Agriculture in the Classroom Canada (AITC-C), along with its 10 provincial members, has launched a teaching guide with interactive resources for “Guardians of the Grasslands,” a documentary that explores the role that cattle play in the survival of Canada’s grasslands ecosystem.
Guardians of the Grasslands in the Classroom will complement the 12-minute documentary through viewing and reflection questions, an online scavenger hunt, and a student-developed board game, based on their investigations. The learning resources are funded through a partnership between AITC-C and the Canadian Cattlemen’s Foundation.
The interactive tool also connects to further readings exploring the key topics of biodiversity, soil health, climate change, and land management, says AITC-C.
“Guardians of the Grasslands in the Classroom is a curriculum-linked, purpose-driven opportunity for teachers and students to learn about and reflect on the endangered grasslands ecosystem in a way that fosters critical thinking and creativity,” says Melissa Galay, education specialist with AITC-C.
Through the documentary and fun, interactive learning resources, students will learn how ranchers, conservationists, and others are working together towards protecting what is left the grasslands, says AITC-C.
“By developing Guardians of the Grasslands in the Classroom as an educational resource, students across Canada will have the opportunity to learn about cattle’s important role in preserving grassland ecosystems. We are proud to partner with Agriculture in the Classroom Canada to further showcase our industry’s positive environmental story to youth across the country,” says Bob Lowe, chair of the Canadian Cattlemen’s Foundation.
Guardians of the Grasslands in the Classroom is targeted towards students in grades seven to 11, and is available to download for free on AITC-C’s Curriculum Connected Resource Matrix.
The “Guardians of the Grasslands” documentary is available for public viewing here.
