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	Science TODAY: Corn Crop is a Bin-Buster

Activity Overview

Students will examine and evaluate data on the corn harvest in the United States over the past several years. Using the USA TODAY Snapshot® "2004 Corn Crop is a Bin-Buster," data from the USDA Statistics Service website, and information from the USA TODAY article, "EPA approves corn modified to eliminate No. 1 crop pest" students will be asked to calculate percent change, do summations of data, observe trends, and offer explanations as to the reasons for those trends in agricultural production.

Before the Activity

Provide one graphing calculator for each student. Each student should have a copy of the corresponding student activity sheet. Introduce students to the use of biotechnology in agriculture.

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During the Activity

Use the transparency to assist students in understanding how to read the graphic BEFORE you start working on the activity. Reinforce with the students the importance of READING the activity carefully. Students can work individually or in small groups on this activity. Working in groups is especially helpful as they learn the various features of the calulator.

After the Activity

Review student answers

As a class, discuss questions that appeared to be more challenging

Re-teach concepts as necessary

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