Lesson 9: Cool Canola- Teacher S Guide

Unit 9: Grains and Oilseeds

Lesson 9: Cool Canola- Teacher’s Guide

Estimated Time for Completion – approximately 90 minutes

Student Learning Objectives:

• As a result of this lesson the student will…
• Explore canola production in the U.S.
• Examine canola production, marketing, and consumer concerns in the U.S.
• Understand production-related issues facing canola enterprises.

Purpose: In our research of different grains and oilseeds we have discovered many crops that have a wide range of uses. One crop equally useful is canola. Since the discovery of canola, it has been used as a lubricant in early steam engines and is also used as a food source. Canola has some very unique qualities that make it useful to consumers which leads to canola having a sizable economic impact as well.

Directions:Access the commodities and products tab on the AgMRC website ( and find the link to grains and oilseeds. Utilize information located here to answer the questions below:

1. How was canola developed? What impact has this crop had on agricultural markets since its development?

• First, select the “Commodities and Products” link.
• Then select the “Grains and Oilseeds” link.
• Select the “Canola” link.
• Click on the blue “Canola” link in the “Production” section to expand the page.
• Look in the “Background” section to find the desired information.
• Note: It is expected that students may also have to rely upon their critical-thinking skills to address this question’s content.

1. How can canola producers ensure the proper management of their crops and thus aid in survival during production?

• First, select the “Commodities and Products” link.
• Then select the “Grains and Oilseeds” link.
• Select the “Canola” link.
• Click on the blue “Canola” link in the “Production” section to expand the page.
• Look in the “Production” section to find the desired information.
• Note: It is expected that students may also have to rely upon their critical-thinking skills to address this question’s content.

1. What characteristics of canola oil make it of interest in biofuel research and production? Based on the information provided, do you think that canola oil could serve as a biofuel source? Why or why not?

• First, select the “Commodities and Products” link.
• Then select the “Grains and Oilseeds” link.
• Select the “Canola” link.
• Click on the blue “Canola” link in the “Production” section to expand the page.
• Look in the “Value-added Products” section to find the desired information.
• Note: It is expected that students may also have to rely upon their critical-thinking skills to address this question’s content.

1. Why is canola oil regarded as a “close substitute for other oils”? What health benefits does canola oil consumption provide to humans?

• First, select the “Commodities and Products” link.
• Then select the “Grains and Oilseeds” link.
• Select the “Canola” link.
• Click on the blue “Canola” link in the “Production” section to expand the page.
• Look in the “Health Benefits” section to find the desired information.
• Note: It is expected that students may also have to rely upon their critical-thinking skills to address this question’s content.

1. According to the AgMRC website, some large fast-food establishments have begun to switch to using canola oil for their products. Why do you think this is so? What marketing implications could this switch hold for these businesses and their products?

• First, select the “Commodities and Products” link.
• Then select the “Grains and Oilseeds” link.
• Select the “Canola” link.
• Click on the blue “Canola” link in the “Production” section to expand the page.
• Look in the “Health Benefits” section to find the desired information.
• Note: It is expected that students may also have to rely upon their critical-thinking skills to address this question’s content.

Reinforcement activity:Custom Canola

For this activity, you will need to complete two parts. The first part will require you create a growing plan for your own canola crop. Pretend you have been given a 100 acre plot of land to use in your local area. You need to determine when you would ideally like to plant and harvest. You should also consider what you will do for tillage, or possibly irrigation. This will likely require some research beyond the AgMRC website. Remember to be specific to your local area. If your research shows that growing canola is not recommended in your area, pick a new area that is better suited for canola production.

The second part of the activity will be to make a list of local business or consumers that could use or benefit from your product. Who around you could utilize the oils or nutrients from canola?