What The Pupils Will Learn
- Farming
is a very important industry for Scotland.
- As a farmer,
Robert Burns had a very hard, poor life.
- Farming
today is easier because of advances in technology.
- Farming inspired Burns to write many poems.
Background
Information
a) Robert and Gilbert Burns worked hard on the family farm from a very young age.
b) The farms were never prosperous or successful, so the family moved frequently: 1759 - Alloway; 1766 - Mount Oliphant; 1777 - Lochlea; 1784 - Mossgiel; 1788 - Ellisland; 1791 - Dumfries.
Development
Pre-Visit
a) Establish a class display of breakfast cereals - discuss the original crop and where it was grown. Display pictures and photographs of older farm implements.
b) Invite pupils and parents from farming backgrounds to talk about life on a farm - involve grandparents etc to discuss farming in the past.
The Visit
a) In the cottage, identify the animals and where they are kept.
b) In the Museum, look for evidence of farming. Using the wall display "His Life 1759 - 1796" find information which proves that Burns found life as a farmer very difficult. Consider which farm Robert Burns spent most of his life on.
c) At the "Experience" look carefully for evidence of farmers and farming.
Post Visit
a) Work in pairs to investigate simple tools - half the class focus on traditional tools, half on modern machinery.
b) Design/build/modify implements that could be used on a farm, e.g. for digging, ploughing or planting.
c) Prepare questionnaires for local farmers and smaller local shops relating to Scottish produce. Compare with variety of produce found today in supermarkets.
d) Interview local farmers about the wildlife found on their land - e.g. mice, foxes, badgers, rabbits, birds, etc
e) Compose letters to Scottish Agricultural College, Auchincruive, Ayr, requesting information or artefacts relating to farming past and present.
f) Work with a partner to create a comic strip depicting the story told in "To A Mouse".
g) Use the poem "To A Mountain Daisy" as a stimulus for artwork.
h) Research and debate opinions on the use of fertilisers, pesticides and crop enhancers used in modern farming.
i) Formulate rules for keeping safe in the countryside and on farms, etc.
j) Homework task to compile list of animals and their homes.
Extension Work
a) Research to find animals that are native to Scotland, e.g. Ayrshire Cattle.
b) Contact a local blacksmith to arrange a visit and discuss modern farrier methods compared to traditional. Observe the process if possible.
Related Burns Work
"To
A Mouse"
"To A Mountain Daisy"
"The Rigs O'Barley"
Contacts
National
Farmers Union of Scotland
Rural Centre, West Mains, Ingliston, Newbridge, Midlothian
Scottish
Agricultural College
Auchincruive, Ayr