Changes in Virginia Farming
(Courtesy of the North Carolina Farm Bureau)

Purpose
To be able to compare and contrast colonial and modern farming.

Activities

1. Instruct students to research farming in colonial Virginia. Have each student make a list of changes that have occurred in Virginia farming, such as the switch from horse and plow to mechanized farming and changes in crops, fertilizer use, insect control, harvest techniques, and other management practices.
   
2. Using the information collected and charts provided, ask students to write paragraphs and graphically depict what they have learned.
   
3. Analyze with students how simple machines were the foundation of farm equipment.

Extension Activities

1. Instruct students to write cause and effect paragraphs, explaining the reasons for changes in farming. After checking the papers, make suggestions and have the students revise their paragraphs.
   
2. Have students create shoe box dioramas depicting colonial farming techniques.
   
3. Divide students into two groups. One group will represent farming in the 1700s. The other will represent farming in the present day. Have the groups write short skits to share facts about their time period with the class. The skits should include information about the types of equipment used, the kinds of crops grown, and the kinds of people laboring on farms.

Grade Level: 4

SOLs:
Science 4.2, 4.8
English 4.7, 4.8, 4.9
History 4.1, 4.2, 4.3

Materials:
Background information
Research materials on modern and colonial farming in Virginia

Objectives:
1. Identify the reasons for and effects of changes in Virginia agriculture.
2. Use pre-writing techniques to generate ideas for writing and create a draft with emphasis on content related to agriculture.

Vocabulary Words:
acre
best management practice
forestry
organic
textiles