Activity
Environmental Inventions
Social Studies:
Curriculum for Excellence (CfE) Outcomes and Experiences
SOC 2-08a: I can discuss the environmental impact of human activity and suggest ways in which we can live in a more environmentally-responsible way.
SOC 3-08a: I can identify the possible consequences of an environmental issue and make informed suggestions about ways to manage the impact
Science:
SCN 2-02a: I can use my knowledge of the interactions and energy flow between plants and animals in ecosystems, food chains and webs.
SCN 3-02a: I can demonstrate my understanding of why plants are vital to sustaining life on Earth.
SCN 3-05b: I can explain some of the processes which contribute to climate change and discuss the possible impact of atmospheric change on the survival of living things.
Duration Materials 20 min
Copy of A Window Into Outdoor pages 36 - 39
The Environment: Inventions worksheet Pencils, coloured pencils, or pens.
Optional: Small sticky notes or scrap paper for quick ideas.
Activity Instructions
1 Introduction: "Today, we're going to explore how cutting-edge technology is making land-based engineering much 'greener' – better for our planet!"
2 "Let's look at some examples: 'How do these help the environment?'"
Drones: Monitor crop health, spray small amounts of pesticide only where needed, check for disease, map fields, find lost animals. Less overall pesticide use, less fuel for big tractors driving over fields, quicker identification of problems means less wasted crops.
Robot Tractors/Autonomous Vehicles: Can work with extreme precision (planting seeds exactly, driving in straight lines), less overlap, can potentially be electric/hydrogen powered. More efficient use of land and resources (seeds, fertiliser), reduced fuel consumption, less soil compaction from unnecessary passes.
Sensors (in the soil or on plants): Tiny clever devices stuck in the ground or on plants that send information to the farmer's phone. Prevents overwatering (saves water), ensures plants get only the fertiliser they need (less chemical runoff into rivers), reduces waste.
3.Activity: Environmental Inventions.
4.Instructions: Imagine a new piece of technology that would help land-based engineers working in Agriculture (farming) protect the environment. Think about problems like: too much water use, pollution from machines, losing wild areas, or making food more sustainably.
As a pair/group design and draw your new inventions, or complete the Inventions worksheet.
5.Invite the groups to share their ideas with the class.
6.Wrap-Up: “What did you learn about land-based engineering? Remember, land-based engineering isn't just about big machinery; it's about using clever technology to create a greener, more sustainable future for our planet.
Extension:
1 Challenge them to think about not just what the tech does, but how it would be powered (e.g., solar, hydrogen, electric) and what materials it would be made from (recycled, sustainable).
