“Planting potatoes with science”: A school project to raise consciousness of the importance of plant protection
2025
José Alberto Caram de Souza-Dias | Falko Feldmann
The article, "Planting Potatoes with Science," explores a school-based educational project that introduces elementary students to agriculture through hands-on potato cultivation following the IAC Sprout/Seed-Potato Tecnology, particularly focusing on plant health and virus prevention. Conducted with scientific guidance from the Agronomic Institute of Campinas (IAC) and supported by the Julius Kühn Institute, this program allows students to observe the effects of plant viruses on crop yield by growing both healthy and virus-infected potatoes. The initiative aims to reduce urban populations' growing disconnect from food production, fostering a deeper understanding of sustainable agricultural practices. The project incorporates three dimensions of sustainability: ecological (demonstrating how agricultural practices impact the environment), economic (highlighting the economic value of resource-efficient farming), and social (promoting awareness of collective agricultural responsibility). By engaging students in plant care, growth monitoring, and final harvest activities, the project not only educates them about agricultural science but also cultivates critical thinking, environmental awareness, and an appreciation for food production's complexities. This successful 15-year initiative underscores the potential of integrating agricultural science into early education, encouraging future consumer consciousness and a foundation for informed, sustainability-minded decision-making.
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