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Minnesota Agriculture in the Classroom

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Cream of the Crop

A Harvest of Specialty Crop Lessons

This 10-lesson booklet contains specialty crop themed curricular resources that focus on standards-based connections in science, social studies, language arts, and health and nutrition. The lessons and hands-on activities use specialty crops (fruits, vegetables, honey, maple syrup, and others!) to inspire a natural curiosity in students and lead to awareness and appreciation for food production and healthy food options.

Cream of the Crop
Grades K-2
Amazing Honeybees
Homegrown in Minnesota
From Sap to Syrup
Grades 3-5
Where Did My Soup Come From?
An Apple A Day Keeps the Doctor Away
Grades 6-8
Minnesota Flowers for Pollinators
Minnesota Apples: Sweet Fruit, Bitter Controversies
  • Hyperdoc
  • Twin Cities Daily Planet Article: Genetically-modified apples spur debate
  • Sources and Credits
    • Anderson, Tim. "Counterpoint: GMO Foods Are Unsafe." Points of View: Genetically Modified Foods, Jan. 2017, p. 6. EBSCOhost
    • Berger, Adam. "Point: Organic Foods Are a Healthier Alternative." Points of View: Organic Food, 3/1/2016 EBSCOhost
    • Bowman, Jeffrey and Marcus Griswold. "Point: Genetically Modified Foods Will Dramatically Improve Agriculture around the World." Points of View: Genetically Modified Foods, Jan. 2017, p. 2. EBSCOhost
    • Driscoll, Sally and David C. Morley. "Counterpoint: Genetically Modified Foods Should Be Carefully Regulated." Points of View: Genetically Modified Foods, Jan. 2017, p. 3. EBSCOhost
    • "Evaluating Perspectives about GMOs" Minnesota Agriculture in the Classroom Lesson. National Agricultural Literacy Curriculum Matrix. Topic adapted for a younger audience.
    • "Organic Food: Guide to Critical Analysis." Points of View: Organic Food, 3/1/2016, p. 4. EBSCOhost
    • Marketwired. "Sweetango Invites Fans to Celebrate The Sweet Spot of the Apple Season." Marketwire (English), 09 Sept. 2014. EBSCOhost
    • Pearson, John. "Point: The Many Benefits of Genetically Modified Foods." Points of View: Genetically Modified Foods, Jan. 2017, p. 5. EBSCOhost
    • Rich, Alex K. and Tom Warhol. "Genetically Modified Foods: An Overview." Points of View: Genetically Modified Foods, Jan. 2017, p. 1. EBSCOhost
    • Sprague, Nancy. "Counterpoint: Organic Food Is Unnecessary & the Current Food Supply Is Safe." Points of View: Organic Food, 3/1/2016, p. 3. EBSCOhost
Food Miles
Grades 9-12
The Science of Apples
Plant Breeding in Specialty Crops