Teacher guide
Teacher guide Imaginative irrigation Climate change and food supply Most crops grown in the UK rely heavily on natural rainfall. But rainfall varies significantly seasonally and annually, and some regions are much drier than others. Irrigation is the process of applying controlled amounts of water to plants at intervals. Irrigation helps to grow agricultural crops during periods of less than average rainfall. Irrigation, using man-made systems to water plants where there is not enough rainfall, could help build resilience to drought and water scarcity risk in UK agriculture, particularly in the context of a changing climate. However, some irrigation systems are more efficient in their water use than others. In this project, students will design, make and test their own crop irrigation system for water efficiency. Prompts • There are lots of different types of irrigation systems – find out a bit about the advantages and disadvantages of the different variations. • How would your irrigation system fare in the winter? Students will need to think about not only designing an irrigation system that works, but one that can survive outside across all seasons. • How easy is your system to maintain? • How much would your system cost to make? Is it cost effective? 8
Student brief Imaginative irrigation Climate change and food supply (Engineering, design, water) Have you ever wondered how farmers manage to water all their fields? Imagine you are a farmer. You rely heavily on rainfall to water your plants, but sometimes when there is not enough rain you have to water them manually. This takes a lot of time! You would like to have an irrigation system that you can control remotely. You also want a system that is efficient and does not waste water. Design and make a prototype irrigation system that can be controlled remotely. Test and improve your design to make it more efficient. Getting started Start by researching irrigation systems and how they work. There are lots of different types of irrigation systems – find out a bit about the advantages and disadvantages of the different variations. Which ones are most efficient? Why? Use your research to help inform your design. Perhaps you could interview a local farmer to find out if they use an irrigation system and, if so, which kind. Things to think about • How will you control your irrigation system? • What settings will there be? • You will need to think about not only designing an irrigation system that works, but one that can survive outside across all seasons. • What situation is your irrigation system designed for? • How will you test the effectiveness of your irrigation system? • Once you have built a prototype, think about how you might be able to improve the efficiency of your irrigation system. Useful resources • Irrigation water strategy for UK agriculture and horticulture https://www.nfuonline.com/nfu-online/science-andenvironment/irrigation-and-abstraction/irrigationwater-strategy-for-uk-agriculture-and-horticulture/ • Agriculture – key to climate action http://www.fao.org/tempref/agl/IPTRID/FGuideMod 3.pdf Health and safety To avoid any accidents, make sure you stick to the following health and safety guidelines before getting started: • Find out if any of the materials, equipment or methods are hazardous using http://science.cleapss.org.uk/Resources/Student- Safety-Sheets/ • Decide what you need to do to reduce any risks, such as wearing appropriate personal protective equipment. • Make sure there is plenty of space to work. • Clear up slip or trip hazards promptly. • Make sure your teacher agrees with your plan and risk assessment. 9
