
Sow seeds
May June Aug Sept
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Facilities
• Outhouses
• Covered outdoor eating area
• School bus turnaround
• Wheelchair accessible
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[email protected]
(867) 393-3200
Crops and Livestock
We are raising laying hens, turkeys
and pigs. We also have guard geese
who patrol the barnyard and
sometimes our front yard. We have a
guard dog who is meant to keep
predators away from the entire yard,
but he is friendly with people and
loves children. We grow a large
variety of vegetables in our market
gardens, which we sell at the
Fireweed Community Market and the
Potluck Food Co-op.
Growing Practices
Our gardens are rotated annually. In the spring, we add composted chicken
manure to the potato garden. Throughout the winter, our wood stove ash is spread
on one of the gardens, which adds boron and potassium to the soil. We irrigate our
gardens with water from a local creek. Any plants we don't want in the garden are
fed to the animals, as well as any surplus at the end of the season. Although we
aren't certified organic, we do farm with organic practices as much as possible.
Directions
Grizzly Valley Farms is located about
30 minutes north of Whitehorse at KM
216 on the Klondike Highway. The
farm is on the right side of the
highway as you head north, and
directly across from Scott Road.
You'll notice a low mountain ridge on
the right as you approach the farm
and can see our house from the
highway as well.
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Farm Profile 4: Brian Lendrum & Susan Ross
Lendrum Ross Farm
About our Farm
We have a commercial dairy plant
for cheese and milk processing. Our 8
hectare farm has a 100 hectare grazing
lease attached for the use of our small
goat dairy herd.
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 have three large Great
Pyrenees dogs for goat protection.
The farm is off the electrical grid and
uses solar power. We are located on
Lake Laberge, with good beach
access.
School Tours
Up to 20 students per tour in Grades K-12.
Come for a half-day or full-day tour on a
Monday, Friday and sometimes on Tuesday.
Visites disponibles en français.
Farm Activities &
Discussion Topics
Baby animals
Cheese making
Compost
Conservation irrigation
Food chains
Greenhouse management
Guardian animals
Harvest vegetables
Milking/milk processing
Organic growing and
certification process
Poultry
Seasonal changes
Small animals
Soil cycle
Soil preparation
Solar power
Sow seeds
May June Aug Sept
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Facilities
• Indoor washroom facilities
• Outhouses
• School bus turnaround
• Limited wheelchair accessibility
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[email protected]
(867) 633-4201
Farm History
The farm business evolved from our efforts
to grow our own food. We have lived on the
property since 1986. The process of gradually
increasing our production has included the
building of cheese making facilities, a
greenhouse, and expanded gardens. Farming
is part of a lifestyle choice, which includes selfsufficiency and an appreciation of nature.
Crops and Livestock
We grow a wide variety of vegetables
including root crops, lettuce, cabbage, peas,
greens, kale and raspberries. Our livestock are
goats, chickens and guardian dogs. We sell
our products at the Fireweed Community
Market, Alpine Bakery and elsewhere.
Growing Practices
Our vegetables have been certified organic
since 2001. We have two 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.
Directions
Drive west from Whitehorse on the Alaska
Highway to the junction of the North Klondike
Highway. Turn right (north) on the North
Klondike Highway. Drive about 30 km to KM
222 (white sign with 3 red two'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. Shortly before the farm, you will
pass a large property with buildings and heavy
equipment on the left; continue 500 meters.
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Farm Profile 5: Carolyn Campbell & Rick Diment
Midnight Sun Alpaca Farm
About our Farm
The Midnight Sun Alpaca Farm is
situated on an 8 hectare lot overlooking
Cowley Lake. About half the hectarage
has been cleared and contains: two
houses; livestock paddocks for alpacas,
horses and pigs; poultry enclosures for
laying hens, meat chickens and
turkeys; a 4.25 x 8.5 m greenhouse and
raised beds for growing vegetables.
Farm History
The farm is a family run business
since 2002. We bought the land in
1996 as a place of residence, as we
enjoy the rural lifestyle. The land
was originally zoned for agriculture
and partially cleared in the 1960's,
but became reforested again by the
mid 1980's.
Carolyn, being an avid knitter
and animal lover, wanted to start a
home-based business and thought
that raising alpacas for their fibre
could provide high quality ”warm”
clothing products for the northern
market. This success lead to raising
other livestock, such as poultry and
pigs.
School Tours
Up to 30 students per tour in Grades K-12.
Come for a half-day or full-day tour on any
weekday.
Farm Activities &
Discussion Topics
Alpaca Shearing
Baby Animals
Compost
Fibre and textiles
Greenhouse management
Harvest vegetables
Large animals
Poultry
Soil preparation
May June Aug Sept
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• Indoor washroom facilities
• Outhouses
• Indoor eating area
• School bus turnaround
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[email protected]
(867) 668-4448
Crops and Livestock
We have 16 alpacas, 3 horses, 15 laying
hens and 2 breeding pigs year-round, and
raise 50 meat chickens, 40 turkeys and 2
to 4 pigs from May through September.
Alpaca fibre products are sold through the
Fireweed Market sale events, Yukon Made
Store and our own annual Farm Fair. Fifty
percent of the poultry and pigs raised are
sold to friends and the local rural market.
Growing Practices
The vegetable crops we grow are largely
for personal consumption. We do not use
any chemical fertilizers, as we have an
ample supply of composted manure from
our livestock. We are currently clearing
more land and applying composted manure
to create a pasture for the alpacas and
horses.
Directions
The farm is located exactly 11 km south
from the Carcross Corner on the South
Klondike Highway. Turn off the highway to
the right at the Linville Rd. This road is the
third road past the Cowley Road, traveling
south. Travel down the driveway 200 m and
take the left fork up the hill. Another 400 m
will bring you to our farm.
17
Farm Profile 6: Mary & Rolland Girouard
Rivendell Farm
About our Farm
Rivendell Farm is 48 hectares in
size. We have fields, forests, a pond
and 4.5 hectares of vegetables, herb
gardens and small fruit (raspberries,
strawberries, gooseberries, currants
and saskatoons). The irrigation
system is unique and includes a
naturalized dug out. There is a
labyrinth, as well as a play area with a
giant chess set, a sandbox, hopscotch
and more. As well, we have tipis for
shade and shelter.
All of our operations are certified
organic including the flowers. All of
our roads are all season, gardens are
closed at times of heavy rain.
Our farm operates as a working
farm, tourist destination and
educational show garden showcasing
“Yukon’s Organic Experience”.
Facilities
• Outhouses
• Indoor eating area
• Covered outdoor eating area
• School bus turnaround
• Wheelchair accessible
School Tours
Up to 90 students per tour in Grades K-12.
Farmers can accommodate tours up to 45
students. Come for a half day or a full day
any day except Thursdays.
Farm Activities &
Discussion Topics
Berry picking
Canning and preserving
Compost
Conservation irrigation
Construction
Crop rotation
Edible weeds
Food chains
Food security
Forest ecology
Greenhouse management
Growing season extension
Harvest vegetables
Organic growing and
certification process
Plant identification
Pollinators
Seasonal changes
Soil biology
Soil cycle
Soil preparation
Solar power
Sow seeds
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[email protected]
(867) 633-6178
Farm History
In 1983, Rolland and Mary homesteaded,
cleared the land and planted crops. The land has
always been planned and developed according to
organic and biodynamic principles. The roads,
fields, gardens, all buildings and infrastructure were
built by Rolland and Mary. We have produced
vegetables and nursery/greenhouse crops since
1987.
Both lifelong gardeners from farming families, we
are still determined to provide good fresh food
locally and to educate all interested in agriculture.
We have raised elk, wild boar, pigs, chickens, ducks
(hatched on the farm from incubated eggs), geese
and pheasants on the farm. We selected this
location for its southern exposure and microclimate
as a great growing spot on the Takhini River.
Crops and Livestock
Bedding plants are produced in spring, starting
in mid-March. Outdoor and greenhouse
vegetables, herbs and berries are produced from
May to October. We sell our products directly to
our customers at the farm through a pick-your-own
operation and a small farm market. We also sell at
the Fireweed Community Market, Candy's Fruit
Stand, Riverside Grocery, the Potluck Co-op, as
well as to local caterers and restaurants.
Growing Practices
We use crop rotations, sheet composting, green
manures/plow down crops, irrigation, organic
practices and we are certified organic.
Directions
At KM 6.5 on Takhini Hot Springs Road, turn left
down Rivendell Road. Travel 2.3 km to the farm
gates, enter and go down the hill to the garden
gate/parking. Our farm is also posted on Google
maps.
19
Farm Profile 7: Shiela Alexandrovich
Wheaton River Gardens
About our Farm
Our small holding has about 2.8
hectares fenced for use by all our
animals. We have sheep and lambs
each spring, and a ram named Banger.
There is a gentle horse, Anika, 3
geese, 10 or so chickens and a llama
named George. There are three dogs
that all have jobs, and a cat to keep the
mice down.
I have big organic gardens that
produce food for sale, for me, and for
the animals. We make a lot of
compost to feed the gardens and try
to have no waste. We strive for a
quality of life for animals, plants and
people.
It is a rural bush setting with a river out
front and mountains all around.
School Tours
Up to 25 students per tour in Grades K-12.
Come for a half-day or full-day tour on a
Monday, Tuesday or Wednesday.
Visites disponibles en français.
Farm Activities &
Discussion Topics
Baby animals
Berry picking
Compost
Crop rotation
Edible weeds
Fibre and textiles
Food chains
Food security
Greenhouse management
Growing season extension
Guardian animals
Harvest vegetables
Large animals
Milking (sheep)
Organic growing
Plant identification
Poultry
Sheep shearing
Small animals
Soil biology
Soil preparation
Solar power
Sow seeds
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Facilities
• Outhouses
• Covered outdoor eating area
• School bus turnaround
• Wheelchair accessible
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KM 22 Annie Lake Road
(867) 668-5964
Farm History
This land has been my family homestead since
1980. I raised and home-schooled two kids here,
and we always gardened and raised animals. We
are part of a three family co-op, and just kept adding
more gardens until I started selling vegetables in
2000.
Crops and Livestock
We grow organic vegetables (not certified) and
keep Icelandic and milk sheep, geese, chickens,
horse, llama, dogs and cats. Everyone has their
place in the puzzle. I sell vegetables through a
Community Supported Agriculture (CSA) program
and deliver at the Fireweed Community Market.
Private clients buy eggs and lamb as available.
Growing Practices
I use great huge piles of compost to grow healthy
vegetables. All the animals contribute to the compost
and all of us benefit. I add ashes every year as well,
and use compost and manure teas. I pump water
from the Wheaton River to water the crops. We
rotate everything every year, and I green manure
some areas with field peas or oats. I have used only
organic methods for 30 years and am not certified.
Directions
Travel south on the Alaska Highway, then turn
right onto the Carcross Road for 10 minutes. Watch
for an Annie Lake Road sign to the right. Travel
22 km on the Annie Lake Road, past the lake and
watch for a large wooden sign "Wheaton River
Workshops" on the left. Follow this for about 1.5 km,
then stay to the left where it is signed for 'Shiela's
Studio'. You are there! There is a gate to let yourself
in and to close behind you.
21
Farm Profile 8: Sharon Ulrich
Northern Spirit Alpaca Farm
About our Farm
The Farm consists of 20 acres of
nature trails and fenced alpaca
enclosures. Activities include feeding
and grooming the alpacas; participating
in obstacle/agility courses with the
alpacas and/or farm dog; discussions
on animal behaviour, husbandry and
training; nature walks on the trails
leading the alpacas and farm dog;
outdoor activities such as min-golf,
badminton, volleyball, basketball, horse
shoes, croquet (all with or without
alpaca participation); a variety of takehome felting crafts made with alpaca
fibre.
We provide an extremely interactive
animal experience. Photos will be taken
throughout the day and sent to
teachers/supervisors, so the class has
permanent memories of their visit.
School Tours
Up to 20 students per tour in Grades K-12.
Come for a half-day tour on any weekday.
Farm Activities &
Discussion Topics
Baby animals
Berry picking
Fibre and textiles
Food chains
Guardian animals
Large animals
Shearing
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Facilities
• Outhouses
• Indoor eating area
• Covered outdoor eating area
• Small bus turnaround or driveway loading
• Wheelchair accessible
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[email protected]
(867) 633-3831
Farm History
This farm has been operating for 5 years. The
owner has a university degree in animal behaviour
and is certified in Animal Assisted Therapy. We
provide animal interaction and therapeutic activities for
children and adults with cognitive, emotional and
physical disabilities.
The land has always been residential but there are a
few other farms in the area.
Crops and Livestock
We raise alpacas exclusively (but dogs and
cats are also part of the programs). Raw alpaca
fibre and a selection of clothing / dog beds that
are made from alpaca fibre are sold on the local
market.
Directions
We are located at Mile 929.4 Old Alaska Hwy. It’s
the first right hand driveway on the Old Alaska Hwy,
less than 15 minutes from Porter Creek.
23
Farm Profile 9: Sylvia Gibson & Kirk Tyler
EarthShare Farms
About our Farm
EarthShare Farms produces heritage
meat ducks and chickens as well
as eggs. We are a small family run
farm located on 15 acres with a barn,
paddock, greenhouse, and garden.
We have a wall tent and outhouse
situated on farm for trainings
and activities. Come and help collect
eggs and feed the ducks and
chickens. Learn about keeping poultry
and greenhouse growing in Yukon and
taste some baking made with duck
eggs!
School Tours
Up to 20 students per tour in Grades K-7.
Come for a half-day tour on any weekday.
Visites disponibles en français.
Farm Activities &
Discussion Topics
May June Aug Sept
Baby animals
Compost
Food chains
Food security
Forest ecology
Greenhouse management
Growing season extension
Organic growing
Plant identification
Pollinators
Poultry
Facilities
• Outhouses
• Indoor washroom facilities
• Covered outdoor eating area
• School bus turnaround
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[email protected]
(867) 633-5202
Farm History
This is a new farm. We have been selling chickens
and chicken eggs for the last three years. This is the
first year we are also providing ducks and duck
eggs. Sylvia has studied agriculture and worked on
organic farms around the world. Together with Kirk
and their two young boys, they are working at growing
their own farm. This land has been used in the past to
farm turkeys, chickens and pigs and was previously
owned by Kirk’s father.
Crops and Livestock
We raise predominantly heritage breed
chickens and ducks – breeds that are better
suited to northern conditions and more resilient
(and more beautiful!) than the poultry breeds
used in commercial production. We sell our
products in the Whitehorse and
surrounding communities.
Growing Practices
We are not certified organic but use organic and
sustainable farming practices. We compost and
amend with organic soil inputs. We use well and rain
water for irrigation.
Directions
We are located just 10 minutes North of Hidden
Valley School. Travel north on North Klondike
Highway. Ten Mile Road is just past the turn off to
Sundog Retreat and the Yukon Grain Farm. Drive to
the end of Ten Mile Road and go in the middle
driveway.
25
Farm Profile 10: Shari & Jerry Heal
Little Fox Farm
About our Farm
Little Fox Farm is a family-run farm
south of Fox Lake. Our 160 acre farm
includes: fields which are being
prepared for hay, a young orchard
growing haskaps, raspberries,
saskatoons, rhubarb, blackcurrants
and a few other fruit experiments, a
greenhouse, a raised bed garden, a
field garden, a flock of completely freerange laying hens, a pasture of pigs
and turkeys in a moveable "chicken
tractor" on pasture.
School Tours
Up to 30 students per tour in Grades K-12.
Come for a half-day or full-day tour on any
weekday.
Visites disponibles en français.
Farm Activities &
Discussion Topics
Compost
Crop rotation
Food chains
Food security
Greenhouse management
Growing season extension
Harvest vegetables
Organic growing
Plant identification
Pollinators
Poultry
Small animals
Soil biology
Soil preparation
Solar power
Sow seeds
Other - Farming as a closed
system (e.g. chicken manure
composted for garden to
grow vegetables to feed
chickens).
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Facilities
• Indoor eating area
• Indoor washroom facilities
• Small bus turnaround or driveway loading
26
[email protected]
(867) 667-4858
Farm History
This farm was created in 2011 as a true family
enterprise. Shari and Jerry are the main farmers.
Brianna (13) and Riley (11) are in charge of the laying
flock and the egg business, as well as assisting with
other farm tasks, as required. Shari and Jerry are both
teachers, as well as farmers. Little Fox Farm is on 160
acres of Agricultural land. It is in a unique spot with
wonderful rich black soil as a result of historical creek
flooding. This farm was once part of a larger parcel of
agricultural land. When we purchased the land, the
buck brush was starting to reclaim the fields.
Crops & Livestock
We grow a variety of cool weather vegetables in the gardens and are in the process of
preparing some fields for hay. We have an orchard where we grow haskap and saskatoon
berries, rhubarb, black currants and raspberries. We built our greenhouse last fall and will
be planting warmer weather vegetables and fruits for the first time this spring. We raise
turkeys and pigs on pasture through the summer and fall. We have a free-range flock of
laying hens, protected by a rooster and two dogs. We sell all our products via word-ofmouth through farm gate sales.
Growing Practices
Although we are not certified, we use organic
practices on our farm. We use blood meal, bone
meal, compost and manure as fertilizers. We
have an irrigation system set up in the orchardfor both watering and for frost protection. We
rotate crops within our garden beds.
Directions
Take the North Klondike Highway (#2). Our farm
is 11.5 km past the mailboxes at Deep Creek, Lake
Laberge. Our driveway is on the left-hand side of
the highway at Km 235.
27
Farm Profile 11: Jonathan Lucas
Grizzly Pigs Farm
About our Farm
Grizzly Pigs Farm consists of 9.5
acres of rolling scrub land north of
Whitehorse. We have pig paddocks,
poultry pens, sled dog yards and a
compost section.
School Tours
Up to 20 students per tour in Grades 8-12.
Come for a half-day or full-day tour on a
Monday or Wednesday.
Farm Activities &
Discussion Topics
Baby animals
Compost
Food security
Large animals
Poultry
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Facilities
• Indoor eating area
• Outhouses
• Driveway loading and unloading with ample
room for bus turnaround
28
[email protected]
(867) 456-7447
Farm History
I have always been interested in growing food and
began hobby farming in 1993 in Scotland. During my
career in aquaculture in the Yukon, I raised laying
hens, meat birds and ducks and then decided to
become a farmer. I applied to the government for a
piece of non-soil-based agricultural land and have
been here since 2012.
Crops and Livestock
I raise poultry and pigs. The poultry produce
eggs and some meat from heritage breed
crossing. Our own over-wintered year-round pig
brood stock produces piglets and pork. Haskaps
and larches were planted in 2014 and a second
planting is planned for this year. All of our sales
are at the farm gate. Sled dogs are raised for
competitive racing.
Growing Practices
All animals are free range.
Directions
Follow the North Klondike Highway and continue
climbing past Takhini Gas, Horse Creek and the sod
farm, until the road flattens and Lake Laberge can be
seen on the right. You will see a red barn structure on the
right (my house). Grizzly Way is on the left. Continue for
another 200m and take the driveway on the right. The
driveway is a little steep at first but levels off at a Tjunction, perfect for unloading and turning around.
29
Farm Visit Guide
The following information was modified from the Agriculture in the Classroom (AITC)
organization's All About Food: Agri-Food Facts 'Farm Visit Guide'.
A visit to a working farm is possibly the most effective way to teach students about
agriculture. A first-hand experience provides students with the opportunity to talk directly
to people who know about farming. At the same time, being immersed in an unfamiliar
setting will leave a more lasting impression than classroom work.
Farm tours can help students develop the skills of an independent learner as they plan,
question, observe, record and discuss what goes on at a farm. This resource should
provide appropriate activities and information to help students get the most out of their outof-classroom experiences. The following guidelines and ideas are intended to
complement in-school programs for all levels (Kindergarten to Grade 12).
Goals for the Farm Tour
The focus of your farm tour and what you hope to accomplish through a field trip will greatly
influence the outcome of your trip. Each farm field trip should have aims and objectives
specific to the area of study, students' grade level and the type of farm being visited.
Although there is much to be learned on a farm, not everything can fit into one visit,
nor is everything appropriate for all groups of students. Consider the following in
order to gain a better idea of how trips can be focused:
• The history of the farm, the farm family, farming in the region, a specific type of farm.
• Environmental issues surrounding farms (sustainability, crop rotations,
organic production methods, etc.).
• Farming as a business (costs, marketing, finding a niche, specialization, book
keeping).
• The farm as an ecosystem (inputs, outputs, energy flow and nutrient cycles).
• How the weather and changing seasons affect farm success.
• The sensory richness of the farm environment, including sights, sounds, smells
and textures.
• The connection between farm activities, products and the food we eat.
• How a farm/rural lifestyle is different from an urban lifestyle.
Reference: Watson, Brian and Robertson, Adrienne. All About Food: Farm Visit Guide.
Available from http://www.aitc.ca/en/resources/all_about_food_farm_guide_2008.pdf.
La resource Coup d'oeil sur l'alimentation: Guide de visite de la ferme est également
disponible en français à http://www.aitc.ca/fr/resources/
all_about_food_farm_guide_2008.pfd.
Pre-trip Activities
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Pre-trip Activities
As the date of your farm tour approaches, introduce your students to what they will be
learning. A combination of activities, such as the following, will ensure that students have a
meaningful, worthwhile experience. See a list of key Resources on page 39 of this
handbook for a list of websites with valuable resources and links to lesson plans.
• Introduce your topic - What is it? Why is it important? How does it directly
affect students?
• Ask your students if they garden or farm with their families or know people who farm
for a living. Have them share their experiences.
• Give background information on the subject, outlining its importance and
developments through history.
• Develop a topic-specific vocabulary list. See page 41 for a Farm Vocabulary list.
• Collect and examine news articles about the subject you are studying.
• Ask students what they expect the farm to be like. (Review these expectations after
the trip. How did they differ?)
• After researching the topic, have students make a list of questions for the farmer.
They can bring these with them to be asked during discussion time at the farm.
• Playing a trivia game or doing a fun worksheet like a crossword will help students
remember facts about the subject. Be sure to make materials and lessons fun so
that they have an active interest in visiting the farm.
• Consider watching episodes of The Curious Gardener with your class
(http://thecurious gardener.ca/), a series about gardening "North of 60". Arlin
McFarlane visits backyard gardens, farms and organic growing operations in
southern Yukon to discover tips and techniques to make the best of the short
northern growing season.
• Keep students’ interested by playing a game on the way to the farm. For example,
ask students to make a list of all of the agriculture-related items they see en route to
the farm (fields, farm equipment, grocery stores, etc.)
Packing List
Be prepared to be outside for the duration of your farm visit. It could be colder and windier
or hotter and sunnier at the farm than at school. Review this list with your students:
• warm clothes and rain suit, which can get dirty
• rubber boots or outdoor shoes, which can get dirty (e.g. mud, animal pens)
• sun hat and sun block
• moist towelettes or hand sanitizer
• water bottle, snacks and/or a cold lunch, including utensils if required. You must take
all of your noon-compostable garbage with you after the tour.
• Camera
• First Aid Kit (Teacher only)
• NOTE: Students' phones are not welcome on farm tours, as they cause a significant
distraction.
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Farm Safety
Students who are not accustomed to the farm environment may not realize certain safety
hazards. When planning your trip, you should work with the farmer to ensure that the farm
area is as safe as possible. Emphasize the need for students to follow the farmer's safety
rules.
Review this list with the class the day before the field trip to discuss appropriate behaviour
and establish a set of safety guidelines.
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•
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Areas that are out of bounds
Proximity to animals
Touching or handling of animals (no sudden movements or noises)
Washing hands
Slippery surfaces
Tools/machinery (especially those in operation)
Overhead obstructions
Chemicals
Fire hazards (absolutely no matches, lighters or cigarettes)
During the Farm Tour
While at the farm, be sure not to lose your focus. Students should be looking for specific
information in order to fulfill a requirement (an assignment, quiz or information for a project).
For example, students could complete a checklist of the numbers of different crops, types of
animals, and even the animals' names. Alternatively, you could give each student a
different piece of information to collect during the field trip. Do not assign these until just
before the trip (e.g. on the bus), so that students cannot look on the internet or research the
answer before arriving at the farm. These activities should keep students engaged and
listening while they wait for their specific pieces of information to come up.
Encourage students to take pictures or tape sounds. If you have the farmer's permission,
bring ziplock bags to collect samples of items, such as soil, animal feed or plants, to bring
back to school for an activity or display.
The teacher and chaperones must be present and attentive throughout the duration of a
farm tour. They must help enforce the safety rules and are ultimately responsible for
students' behaviour management.
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After the Farm Tour
What students learn after their farm visit is equally as important as what they learned
beforehand.
 Project Ideas
Ask students what they thought was most interesting about the farm. Make a display,
draw pictures, make charts, diagrams and presentations based on the trip. You could
have a Poster Contest about what farming is, where food comes from or what's in your
sandwich. Also ask students what they did not learn, but wish they had. These questions
could form the basis of a research assignment.
 Share Information
Sharing information helps students learn from each other. Your students could share
information in small groups or through a collaborative project like a class newspaper, where
each student contributes an article related to the farm trip or topic covered during the visit.
Your class could create a school display so that other classes could learn from your farm
visit, too.
 Make Connections
Make connections with students. Do they realize how important agriculture is in
Canada? How dependent are we on the industry? Put things into perspective: everyone
eats, needs clothing and uses other products from animals and agriculture. Make the
link between students as consumers and farmers as producers.
 Thank the Farmer
In addition to following up with student lessons, it's important to send a thank you card or
note. Including some comments or work from the students will show that the trip was
worthwhile and recognize the farmer's efforts and time spent with the class.
 Complete the Tour Evaluation Form
The Tour Evaluation Form for Teachers can be completed quickly online at
https://www.surveymonkey.com/s/2DZ5FW2. A paper copy is included at the back of this
handbook; additional copies are available from the Program Coordinator. Please complete
and submit to:
- email to [email protected]
- fax to 867-393-3566
It is the responsibility of the teacher to submit the Payment Form and Tour Evaluation
Form. When Kids on the Farm receives both of your forms, you will be reimbursed
50% of your transportation costs, to a maximum of $175 per tour, as long as you
received a Tour Funding Confirmation email prior to the tour.
The closing dates for submitting Payment and Tour Evaluation forms are:
June 30, 2015 for spring tours
October 15, 2015 for fall tours
Transportation subsidies will not be available after these dates.
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 Evaluate the Trip for Your Own Records
Finally, evaluate the trip for your personal records. Would you do it again next year? What
would you do differently? Keep this record for future reference, so that you can improve
your out-of-classroom experiences.
Farm Tours Achieve PLO's
Prescribed Learning Outcomes (PLO's) form the curriculum goals for British Columbia
and Yukon schools and set the learning standards for Kindergarten to Grade 12 students.
They are statements of what students are expected to know and do at the end of a
specific grade level or course. For more information, visit:
http://www.bced.gov.bc.ca/irp/plo.php.
The following lists describe the PLO's that could be achieved on a farm tour. These were
compiled by the Centre for Sustainable Food Systems at UBC Farm
(http://ubcfarm.ubc.ca/) and come directly from the BC Ministry of Education curriculum
guide for Kindergarten to Grade 9.
Teachers are urged to communicate with the farmers in advance of tours to
discuss the PLO's they wish their classes to achieve while at the farm.
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Kindergarten:
BC Ministry of Education Science Curriculum PLO Chart for Farm Tours
Content &
Lessons
PLO's Likely to be Covered
Common Science
Activities
Farm Introductions
• demonstrate the ability to observe their surroundings
• describe features of their immediate
Interactive discussion about
what children see around
them at the farm
Biology: Annual
Plants
• use the five senses to make observations
environment
• compare local plants
• describe features of local plants (e.g. colour, shape, size,
texture)
Crop identification (guess
what's growing); parts of the
plant; comparison of what
looks the same and different
Soil Science
• use five senses to make observations
• share with others information obtained by observing
• describe properties of materials, including colour, shape,
texture, size & weight
Hands-on soil activity (what's
in the soil, what can/can't you
see in the soil); observation;
discussion
Compost
• describe ways to rethink, reduce, reuse, & recycle
• describe properties of materials, including colour, shape,
texture, size & weight
Hands-on compost activity;
observation; discussion
Forest Ecology
• demonstrate the ability to observe their surroundings
• share with others information obtained by observing
Types of trees at the farm;
coniferous and deciduous;
observe the forest floor
Bees & Pollination
• demonstrate the ability to observe their surroundings
Observation; discussion of
interaction between bees (and
other bugs) and plants
Domesticated & Wild • compare common animals
Animals
• describe features of farm animals (e.g. colour, shape, size,
texture)
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Animal interaction;
observation; discussion
GRADES 1/2/3:
BC Ministry of Education Science Curriculum PLO Chart for Farm Tours
Content &
Lessons
PLO's Likely to be Covered
Common Science
Activities
Farm
Introductions
• G1: describe daily/seasonal cycle changes & their effects
on living things
• G2: use their senses to interpret observations
• G3: describe how plants are harvested & used throughout
the seasons
• G3: ask questions that foster relevant investigations &
explorations
Biology: Annual Plants
• G1: classify living & non-living things
Hands-on flower activity;
• G1: describe the basic needs of local plants & animals
observation; discussion
(food, water, light)
• G1: describe how basic plant/animal needs are met in their
environment
• G1: describe daily/seasonal cycle changes & effects on
living things
• G2: infer the probable outcome of an event/ behaviour
based on observation
• G3: describe characteristics & movements of objects in our
solar system
• G3: compare familiar plants (similarities & differences in
appearance & life cycles)
• G3: describe how plants are harvested & used throughout
the seasons
Soil Science
• G2: describe physical properties of air, water & soil
• G2: distinguish ways in which air, water & soil interact
• G2: explain why air, water & soil are important for living
things
• G2: infer the probable outcome of an event or
behaviour based on observations
Hands-on soil activity;
observation; discussion
Compost
• G1: classify living & non-living things
• G2: distinguish ways in which air, water & soil interact
• G2: explain why air, water & soil are important for living
things
Hands-on compost activity;
observation; discussion
Forest Ecology
• G2: distinguish ways in which air, water & soil interact
• G3: compare familiar plants (similarities & differences in
appearance & life cycles)
• G3: describe ways plants are important to living things &
the environment
Guided agro-ecology hike;
observation
Bees & Pollination
• G2: describe ways animals are important to living things & Observation; discussion
the environment
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Observation; discussion
Domesticated & Wild
Animals
• G1: describe the basic needs of local plants/animals (food, Hands-on activities; animal
water, light)
interaction; observation;
• G1: describe how basic needs of
discussion
plants/animals are met in their environment
• G2: describe some changes that affect animals (e.g.
hibernation, migration)
• G2: describe how animals are important to Aboriginal
peoples in Yukon
GRADES 4/5/6/7:
BC Ministry of Education Science Curriculum PLO Chart for Farm Tours
Content &
Lessons
Farm
Introductions
Biology: Annual Plants
Soil Science
PLO's Likely to be Covered
Common Science
Activities
• G4: determine how personal choices & actions have
Observation; discussion
environmental consequences
• G5: analyze how Yukon’s living & non-living resources
are used
• G4: identify sources of light & sound
Hands-on flower activity;
• G4: analyze impacts of weather on living & non-living
observation; discussion
things
• G4: make predictions, supported by reasons & relevant
Hands-on soil activity;
to the content
observation; discussion
• G4: analyze impacts of weather on living & non-living
things
• G7: assess the requirements for sustaining healthy local
ecosystems
Compost
• G4: analyze simple food chains
• G6: distinguish between life forms as single or multicelled organisms & belonging to one of 5 kingdoms:
Plantae, Animalia, Monera, Protista, Fungi
Hands-on compost activity;
observation; discussion
Forest Ecology
• G4: determine how personal choices & actions have
environmental consequences
• G4: analyze impacts of weather on living & non-living
things
• G5: analyze how Yukon’s living & non-living resources
are used
• G7: assess survival needs & interactions between
Guided agro-ecology hike;
observation
Bees & Pollination
Observation; discussion
organisms & environment
Domesticated &
Wild Animals
• G4: analyze simple food chains
• G7: analyze the roles of organisms as part of
interconnected food webs, populations, communities &
ecosystems
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Hands-on activities; animal
interaction; observation;
discussion
GRADES 8/9:
BC Ministry of Education Science Curriculum PLO Chart for Farm Tours
Content &
Lessons
PLO's Likely to be Covered
Common Science
Activities
Farm Introductions
• G8/G9: demonstrate ethical, responsible, cooperative
behaviour
• G8: demonstrate knowledge of the characteristics of
living things
• G9: demonstrate scientific literacy
Observation; discussion
Biology: Annual
Plants
• G8: demonstrate knowledge of the characteristics of
living things
Hands-on flower activity;
observation; discussion
Soil Science
• G8: describe how water & ice shape the landscape
Hands-on soil activity;
observation; discussion
Compost
• G8: demonstrate knowledge of the characteristics of
living things
Hands-on compost activity;
observation; discussion
Forest Ecology
• G8: demonstrate knowledge of the characteristics of
living things
Guided agro-ecology hike;
observation
Bees & Pollination
• G8: demonstrate knowledge of the characteristics of
living things
Observation; discussion
• G8: demonstrate knowledge of the characteristics of
living things
• G9: describe daily life in Aboriginal communities &
British North America
Hands-on activities; animal
interaction; observation;
discussion
• G8: demonstrate knowledge of the characteristics of
living things
• G8: describe how water & ice shape the landscape
• G9: demonstrate safe procedures
• G9: demonstrate scientific literacy
• G9: demonstrate ethical, responsible, cooperative
behaviour
• G9: describe changes in the properties of matter
Overall farm tour
Domesticated & Wild
Animals
General
38
Resources
Visit these websites for valuable information, resources and links to lesson plans.
Agriculture in the Classroom Canada
www.aitc.ca
The following resources are highly recommended:
• All About Food: Agri-Food Facts - Farm Visit Guide
www.aitc.ca/en/resources/all_about_food_farm_guide_2008.pdf
• All About Food: Agri-Food Facts - Teacher's Guide
www.aitc.ca/en/resources/all_about_food_teachers_guide_2008.pdf
Agriculture en Classe Canada (Français)
www.aitc.ca/fr/index.html
! Les ressources suivantes sont fortement recommandés:
• Coup d'oeil sur l'alimentation: Guide de visite de la ferme
www.aitc.ca/fr/resources/all_about_food_farm_guide_2008.pdf
• Coup d'oeil sur l'alimentation: Guide de l'enseignant
www.aitc.ca/fr/resources/all_about_food_teachers_guide_2008.pdf
BC Agriculture in the Classroom Foundation - Resources
http://aitc.ca/bc/resources/
The following resources are highly recommended:
• Farm Animals lesson plans (Kindergarten)
http://aitc.ca/bc/uploads/summerinstitute/Farm%20Animals.pdf
• Integrated Dance Agriculture lesson plans (Kindergarten to Grade 7)
http://aitc.ca/bc/uploads/IntergratingDanceAgriculture.pdf
• Spuds in Tubs class project (Kindergarten to Grade 7)
http://aitc.ca/bc/programs/spuds-in-tubs-2/
• Vegetables, Farmers and You lesson plans (Grade 1)
http://aitc.ca/bc/uploads/summerinstitute/Veggies,%20Farmers%20and%20You.pdf
39
Healthy Eating at School - Start a School Food Garden
http://healthyeatingatschool.ca/in-the-garden
National Agriculture in the Classroom (USA) - Teacher Centre
www.agclassroom.org/teacher/index.htm
Nova Scotia Agricultural Education School Garden Resource Guide
http://novascotia.ca/agri/documents/education/program_schoolgarden-guide.pdf
The following resource is highly recommended:
• Specific Curriculum Outcomes in Agriculture/Agrifood (Grade 11)
http://novascotia.ca/agri/documents/education/resources_ag-agrifood11curriculum- outcomes.pdf
Ontario Agri-Food Education Inc. - Lesson Plans for K-12
www.oafe.org/Default.aspx?tabid=77
The Curious Gardener, Arlin McFarlane on gardening "North of 60"
http://thecuriousgardener.ca/
The Curious Gardener, with Arlin McFarlane, is a series of short videos on gardening
"North of 60". This resource is highly recommended because of its Yukon-specific content.
40
Kids on the Farm 2015
Farm Vocabulary
Modified from: Canadian Organic Growers Inc. 2001. Organic Field Crop Handbook,
Second Edition. Ottawa, ON.
Aerobic: a process that requires the presence of oxygen, or a condition in which oxygen
is present. Antonym: Anaerobic.
Aggregate: clump or structure of soil produced by the interaction of soil life, organic
matter and minerals.
Composting: the controlled decomposition of organic matter by microorganisms in
the presence of oxygen. The organic matter can be manure, crop residue or other
organic material.
Cover crop: a crop (usually green manure) which covers soil and thereby reduces
soil erosion.
Cultivate: to mechanically break up soil around growing crops to uproot weeds.
Denitrification: the conversion (by bacteria) of nitrate (NO3) to nitrogen gas (NO2),
nitrous oxide (N2O) and nitric oxide (NO). Denitrification happens in anaerobic conditions
(i.e. no oxygen) and results in a loss of nitrogen from the soil to the air.
Erosion: the loss of topsoil by wind or water carrying it away. This is a serious
concern because the top layer of the soil contains high levels of soluble nutrients, soil
life and organic matter.
Fertilizer: any material (organic or synthetic) added to the soil for the purpose of
providing essential nutrients to the plants.
Friability: the tendency of the soil to crumble and maintain aggregation during tillage.
Green manure: a crop that is incorporated in the soil for the purpose of soil
improvement, sometimes called a cover crop or plow down crop.
Humus: the stable portion of soil organic matter resulting from the decomposition of
plant, animal and microbial tissues.
Inoculant: the spores of the desired strain of Rhizobia bacteria applied to the
appropriate legume seed when planted; OR any material of high microbial content
added to the soil to stimulate biological activity.
Leaching: the downward movement through the soil of chemical substances (e.g. nutrients)
dissolved in water.
Legumes: a member of the plant family that includes clover, alfalfa, beans and peas,
whose roots host nitrogen-fixing bacteria in a symbiotic relationship.
Macronutrient: a plant nutrient needed in substantial quantities, including carbon,
nitrogen, phosphorous, sulphur, calcium, magnesium and potassium.
41
Kids on the Farm 2015
Micronutrient: a plant nutrient needed in very small quantities, including copper, zinc,
iron, manganese, boron and molybdenum (also called trace elements). Mycorrhizal
association: a symbiotic relationship between mycorrhizal fungi and plant roots, in which
soil nutrients (especially phosphorus) are made available to plants.
Nitrate (NO3 -): a form of nitrogen which is readily available to plants.
Nitrogen cycle: the process by which nitrogen passes from a gaseous state, through
living tissue in various organisms, and back into the atmosphere. Carbon and sulphur
undergo similar cycles.
Nitrogen-fixation (N-fixation): the conversion of nitrogen gas to a useable form of
nitrogen; this is accomplished by strains of bacteria (Rhizobia) living in the nodules
of legumes.
Nodules: growths on the roots of legumes where nitrogen-fixation occurs.
Organic agriculture: a holistic system of production designed to optimize the
productivity, and fitness of diverse communities within the agro-ecosystem, including soil
organisms, plants, livestock and people. The principle goal of organic agriculture is to
develop productive enterprises that are sustainable and harmonious with the
environment.
Organic matter: the living bodies, remains and waste products of living
organisms. Organic matter includes the living organisms, active organic matter
and humus.
Photosynthesis: synthesis of organic compounds from water and carbon dioxide
using energy from sunlight absorbed by chlorophyll in green plants.
Rhizobia: bacteria that live in symbiosis with legumes and fix nitrogen.
Rhizome: a long underground stem, usually growing horizontally, that can produce
new shoots and roots along the length (e.g. quackgrass and Canada thistle).
Soil amendment: any material added to the soil to enhance soil biological activity.
Tillage: mechanical disturbance of the soil to prepare the seedbed, control
weeds, incorporate soil amendments and loosen the soil.
Tilth: the physical quality or condition of soil, similar to the health of a living organism.
Used by farmers to describe how easy it is to till the soil.
Windrow: a long row in which mown hay or crop is laid, before being made into bales or
picked up by the combine (i.e. a row to be dried by the wind). Also used to describe the
way in which compost piles are laid out.
42
Kids on the Farm 2015
Farm Tour Payment Form - Notes
Teachers must bring the Farm Tour Payment Form to the farm on the day of the tour.
This form must be filled in and signed by the teacher and the farmer.
Obtaining a Transportation Subsidy:
Teachers are required to pay the transportation costs upfront. When making
transportation arrangements, please inform the bus driver that, as a safety precaution,
the bus must stay at the farm for the duration of the farm tour.
Funding has been secured to subsidize a school group's transportation cost at a rate of
50% up to $175. In order to obtain a transportation subsidy, the teacher must submit
two completed forms:
1. Farm Tour Payment Form
2. Farm Tour Evaluation Form
It is the teacher's responsibility to submit this form to the Kids on the Farm
Coordinator by email ([email protected]) or fax (867-393-3566).
The closing dates for transportation subsidies are June 30, 2015 for spring tours
and October 15, 2015 for fall tours. If completed forms are not received by these
dates, no subsidy will be provided.
Supervision:
Yukon Education policy recommends the following level of supervision on a field trip:
Kindergarten: 1 adult to 5 students
Grades 1-3: 1 adult to 8 students
Grades 4-6: 1 adult to 10 students
Grades 7-9: 1 adult to 13 students
Grades 10-12: 1 adult to 15 students
If your school group has any special needs, you may require more chaperones.
Participation Fee:
The is a $5 farm tour participation fee applies to all students, as well as all
chaperones in excess of a group's supervision needs. This money must be given to
the farmer on the day of the farm tour.
If you have any questions or comments, please contact the Program Coordinator,
at [email protected].
Enjoy your farm tour!
43
Farm Tour Payment Form
Teachers must bring the Farm Tour Payment Form to the farm on the day of the
tour. This form is to be completed and signed by the teacher and the farmer.
It is the teacher's responsibility to email or fax this form to the Kids on the Farm
Coordinator before the closing date.
To be completed by the teacher:
Teacher's Name
School
School Address
Date
Grade Level
No. of students
No. of chaperones
No. of paying
participants ($5 each)
Transportation cost
Signature
To be completed by the farmer:
Duration of farm tour
Total amount of money
received from teacher
Signature
To be completed by the Program Coordinator:
School's transportation
reimbursement
Remuneration to the farmer
44
Farm Tour Evaluation
Form for Teachers
Your feedback is essential to the success of the Kids on the Farm program. Only you
can provide a teacher's perspective on what went well and what should be improved
for future tours.
This form is to be completed by the teacher after going on a Kids on the Farm tour.
You can do this evaluation online at https://www.surveymonkey.com/s/2DZ5FW2. Or,
if you prefer to use this paper copy, please submit it to the program coordinator:
- email to [email protected]
- fax to 867-393-3566 OR
- drop off at the Yukon Made Store.
Kids on the Farm has received funding from the Canada-Yukon Growing Forward 2
Agriculture Education Program. This funding helps subsidize your school group's
transportation costs at a rate of 50% (up to $175). The funding also allows farmers to
be compensated for the time they spend preparing for, delivering and cleaning up after
school tours.
There is a nominal fee of $5 per student to participate in a farm tour (also applicable to
all chaperones in excess of a class's supervision needs). These fees go directly to the
farmer to help cover a portion of the farmer's wage.
Your group's transportation subsidy will be issued upon receipt of two completed
forms: the Farm Tour Payment Form and this Farm Tour Evaluation Form. The closing
dates for submitting forms are June 30, 2015 for spring tours and October 15, 2015 for
fall tours. If the forms are not received by these dates, no payment will be provided.
Thanks for your feedback and for participating in the Kids on the Farm program!
Teacher's Name
School Name
Tour Date
Farm Name
Farm Host(s)
Grade level(s)
Number of students
45
Please indicate how much you agree with the following statements.
1 = Strongly disagree
2 = Disagree
3 = Neutral/NA
4 = Agree
5 = Strongly agree
1. It was easy to book a tour with the Kids on the Farm program.
______
2. The Teacher's Handbook clearly explained the Kids on the Farm
program and adequately described the farms.
______
3. You had a satisfying conversation with the farmer to discuss your goals
and learning objectives in advance of your tour.
______
4. The Teacher's Handbook was useful in the preparation for your tour.
______
5. The transportation subsidy was an incentive to participate.
______
6. You are interested in having a farmer visit your classroom to teach
students about agriculture.
______
7. The farmer was well-prepared and led a high-quality farm tour.
______
8. The tour covered the topics and learning outcomes that were agreed to.
______
9. Students were actively listening and engaged for the majority of the tour.
______
10. You used in-class activity ideas from the handbook before/ after the tour.
______
11. The students learned valuable information during the tour.
______
12. The tour was an appropriate length of time for the age group and
activities.
______
13. The $5 participation fee for students was not a barrier to participating.
______
14. Overall, the farm tour was a worthwhile experience.
______
46
15. List the activities you enjoyed most during your farm tour.
16. List the activities you would prefer not to have included on future tours.
17. Please provide more comments on any aspect of your experience with Kids on
the Farm. For example: your experience communicating with the program
coordinator or farmer; your thoughts on having a farmer visit your class to teach
agriculture instead of or in addition to a farm tour; the quality of the tour; the
usefulness of the Teacher's Handbook; activities you would like to see added to
future tours; the costs to participate in the Kids on the Farm program; students'
feedback from the tour; etc.
47