Over the last two weeks we have been learning about interdependence. Interdependence is the way that two or more living species, things or organisms rely on one another to grow and flourish (Phalhelke,2009).

This topic was delivered and taught very different that usual to us. For this input we had the opportunity to visit two very different farm in Mauchline and Tarbolton. The first farm we visited was a farm that was recently developed/built with very modern features. The second was an organic farm that used more old school methods to look after the cows. Both farms were similar in the sense that the cows are kept indoors and that they were both ethically and positively involved involved in the farming process, the organic farm

Farm 1- Stranhead Farm (modern farm)

This was the first farm the group visited. The farm is very modern with robotic machines carrying out the majority of the work. The cows on this farm are not allowed outside and are fed the same diet every day. The cows do live comfortably and have a rather luxurious life because they get to choose when they eat, sleep, lay down, get milked and so on. The state of the art technology allows the farmers to detect any problems straight away with the cows. This technology allows the farm to be less hands on while still generating a great profit and still be sustainable. The other farm is a lot more hands on as it doesn’t have any fancy equipment. The cows are milked at certain times of the day.I liked this type of farming better from a personal opinion because I think that the cows have a better quality diet and lifestyle.

Here is some of the pictures of the first farm.

 

Here is some of the pictures of the second farm.

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It was interesting to see how different these two farms are but yet they still make great profits and are both sustainable with the way they run and operate their farms. I thought that this was a great way to introduce this topic as it was very hands on and actually getting to visually see for ourselves. I am now beginning to see where the topics link instead of thinking of them as all separate issues.

 

Directed study task

This week we were asked to read about Sustainable Seas. I was very shocked to find that there is so much over fishing going on in the seas. I found this topic very interesting and something I would never have really thought of engaging with.

We created a info graph as group surrounding this topic. Here is the link below.

https://studentmailuwsac-my.sharepoint.com/personal/b00302615_studentmail_uws_ac_uk/_layouts/15/download.aspx?docid=02bedda05a7154f27aa1352e7dad5ed89&authkey=AYBWrwMlE89q493uFULMXsw&expiration=2017-12-19T12%3a33%3a37.000Z&slrid=5fcf269e-7018-4000-9693-ad8ae0018ef9

I found this activity very engaging as it allowed us to work together where we haven’t had to really before in this topic. I would love to do this sort of activity with a class of my own in the future. Perhaps with p5-7 ages. I think that this software/programme could be used with almost any topic and it is a fun way for children to work on in groups or on their own.

I think it would help develop skills such as communication,confidence within themselves and with using technology, teamwork skills,patience and many more.

Overall,a great two weeks and I look forward to learning more about this topic in my own time.

 

References

Pahelke, R. (2009) Introduction to Sustainable Development: Globalization, Interdependence and Sustainability. UNESCO ELOSS [online] Accessed 26th October 2017