TEACHING WITH AGRIFUTURES EDUCATION RESOURCES
AgriFutures Australia is one of 15 Research and Development Corporations (RDCs) that service the Research, Development and Extension (RD&E) needs of Australian rural industries. They represent the research needs for 13 thriving rural industries (chicken meat, rice, honey bee and pollination, ginger, tea tree oil, pasture seeds, export fodder, thoroughbred horses, kangaroo, buffalo, deer, goat fibre and ratite), delivering research and innovation that aims to give our farmers and producers real returns, as well as prepare them to thrive into the future.
PIEFA and AgriFutures have developed curriculum-aligned resources to bring Australian agriculture industries into classrooms.
Explore teaching and learning resources for primary and secondary students, including:
- Curriculum-aligned lesson plans
- Teacher guides with ready-to-use worksheets and posters
- Interactive student activities
- Real-world examples from industry
PRIMARY RESOURCES
Honey Bees: Survival, Sustainability and Science in Action Years 5–6
This three-lesson resource explores the importance of European honey bees in Australian environments and agricultural production. Throughout these lessons, students examine the physical features and behaviours that support honey bee survival in Australian habitats, the challenges facing honey bee populations, and how scientific research contributes to sustainable pollination systems in native and managed environments.
All About Alpacas | Years F–6
In these resources, students will explore alpacas, including their classification, relationships to other animals, and uses on farms. They’ll learn about the needs of alpacas, the seasonal tasks on a farm and engage in hands-on activities that foster discussion, problem-solving, and information organisation. The lessons also focus on the life cycle, adaptations, and the process of converting alpaca fibre into products for sale.
Thoroughbred Fact Sheets | Years F–6
In collaboration with Thoroughbred Breeders Australia, PIEFA has developed a series of curriculum-aligned fact sheets and accompanying learning tasks that explore Australia’s thoroughbred industry. For primary-aged students, the fact sheets can be used to enhance literacy learning and facilitate modelled, shared, guided or independent reading in the classroom.
Each fact sheet includes differentiated worksheets to provide students with hands-on, cross-curricular learning experiences across the Science, Mathematics, Design and Technologies, and English Learning Areas.
SECONDARY RESOURCES
Farm Case Study: Australian Chicken Meat | Years 11–12
Designed primarily for Stage 6 Preliminary Agriculture courses, this comprehensive educational resource explores Australian chicken meat production and the systems that support the industry. Adaptable for both collaborative and independent learning, the resource provides a flexible teaching tool for educators across Australia and can be integrated into curricula across different states and territories.
All About Alpacas | Years 7–10
These resources will guide students to learn about the introduction and value of alpacas in Australia. They will explore the similarities and differences between alpacas and other camelids, classify them using a dichotomous key, and investigate their digestive features and nutritional needs. Students will also compare suri and huacaya breeds and examine fleece classification. Sustainability in the alpaca industry, fibre and meat processing, animal welfare, emerging technologies, and career opportunities within the industry are also explored.
Thoroughbred Fact Sheets | Years 7–10
In collaboration with Thoroughbred Breeders Australia, PIEFA has developed a series of ten curriculum-aligned fact sheets and accompanying learning tasks for secondary students designed to explore Australia’s thoroughbred industry.
These resources integrate multimedia content, real-world case studies, and cross-curricular activities to engage students in meaningful learning. They showcase the industry’s careers, sustainability initiatives, and the role of innovation and technology, offering students practical insights into breeding/genetics, anatomy, nutrition, welfare, and performance management.
AWESOME ALPACAS | CARD GAME
By participating in a hands-on card game, students will learn to sequence the process of converting fibre from alpacas on a farm into an end product suitable for sale. Additionally, they will gain an understanding of technologies and the careers involved in the supply chain.
oTHER EDUCATIONAL PROJECTS
AgriFutures is committed to educating our future generations across the agriculture sector. We also invest in the below educational programs.
The Agribusiness Gateway to Industry
Schools Project
The Agribusiness Gateway to Industry Schools Project connects schools with industry to provide students with real-world learning experiences and career pathways in agriculture.
AgCAREERSTART
AgCAREERSTART is a unique gap-year program provides you with a paid job, training and development, not to mention the opportunity to build your networks within the agriculture industry.
PRIMEZONE ACADEMY COURSES
Explore free, interactive courses exploring food and fibre topics.
These curriculum-aligned courses cover the Australian throroughbred industry. New food and fibre topics are added regularly.
TEACHER PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT
PIEFA offers a range of free professional development opportunities to support teachers delivering food and fibre education. Access materials designed to build teacher confidence and deepen understanding of key food, fibre, and sustainability topics.
Many of the resources above have an accompanying teacher webinar to guide educators through the resources. Visit the resource links to access the webinars.