The Dirt on Factory Farms
Provided by: ACE|Published on: November 26, 2022|Last updated: September 26, 2026
Grades: 8, 9, 10, 11, 12
Type: Videos
Subjects: Chemistry, Biology, Health
Authors: ACE
Location: North America, North America > United States
This resource has been reviewed by SubjectToClimate's climate scientists and verified for scientific accuracy and up-to-date information. Learn about our review process →
This resource has been reviewed by SubjectToClimate's climate scientists and verified for scientific accuracy and up-to-date information. Learn about our review process →
Synopsis
- This short, animated video introduces students to the environmental, health, and moral implications of farming animals in a factory-like manner.
Teaching Materials
Positives
- This is a fun way to teach students about the reality of where their animal products come from.
- Students are also encouraged to take action by signing a petition to call for climate action by the livestock industry and the downsizing of factory farming.
Additional Prerequisites
- Students should have a general understanding of the contribution of the animal farming industry to climate change.
- The video advocates for an end to factory farming without reducing meat consumption. Students should be made aware that the latter is critical to addressing the environmental impacts of the meat industry.
Differentiation
- Have students consider the environmental and health impacts of ending factory farming if meat consumption is not reduced.
- This video can also be used in health and environmental science classes during lessons about the health impacts of living near industrial sites, and in social studies classes during lessons about environmental justice and environmental racism.
- Use this video to learn more about the environmental impacts of meat production and this report to learn about the potential of plant-rich diets in solving climate change.
This video discusses concentrated animal feeding operations (CAFO) which are also known as factory farms, and how they and the meat industry impact the Earth’s climate. The welfare of the animals, workers, and communities who live near these farms are also discussed. The video does recognize that eating meat is a part of many cultures and does not try to guilt the individual, but it does encourage individuals to act to improve the conditions of the industry. A link to a petition is included. This resource is recommended for teaching.
Teaching Tips
Standards
Resource Type and Format
Scientist Reviewed
This resource has been reviewed by SubjectToClimate's climate scientists and verified for scientific accuracy and up-to-date information. Our review process ensures that every resource in our library reflects the current state of climate science.
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