About Barley      Processing Barley     It's a Health Food      LEARNING ACTIVITIES     Fun & Games

Learning Activities

Barley, the Next Generation
Objective:  Students explore the complex task of developing, growing, processing, and marketing barley products to consumers, including the role played by science and technology.

(Note: this activity can be carried out in small groups or as independent study).

Procedure:

1.       Review with the class the information on the types, uses and processing of barley on the Resource Sheets from Activity #1.

2.       Discuss how the uses of barley have changed over time.  Do you think changes have also occurred in production, processing, and marketing?

3.       What might the next generation of barley be like? (consider appearance, yield, nutritional benefit, and resistance to drought, temperature extremes, pests)

4.       Make copies of the Activity Sheets for this activity and hand out to the class.  Explain that each group/student is to choose one of the five scenarios.

5.       Students explore the role they have selected and develop a short presentation. Possible formats for the presentation include a skit, game show, collage, flowchart, written report or multimedia presentation.  Encourage students to brainstorm creative approaches.

6.       Explain to the class that research will be required to gather the information they need.  You may want to suggest possible sources (see back cover).

7.       Advise students that this is a cooperative learning activity and they are free to share information. (The questions on the Activity Sheets are designed to encourage interaction between the different roles).

8.       Each group/student makes a presentation to the class.

For Discussion:

1.       How is each role dependent on the input and/or cooperation of the other roles?

2.       Is it important for researchers, producers, processors, marketers and consumers to know what each other wants?  If so, how could they find out?

3.       How can science and technology contribute to an abundant, safe, and nutritious food supply?

Suggestions for Extending this Activity:

1.       Explore areas of research currently underway to improve barley:

• adaptability to environmental factors (e.g. drought, frost)

• resistance to pests and diseases

• increased yields

• higher feed quality (livestock)

• greater nutritional benefits (human consumption)

• improved processing and cooking traits

2.       Research and discuss the pros and cons of biotechnology in selective breeding of plants and animals.  How does this relate to barley?