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- 5.5 - The Green Revolution
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Topic 5.5 - The Green Revolution
Overview - The Green Revolution refers to the significant increase in agricultural productivity that began in the mid-20th century, particularly in developing countries. It was driven by advancements such as high-yield crop varieties, the widespread use of chemical fertilizers and pesticides, and improved irrigation techniques. These innovations helped to combat food shortages and support population growth in regions like South Asia, Latin America, and Africa. However, the revolution also had drawbacks, including environmental degradation, increased reliance on synthetic inputs, and widening economic disparities between large and small-scale farmers.
Suggested Skill - Compare patterns and trends in visual sources to draw conclusions.
Enduring Understanding - Agriculture has changed over time because of cultural diffusion and advances in
technology.
Learning Objective - Explain the consequences of the Green Revolution on food supply and the environment in the developing world.
Essential Knowledge - 1. The Green Revolution was agriculture by the use of high-yield seeds, increased use of chemicals, and mechanized farming. 2. The Green Revolution had positive and negative consequences for both human populations and the environment.
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AP Human Geography Fun Fact - During the Green Revolution, India transformed from a country facing frequent famines to one of the world's largest producers of wheat. In fact, the state of Punjab became known as the "Breadbasket of India" due to its massive wheat output, thanks to high-yield seeds, fertilizers, and advanced irrigation introduced during this time.
Current Event - Here are two recent news stories for you! One is about Mexico wanting to stop the use of genetically modified corn, and the other is about Japan using genetically modified rice to help with hay fever.
Where in the World - WITW is a great tool I use to get my students to learn a bit about other countries. The country facts also allow me to discuss past, current, and future content.
Bell Ringers - Get kids talking and engaging in the content! Take it a step further and have your students write responses as if they are writing an FRQ.
Notes
5.5 Lesson - I don't recall where I found this reading, but it has good information, questions, and a Free Response Question (FRQ) practice. I usually do this in class, but this year we're assigning it as homework before watching "The Man Who Tried to Feed the World." This video used to be free on PBS, but now you can buy it on Amazon Prime.
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Teacher Tip - Unit 5 can seem like a beat of a unit, and that's because it is! I have a history degree, just like many of you. When I first started teaching this class, I didn't know much about agriculture, and it felt overwhelming. But don't worry, it gets easier with time!