Session 1: The context of British farming

Learners use data in tables and graphs to find out about the types and locations of farms in the United Kingdom. They hear from farmers who explain the challenges they face on arable farms and start think as engineers to creatively by asking questions to clarify the problem.

Session 2: What problems do farmers face with soil quality?

Learners work scientifically to better understand the causes and effects of one of the biggest problems in farming - when soil becomes too compact. Learners creatively design approaches to engineer solutions to solve problems, asking questions to clarify the real-world problems farmers face.

Session 3: How can we prevent pests eating seeds?

Learners innovate with ideas to design mechanisms to support arable farmers protect cereal crops from pests. By applying maths skills of fractions and percentages, learners respond to a design brief finding out more about the types of pests and collaborating to imagine and plan animal deterrents.

Session 4: How could we sow seeds without compacting the soil?

Learners create prototypes for seed sowing machines, solving the main challenge of avoiding seed damage and soil compaction. The innovate to imaginatively respond to farmers' needs finding out more about how real industries, such as the Small Robot Company use robots to improve the ways of working on arable farms. Learner’s design and create a simple seed drilling machine.

Session 5: How can automation make fertilising fields more efficient?

Learners use computer technology to automate innovations in arable farming. They are supported through a ‘direct-to-the-classroom video' to think as engineers by improving design ideas, using basic micro:bit programming to simulating efficient slurry spraying.

Celebrate your pupils' achievements on the Soil Defenders pathway!