Photo Credit: Laughlin Did you know that in Japan, some farmers grow square watermelons? It’s true! According to Wikipedia, square watermelons were intended to fit more compactly in fridges and be able to be cut more easily (without rolling). It was invented by the graphic designer Tomoyuki Ono in 1978. She presented the watermelons in
7 Reasons Every Teacher Should Visit Discovering Farmland
Andy Losik, educator extraordinaire who works with Hamilton, Michigan’s Infotech program, posted a fantastic blog about Discovering Farmland. We partnered with the United State Farmers and Ranchers Alliance to share videos and print resources that help teachers talk to students about the importance of agriculture, farming and ranching. Through video and print resources, the site is broken into
Discovering FARMLAND: New Resources from Discovery Education and the U.S. Farmers & Ranchers Alliance
Give your high school students a first-hand glimpse into critical issues impacting the agriculture industry with new, free resources from Discovering FARMLAND. The U.S. Farmers & Ranchers Alliance and Discovery Education have partnered on an exciting new initiative to engage urban youth with a first-hand glimpse into agriculture. Using the award-winning documentary, “FARMLAND, a film
Fun Fact Friday: Chipotle Peppers
Did you know that chipotle peppers don’t grow on trees, or bushes, or anywhere? It’s true! Chipotle peppers have their dark color and smoky flavor for a very good reason. They’re actually smoked and overripe jalapeño peppers! While the plump and green peppers are picked early, the “runts” of the jalapeño litter are left behind,
Fun Fact Friday: Chickens
Did you know that chickens actually store away gravel inside their bodies to aid in the digestive process? Chickens (and other birds) have a special organ called a gizzard. When chickens eat, they ingest bits of gravel and stones. These stones (called gastroliths) are stored away inside the gizzard, and help to grind the harder
Fun Fact Friday: Jethro Tull
Did you know that farming was revolutionized in the 1700’s by an agriculturist named Jethro Tull? Much like George Washington Carver, Tull believed that there were better and more efficient ways of farming possible, and set about trying to discover them. Tull’s influence is still seen in agricultural practices and equipment to this day. Jethro