This book is designed for youth in grades 6–8 to learn about cover crops. It can be used with 4-H projects and clubs, in schools, or in after-school or other out-of-school programs.
It was designed as a standalone project, but it does not need to be used in that way. It may be combined with other project areas or used as a part of a larger agriculture curriculum.
Nonvisual Accessibility Appendix
| Introduction | These pages introduce the book as a whole, including information for 4-H educators or volunteers. Braille: BRF / DXP Accessible DOCX / PDF |
| Module 1A: A Plant Primer | This set of activities introduces the function of plant structures, with a key activity being a flower dissection. Braille: BRF / DXP Accessible DOCX / PDF |
| Module 1B: Cover Crops in the Rotation | This set of activities examines what it means to be a cover crop. One activity uses a calendar to show how cover crops fit between cash crop growing seasons. Braille: BRF / DXP Accessible DOCX / PDF |
| Module 1C: Planting & Harvesting | This module explores engineering, with learners developing methods for harvesting seeds and comparing their methods to those of commercial machines. Braille: BRF / DXP Accessible DOCX / PDF |
| Module 1D: Natural & Artificial Selection | This set of activities explores how plants change over time. Learners take a close look at modern corn and the many varieties of wild cabbage we eat every day. Braille: BRF / DXP Accessible DOCX / PDF |
| Module 1E: Gene Editing | These hands-on activities to simulate how scientists can use advanced technologies like CRISPR-Cas9 to accelerate the process of artificial selection. Braille: BRF / DXP Accessible DOCX / PDF |
| Module 2A: Reducing Soil Erosion | Learners work directly with soil to explore the problem of soil erosion and how cover crops help minimize erosion. Braille: BRF / DXP Accessible DOCX / PDF |
| Module 2B: Pollinator Services | This set of activities explores another benefit of cover crops: as a source of food for pollinators like bees, bats, birds, and butterflies! Braille: BRF / DXP Accessible DOCX / PDF |
| Module 2C: Cover Crop Products | This set of activities explores how different products can be made from cover crops, in this case different formulations of ink from vegetable oils. Braille: BRF / DXP Accessible DOCX / PDF |
| Module 2D: Crop Product Supply Chains | This set of activities includes instructions to make sunflower butter and explores the tasks required to make a jar and get it to a grocery store. Braille: BRF / DXP Accessible DOCX / PDF |
| References | The vast majority of images used in this book were in the public domain or created by the authors. Images and sources of information are listed here. |
Questions? Contact ISU CeMaST at https://cemast.illinoisstate.edu/about/.