Today, rural communities are at a new crossroads- a meeting point of ideas where they can chart their own future. With their innovations and creative spirit, rural Americans are helping to define and shape the future of the country. 

In this lesson, students will:

• Use key vocabulary terms associated with agricultural practices 
• Explore the past and modern issues surrounding agricultural practices 
• Analyze the ecological impact of modern agricultural practices

A mix of articles, student handouts, historical artifacts and artwork provide an in-depth look at this complex topic. Each slide has information and/or quizzes attached for testing student comprehension. Open-ended questions are provided to stimulate further thought on the topic.