George Washington Carver

High school (ages 12+)
History & Culture

Name:

Date:

Step 1 · Read the article

Open the article and read it at the level above. Then answer the questions below in your own words.

https://smallwhale.org/articles/george-washington-carver

Write what each word means, using the article.

Do not copy the article. Write two things you learned, the way you would explain them to a friend.

Answers below are taken from the article’s stored facts, so they match what the student read.

1. When was George Washington Carver born?Circa 1864
2. Where was George Washington Carver born?Diamond Grove, Missouri, USA
3. What was George Washington Carver known for?He was a scientist who helped farmers grow different crops and made many useful products from peanuts.
4. Why did Carver want farmers to grow more than just cotton?Cotton use left the soil weak and caused poverty, so Carver promoted crops like peanuts, soybeans, and sweet potatoes to keep the soil healthy.

Monoculture: The agricultural practice of growing a single crop year after year on the same land.
Crop diversification: The practice of growing a variety of different crops on the same farm to improve soil health and reduce risks.
Soil depletion: The loss of essential nutrients and organic matter from soil, reducing its fertility and ability to support plant life.
Sustainable agriculture: Farming methods that preserve environmental quality, conserve natural resources, and promote economic viability and social equity.