From Common Land to Commodity

Download This Full Lesson: From Common Land to Commodity

Essential Question: How did wild blueberries become one of Maine’s most important agricultural commodities?

Time: 75-90 minutes

Learning Objectives

Students will be able to:

• Analyze primary sources to gather historical evidence.
• Explain how technology, law, research, and innovation shaped Maine’s wild blueberry industry.
• Describe how the wild blueberry industry functions as an interconnected agricultural system.
• Use evidence from photographs, video, and informational text to explain how Maine’s wild blueberry industry changed over time.

Materials

• Reading: From Common Land to Commodity
• Handouts: Primary Source Note Sheets, Primary Sources, Maine Wild Blueberry Systems
• Video: Maine Wild Blueberry History

Optional:

• Recipe: Blueberry Smoothie

Extension Activities

• Make blueberry smoothies with students and discuss technological innovations.
• The Big Deal about Big Ag- National Agriculture in the Classroom
• Farm to Table and Beyond – Resource National Agriculture in the Classroom

MLR Standards

Social Studies: A.1, B.1, B.2, C.1, D.1

Science: MS ESS3.1, MS LS2.1

ELA: R.1, R.2, R.7, R.11, W1, SL.1