Advances in Technology How does technology affect our resources?

1. Advances in TechnologyHow does technology affect our resources? WG.19.C Examine the environmental, economic, and social impacts of advances in technology on agriculture and natural resources. READINESS STANDARD

2. Which words are you familiar with, and which do you not yet know?

3. Which agricultural technology is most modern? Neither. • “Plow” farming hurts the soil, and in the long run yields less food. • “No-till” farming is the most modern technology.

4. Which agricultural technology is most modern? “Plow” farming packs the soil, makes it hard for water and roots to deepen into soil “No-till” farming leaves soil looser, allows water and roots to deepen into soil.

5. If this works what will be the impact… environmentally? economically? socially?

6. If this works what will be the impact… environmentally? economically? socially? • Researchers work with transgenic groundnut plants with gene for drought resistance at the glasshouse facility of the Genetic Transformation Lab at ICRISAT in Hyderabad. File Photo: K. Gajendran

7. Is technology good for agriculture… environmentally? economically? socially? • Researchers work with transgenic groundnut plants with gene for drought resistance at the glasshouse facility of the Genetic Transformation Lab at ICRISAT in Hyderabad. File Photo: K. Gajendran

8. Is technology good for agriculture… environmentally? economically? socially?

9. What’s the alternative?

10. Here’s what’s some are trying… Low Energy Indoor Farm in Saudi Arabia Uses No Pesticides, Soil or Sunlight

11. Here’s what’s some are trying… Low Energy Indoor Farm in Saudi Arabia Uses No Pesticides, Soil or Sunlight

12. How has technology changed farming? • If this works, what will be the impact… • environmentally • economically • socially?

13. How have advances in agricultural technology been beneficial? F increased use of fossil fuels G elimination of animal habitats H decreased need of government aid J more efficient production of crops The list above can be attributed to the side effects of A agricultural pesticides B organic farming C crop failure D dangerous weeds Let’s see what we know…Which are you ready to answer, and which do you need a peek? • Harming of wildlife • Contamination of water • Destruction of Beneficial insects

14. One argument in favor of using genetically modified crops is that doing so — A protects biological diversity on cultivated land B reduces the use of pesticides on crops C allows for the cultivation of native food sources D guarantees high yields of cash crops Let’s see what we know… Are you ready to answer, or do you need a hint?

15. Talk to each other, and then talk to me… • WG.19.C Examine the environmental, economic, and social impacts of advances in technology on agriculture and natural resources. • How does technology affect our resources? • Use the word wall words to answer.

16. Resources • http://www.scientificamerican.com/article.cfm?id=how-no-till-stacks-up • http://www.thehindu.com/sci-tech/agriculture/article62473.ece?viewImage=1 • http://arch1design.com/blog/latest_environmental_health_news/consumer-concerns-about-pesticides-in-food/ • http://inhabitat.com/utopian-permaculture-farms-look-like-fantastical-floating-islands/