SUBJECTS: Science
YEARS: 7–8
Consider the vast land that is Australia.
How might we, as a community, help to keep our land sustainable?
Explore the ideas put forward by Professor Peter Cullen and Dr John Williams in response to the continuing drought conditions of 2003.
What role could city dwellers play so that farmers could better care for the land?
Things to think about
- 1.Australia's climate is highly variable and strongly linked to seasonal changes. In dry areas what types of farming practices might cause problems with water and soil quality? These farming practices are sometimes referred to as unsustainable. What do you think the term sustainable farming means?
- 2.What is one possible solution put forward by Landcare to help make our land, and future farming practices, more sustainable? In what way does Professor Peter Cullen suggest urban Australians might help support a change in farming methods? How do you feel about this?
- 3.What are the benefits and challenges of the proposed Landcare solution? What does a farmer need to consider when balancing a healthy soil with making a profit? Since this clip in 2003, many farmers have moved towards more sustainable practices. Find out what these practices are and why they are considered more sustainable. Create a poster promoting these ideas.
- 4.Consider all the foods you eat in one day. Select one and create a flowchart showing the journey the food makes from its origin to your table. What responsibility do you have in supporting farmers to produce crops using sustainable approaches?
Date of broadcast: 15 Aug 2003
Copyright
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