North Dakota Agriculture - Resources - Research Activities and/or Assessments

Research Activities
and/or Assessments

Think, Pair, Share Activity on what it takes to be a successful farmer in today’s society. (This technique may be used for any topic.)

Have each student think about the traits or abilities needed to be a farmer today. Working in pairs, have students share their ideas and thoughts with each other. This enables the teacher to observe what the students’ knowledge is when thinking about the traits needed to be a farmer now. Examples may include: responsible, courageous, ability to persevere, ability to adapt, flexible, safety conscious, technologically smart, problem-solver, etc.
Have each student think of and write down examples from their own lives where they have recognized some or all of these characteristics in themselves.
Students can then share their thoughts or examples from their own experiences with a partner on one or all of the traits or abilities by writing down their ideas on the board and/or poster paper for the entire class to see and to discuss.

Assign individuals or small groups to research and demonstrate their knowledge of North Dakota agriculture through one of the formats listed below. Examples include:
- Research early farming methods used by American Indians and early settlers.
- Research the types of crops that were grown at the beginning of the 20th century and what is grown today. A Venn Diagram could be used to assess this activity.
  - 2 circle Venn Diagram
- Research the types of livestock and/or crops produced in North Dakota today. Using a Three-Circle Venn Diagram or another type of graphic organizer, compare and contrast them using one of the following methods: