11-year-old Birke Baehr describes what he calls "the dark side of the industrialized food system". Explaining everything from genetically engineered seeds and organisms to Confined Animal Feeding Operations (CAFOs), Baehr encourages his audience to "think local, think organic, know your farmer, and know your food."

Concepts

the food pyramid, food, organic farming, farming

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Additional Tags

organic farming, food pyramid, Agriculture, science

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Instructional Ideas

• Have class members research the growing practices in the farms in their area and/or those used in a food they enjoy

Classroom Considerations

• The "Dig Deeper" section provides links to related resources and can be used to launch research projects

Pros

• Compelling and enthusiastic young speaker
• Quickly but effectively describes benefits of organic farming and buying locally

Cons

• None

Common Core

RI.6.7 RI.8.7 SL.6.3 SL.6.5 SL.8.3 SL.8.5 RST.6-8.9