Task: Investigate a Technology that Improves Food Security in Australia
 

Objective:
To research and understand a specific technology used in Australian agriculture/aquaculture that has improved either the economic, environmental, or social aspects of food security. You will learn how this technology works and its impact on food security.

Instructions:
Part 1: Research Phase

1. Choose a Technology:

Select a technology currently used by farmers in Australia. Examples include GPS-guided tractors, drone technology, water-saving irrigation systems, genetically modified crops, or mobile apps for farm management. Scroll down for inspiration and launch pad for your research.
Ensure that the technology you choose has a clear impact on one of the following areas:

• Economic (cost reduction, productivity increase)

• Environmental (sustainability, resource conservation)

• or Social (community well-being, worker safety)

 

1.1 Investigate How the Technology Works:

1. Describe how the chosen technology operates.

2. Explain how it is applied in farming practices in Australia.

 

Part 2: Analysing its Impact: 

Economic Impact:

• If the technology has an economic impact, explain how it helps food providers save money, increase efficiency, boost production, or supports the Australian economy.

Environmental Impact:

• If the technology benefits the environment, discuss how it helps reduce waste, conserve water, improve soil health, or lower carbon emissions.

Social Impact:

• If the technology has a social impact, explore how it enhances the well-being of farming communities, improves working conditions, or contributes to food security for the population.

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Extension (optional): Evaluate (make an educated judgement) the broader implications of the technology. For example: Genetically modified crops are grown to survive and grow abundantly but does this compromise its nutritional value and have greater impacts on climate change due to the input required to grow such a plant in such a way?

 

Part 3: Presenting your work:

3.1 Visual Report:

• Create a visual report (e.g., poster, infographic) that outlines the key aspects of the technology, how it works, and its impact.

Include images, diagrams, or charts to make your report visually engaging.
 

3.2 Written Explanation:

• Write a short explanation (250-500 words) accompanying your visual report. This should summarise the technology’s role in improving food security and why it is important.

 

3.3 Presentation:

• Present your work in a visually pleasing manner that can be displayed at the Cultural Studies Expo. You will need clear visual elements and descriptions plus your written piece on display.

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Assessment Criteria:
Research Quality: Depth of understanding of the chosen technology.
Clarity of Explanation: How well the technology and its impact are explained.

Relevance to Food Security: Clear connection between the technology and its contribution to improving food security.
Visual Presentation: Creativity and effectiveness of the visual report.