AgPocalypse - Lesson Set

Lesson
AgPocalypse digital game graphic
Resource Summary
The following lessons are provided to connect the Agpocalypse gameplay scenarios with broader learning objectives.
Middle School
High School
Classroom Instruction
After-School Instruction
At-Home Instruction
Life Sciences
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Technology
Engineering
Lesson
Systems Thinking
Informed Decision Making
Food
Energy
Water

Irrigation Scenario

Overview

In this scenario, students will monitor weather conditions and irrigate their crop using a limited amount of water resources to maximize crop production during four years of gameplay.

Lesson 1: Data-informed decision making lesson

Learning Objectives

  • Design a data-informed irrigation application schedule in the game
  • Gather and track data from the game (irrigation date, irrigation amount, yield)
  • Look for patterns in crop production and water use
  • Analyze data to evaluate success of irrigation application strategy

Grassfed Beef Scenario

Overview

In this scenario, students will manage four herds of grassfed beef for two years of game play.

Lesson 1: Data-informed decision making

Learning Objectives 

  • Design a rotation strategy to maximize production and sustain vegetation in the Grassfed Beef scenario in the game

  • Gather and track data from the game (herd location, % vegetation, and average weight)

  • Look for patterns in beef production and vegetation sustainability

  • Analyze data to evaluate success of rotation strategy

  • Reflect and iteratively adjust the rotation strategy based on analysis of data in the game

  • Provide a justification for gameplay decisions and modifications made in the rotation strateg

Lesson 2: Systems Thinking lesson

Learning Objectives

  • Model a grassfed cattle production system including its components and interactions

  • Build upon a balancing feedback loop diagram to create a system model that more closely matches real-world system interactions

  • Recognize upstream and downstream events which may impact the cattle production system OR be impacted by the system