Have students research the diet of the American people and how it has changed throughout history. Have students find examples of what can happen when disease and other destructive agents are introduced. Discuss resolutions for these and possible future problems. Discuss reasons for laws transporting organic materials from state to state, and country to country. Have students write a play based on an early Maryland farming family.
Students can construct a model of a colonial farm, using various types of materials.
Have students list other cash crops that were important during colonial times and give reasons for their importance. The teacher could bring in a collection of herbs for the class. Students will use their sense to identify the herbs. Discuss the uses of these herbs, i.e. - cooking, medicine, dying fabric, etc.