Have you ever looked out of an airplane window and noticed the different shapes of farms below? It’s like looking at a giant puzzle made up of fields! Hi, I’m Kate, and today we’re going to explore why farms have so many different shapes.
When you fly over different countries, you might see farms that look like squares, circles, or even puzzle pieces. In Hokkaido, Japan, the farms are neat squares, while in the UK, they look like jigsaw pieces. In Bolivia, some farms are shaped like pie slices, and in Quebec, Canada, you can spot long, narrow strips of farmland. Wisconsin has curvy stripes, and in South Africa, the farms are small patches. In Libya, they are hexagonal, and in southern China, they look like tiny ridges on a fingerprint. Isn’t that cool?
There are several reasons why farms have different shapes. One big reason is history. Some farms were carefully planned, while others grew naturally over time. The type of farming also matters. For example, crop fields need to be plowed and harvested, so regular shapes like squares or rectangles make it easier for machines to work. On the other hand, fields for animals to graze can be more irregular.
Geography, or the land’s shape and features, also affects farm shapes. On steep hills, farmers create flat steps called terraces to grow crops, which look like ridges. On gentler slopes, farmers plant along the land’s natural curves to prevent soil from washing away, creating stripe patterns.
Water is another important factor. In dry areas, farmers use special systems to water their crops, leading to circular fields. In places with lots of water, farms are often long and narrow, stretching along rivers. These are called “ribbon farms,” and they help farmers get water easily. In these areas, homes are often close together, which helps build a strong community.
There are so many factors that influence farm shapes, including history, technology, climate, and culture. Next time you’re flying or exploring maps online, take a moment to notice the shapes of the farms below. They can tell you a lot about the area, and they’re really interesting to look at!
This exploration of farm shapes was brought to you by Gates Ventures. Thanks, Bill!
Imagine you’re flying over different countries. Use a world map to identify and draw the shapes of farms in various regions like Japan, the UK, and Bolivia. Compare your drawings with your classmates and discuss why these shapes might be different.
Think about the different shapes of farms and their purposes. Create a matching game where you pair farm shapes with their functions, such as circular fields for irrigation or terraces for steep hills. Share your game with a friend and see who can match them the fastest!
Using what you’ve learned, design your own farm! Decide on the shape based on the type of farming you want to do and the geography of your imaginary land. Draw your farm and explain your choices to the class.
Go on a virtual scavenger hunt using online maps. Find examples of different farm shapes around the world. Take screenshots or draw them, and create a collage to present to your classmates.
Write a short story about a farmer who has to decide the best shape for their farm. Include challenges they face and how they overcome them. Share your story with the class and discuss the different solutions everyone came up with.
Airplane travel has its ups and downs, but one of the highlights for me is the view of the diverse shapes of farmland from the window. Hi, I’m Kate, and this is MinuteEarth.
One of my favorite aspects of flying is observing the unique patterns of farm fields below. For instance, in Hokkaido, the landscape resembles a patchwork quilt of nearly-perfect squares. In the UK, the farms appear as irregular puzzle pieces closely packed together. In Bolivia, some farms are shaped like slices of pie, while in Quebec, you can see long, narrow strips of farmland along the St. Lawrence River. In Wisconsin, the fields take on curvy stripes, and along South Africa’s Orange River, the landscape is dotted with small patches. In Libya, the farms are hexagonal, and in southern China, they resemble the tiny ridges found on fingerprints. This is just a glimpse of the variety of shapes out there.
When I gaze out the plane window, I often wonder what influences the shapes of these farms. History plays a significant role; whether farmland was meticulously planned or developed organically can affect its layout. Additionally, the type of farming—whether it involves crops or livestock—also influences the shape. Crop fields typically require regular tilling and harvesting, making regular shapes more efficient for machinery. In contrast, grazing fields can take on more irregular forms.
Geography is another crucial factor in determining farm shapes. On steep slopes, farmers must create flat terraces to cultivate the land, resulting in those distinctive ridges. On gentler slopes, water runoff can lead to soil erosion, prompting farmers to plant crops along the contours of the land, which creates stripe patterns.
Water availability is also essential. In areas where water is scarce, farmers often use irrigation systems that distribute water from a central source, leading to circular fields fed by pivoting sprinklers. Even in regions with ample water, farms need direct access to it, resulting in “ribbon farms” that are long and narrow, situated alongside rivers. In such areas, homes are often close together, fostering a sense of community.
This is just a brief overview of the incredible diversity of farms around the world. Many factors—ranging from history and technology to climate and culture—interact to shape each one. So, the next time you’re on a plane or exploring on Google Earth, take a moment to notice the shapes of the farms below; they can reveal a lot about the area. Plus, they’re just plain fascinating!
This video was brought to you by Gates Ventures. Thank you, Bill!
Farms – Areas of land used to grow crops and raise animals for food and other products. – Many farms in the Midwest grow corn and soybeans.
Shapes – The form or outline of something, which can be used to describe landforms or regions. – The shapes of the continents have changed over millions of years due to tectonic activity.
Geography – The study of Earth’s landscapes, environments, and the relationships between people and their environments. – In geography class, we learned about the different climates around the world.
History – The study of past events, particularly in human affairs. – Our history lesson today was about the ancient civilizations of Egypt and Mesopotamia.
Water – A vital resource that covers most of Earth’s surface and is essential for all living organisms. – The Nile River provides water for agriculture and drinking in Egypt.
Countries – Nations with their own governments, occupying a particular territory. – There are 195 countries in the world today, each with its own unique culture and history.
Crops – Plants grown by farmers for food, clothing, or other uses. – Wheat and rice are two of the most important crops grown around the world.
Patterns – Repeated designs or sequences, which can be seen in natural formations or human activities. – The patterns of trade routes in ancient times helped spread goods and ideas across continents.
Community – A group of people living in the same place or having a particular characteristic in common. – The community worked together to build a new school in the village.
Climate – The typical weather conditions in a particular area over a long period. – The climate in the Sahara Desert is hot and dry, with very little rainfall.
