Common Ground
Special Earth Day Screening: 4/22/25
Common Ground explores the transformative power of regenerative farming and its role in revitalizing landscapes, combating climate change, and promoting sustainable food systems. The documentary features pioneering farmers and scientists who use sustainable practices to restore soil, enhance biodiversity, and significantly reduce carbon footprints. It also delves into how our food choices impact the planet, providing a compelling resource for high school teachers to inspire discussions on ecological responsibility and the critical role of agriculture in sustaining our planet.
Themes include: Regenerative Farming, Sustainability, Environmental Science, Climate Change, Ecological Responsibility, Economic Impact of Agriculture, Food Security, Ethical Land Use, Innovation in Agriculture, Community Activism and Engagement, Science and Policy Intersection
Recommended Grades: 9-12
Key Issues and Curriculum Connections
Key Issues Raised:
- Sustainability and Regenerative Farming: How do sustainable agricultural practices impact soil health, biodiversity, and overall ecosystem resilience?
- Climate Change Mitigation: What role does agriculture play in carbon sequestration and global climate change efforts?
- Soil Health and Ecosystem Function: How do regenerative farming practices improve soil structure, fertility, and water retention, and why are these factors crucial for ecosystem sustainability?
- Biodiversity and Species Interactions: How does enhancing biodiversity through sustainable farming contribute to more resilient ecosystems and the stability of food webs?
- Food Systems and Sustainability: How do choices in agricultural practices influence global and local food systems, and what are the implications for food security and sustainability?
- Economic and Social Implications: What are the economic benefits and social changes brought about by adopting sustainable farming methods?
- Policy and Community Action: How can policy and community-driven initiatives support or hinder the transition to sustainable agricultural practices?
Curriculum Connections:
Science (Environmental Science, Biology, and Earth Science):
- Climate Change and Carbon Sequestration: Common Ground connects to environmental science standards by illustrating how regenerative farming practices contribute to carbon sequestration, directly addressing the role of human activities in climate change and methods for mitigation.
- Soil Science and Ecosystem Health: The film provides a practical example of how improving soil health—through practices like cover cropping and reduced tillage—enhances water retention, nutrient cycling, and plant growth. This supports biology and earth science curricula focused on soil ecosystems, nutrient cycles, and the importance of soil as a foundation for terrestrial ecosystems.
- Biodiversity and Ecosystem Function: The emphasis on biodiversity in the film aligns with biology standards on ecosystems and species interactions, showing how diversified plant and animal life in agricultural settings leads to more resilient ecosystems and stable food webs.
- Sustainable Agriculture as an Ecological System: The film’s exploration of regenerative agriculture as a holistic approach to farming aligns with standards that discuss ecosystems, human impacts, and sustainable resource management, illustrating the interconnectedness of agricultural practices and ecological health.
Social Studies (Geography & Economics):
- Economic and Environmental Sustainability: The film ties into geography and economics standards by exploring the economic viability of sustainable agriculture, discussing how these practices contribute to both environmental sustainability and economic resilience.
- Global Food Systems and Human Geography: Common Ground addresses curriculum goals in geography that examine the impact of human agricultural practices on global food systems, sustainability, and the geographic distribution of resources.
Civics:
- Public Policy and Environmental Governance: The film relates to civics standards by exploring how government policies can support or hinder sustainable farming practices, emphasizing the role of legislation and public policy in environmental governance.
- Community Engagement and Civic Responsibility: Encourages discussions on civic responsibility and the role of individuals and communities in advocating for sustainable practices, aligning with civics education on active citizenship and democratic participation.
Health Education:
- Nutrition and Sustainable Food Choices: Demonstrates the connection between sustainable agricultural practices and the production of healthy, nutritious food, which aligns with health education standards focusing on the importance of food choices for personal and public health.