Interdependence

 In the lecture, we firstly looked at the meaning of Interdependence and what we thought it meant to us prior to the workshops. Interdependence is the way in which two or more living things depend on each other to grow and remain healthy. There are three components of interdependence: economic, social and environmental. We then went into more depth of what each of these components mean. We learned this information from a prezi presentation which I think is the only way you can effectively learn the basic underlying meaning of interdependence. However, after a presentation, there are many opportunities as a teacher to deliver lessons relating to this theme. We discussed how interdependence has changed from the past, present and how it will change on the future, depending on the actions we take today.

In relation to the guest speaker from the soil association, who we completed a workshop with, there was a lot of key learning here also. We completed a quiz to enable us to be informed of the statistics relating to soil, which was very eye-opening. For example, it can take 1,000 years to form one centimetre of topsoil. We learned that soil is made up of: minerals(45%), water(25%), Air(25%) and organic matter (5%). We also looked at soil and its importance in relation to Scotland. I think soil could be quite boring for some children, however if it is delivered in an activity based way, it could be more interesting because it is something which we do not know enough about, considering it is a huge part of the world.

We also visited a farm in Tarbolton, where we observed cows and how they live on a dairy farm. Firstly, I could not believe that they always stayed in the shed and never got out but I was made aware of how happy and content the cows were once the farmer explained why. Prior to the visit, I have visited a dairy farm a few times because I have a friend who lives on a dairy farm, however I did not pay much attention to the farm itself and I was not aware of the amount of work that goes into dairy farming. However, in saying this, I noticed how much technology has evolved in terms of farming and that there was actually a machine which was tested on the cows to let the farmer know when they needed fed. I also thought that the cows were milked at a certain time each day, however the farmer explained that in fact, they are milked whenever they need to be. I think taking a class to a farm is very easy because there are farms close-by to most schools and it gives them a believable insight and experience as to what happens on a dairy farm. It is an experience they can remember and reflect on because they have experienced visiting the farm as opposed to being told about it.

 As with most of the Sustainable Development module, the Interdependence theme has made me aware of my surroundings more and how much we take the environment for granted at times. For example, the speaker from the soil association made me realise how important soil is and how much we need it to live.

The farm visit made me appreciate farming more, because it is an aspect of life which I have never been educated and interested in, however I drink milk on a regular basis without thinking about the work that has went on to produce it. This will make me more appreciative of milk and other dairy products.

 I thoroughly enjoyed the farm visit because it was interesting and its enjoyable to be taught from other people such as farmers. I think you learn more when you are learning outdoors, depending on what you are learning about and this module allows you to be active whilst learning which I really enjoy. I would like to develop my farming knowledge further by possibly getting the opportunity to visit other farms such as an arable farm and hearing from another farmers and discussing the contrasting views and activities which occur within the farm.