Overview

The "Growing Food Problem" is a data-based, active learning exercise designed to introduce students to the factors of production (land, labor, capital) and the relationship between resources, production, and consumption. The purpose of the activity is to help students see the connection between quantity/quality of resources and food production and consumption in various regions of the world. This activity is also designed to help students see the connection between resources and quality of life in a region and to identify resource-based strategies for dealing with world poverty and hunger.

Teaching Activity

Before the Introductory Lecture, divide the students into groups representing regions of the world. Keep in mind that the size of each group represents the population in the region. The groups’ size differences will help show the distribution of the population in the world and highlight distribution and equity issues related to resources, production, and consumption. Divide the class, using the following percentages — roughly reflecting population distribution around the world:

Assemble the materials to give to each group, including the Exercise Data Sheet, Handout 1; map showing their region; Agricultural Production Worksheet with Explanations and Strategies, Handout 2; and jelly beans divided according to the region’s share of world production.

Objectives Students identify and define the categories of resources (factors of production). Students see the relationship between resources and production. Students understand how to increase the quantity and quality of resources. Students see the link between resources, production, consumption, and standards of living. Students are made away of the world population, poverty, and hunger levels. Students have an awareness of the basic geography of less-developed regions of the world. Time Required Two one-hour class periods Materials Handout 1 -- Exercise Data Sheet Regional maps 100 jelly beans (or acceptable substitute) Handout 2 -- Agricultural Production Worksheet with Explanations and Strategies Introductory Lecture (teacher material) Follow-up Lecture (teacher material)

Day 1
Present the Introductory Lecture material. Divide the students into regions (groups) and point out the unequal distribution of students. Explain that this represents the share of the world population in the region. Pass out the paper materials to each group. Then give each group its "production" (jelly beans), so that all can see the distribution. Explain that the number of jelly beans given to each group corresponds to the region’s share of world food production. Solicit comments from the students as to the distribution of both students and jelly beans (i.e., the inequity/fairness). Explain why production does not equal consumption, and redistribute the jelly beans according to the share of the world consumption in each region. Make it clear that they will get to divide and consume their share!

Solicit comments from the students about the redistribution and have students work on the Agricultural Production Worksheet with Explanations and Strategies, Handout 2. (Depending on time, they can complete this for homework or in the next class.)

Day 2
Finish the Agricultural Production Worksheet with Explanations and Strategies and discuss the results. Present the material in the Follow-up Lecture, including Discussion Questions for Teachers.