Close-up of microgreen broccoli
Microgreens - Artificial Selection
Grades 6-8
Microgreens are growing in popularity due to their nutritional value, health benefits, and overall taste compared to other leafy green vegetable alternatives. So, how are farmers able to grow microgreens with enhanced characteristics such as flavor, color, texture, and nutritional content? It’s through a process known as artificial selection, which we will cover in this lesson.
Teacher's Guide and Related Standards
Students will be able to explain how artificial selection is used in the development of microgreens with the best traits.
- How do farmers grow microgreens with the best characteristics/traits?
- What is artificial selection and what are the benefits of it?
Maryland Farm & Harvest Clip
- What makes microgreens a high-quality vegetable?
- What is the growing time and requirements for growing microgreens?
- How are microgreens grown and processed?
- Describe the flavors of microgreens that make them great ingredients in dishes.
Vocabulary
Supplemental Enrichment Activities
Communicating Information
Specialty Greens Pack a Nutritional Punch - Agricultural Research Article
Students will obtain further information on microgreens by reading an agricultural research article. They will then develop a presentation to communicate facts about microgreens and their health benefits.
Artificial Selection Video
After viewing the video, students will define artificial selection and construct a scientific explanation addressing how artificial selection relates to the growing of microgreens and other crops/vegetables.
Artificial Selection Infographics
Students will analyze infographics and read phrases related to artificial selection. Students will then develop a cause-and-effect graphic organizer to explain how humans contributed to the manipulated growth desired vegetables and crops that we see in grocery markets.
Career Connections
