Current Issues

There are a number of current issues related to agriculture that can be used for problem based or inquiry learning approaches.  Here are a few examples:

Alternative Energy

Biodiesel - An energy source created from renewable resources.  It is biodegradable, nontoxic, and has lower emissions than petroleum diesel.  Biodiesel can be used in any diesel engine with few (if any) modifications, which makes it a very real alternative to relying on fossil fuels and foreign oil.

Connect to the National Biodiesel Board

Ethanol - An energy source produced from corn, grain sorghum, wheat, sugar or other agricultural products.  Ethanol is most commonly featured as a mixture of 10% Ethanol and 90% gasoline.  By combining the two elements it allows the fuel to work in standard engines and to reduce the amount of gasoline needed.

Connect to the American Coalition for Ethanol (ACE)

Reducing World Hunger

Agricultural Technologies - Improvements in Agricultural technologies, such as genetically modified organisms, allow farmers to increase yields and feed an ever growing population.

Connect to Ohio State University's GMO Information