Teaching Science Down on the Farm

Throughout the United Kingdom's (UK's) primary science curriculum, there are numerous opportunities for teachers to use the farming industry as a rich and engaging real-world context for science learning. Teachers can focus on the animals and plants on the farm as subjects for children to learn about life processes. They can turn attention anywhere along the production chain and will see examples of the application of accessible biology, chemistry and physics. Teachers can use the farmed environment as a context to explore habitats, biodiversity and human impact. In this article, the author explores the key role of the farm in teaching science as well as wider educational benefits and suggests activities to engage and excite.