01. Intro

Future-Proof Your Food

The food network is an intricate web where any shock from logistics issues or climatic events can cause ripples in the whole system. The USDA Food Shock Playbook is a project-based course where the learners become champions of the food supply chain by becoming competent in areas such as using SCADA technology, exploring career ecosystems and experimenting with economic changes in the global market.

02. Program Outline

The Playbook Structure

Everything you need to learn about the food supply chain is split into four essential modules.

I · About the Exercise

A thorough walkthrough of STEM-based projects grounded in the realities of modern agriculture.

II · Testimonials & Case Studies

Field reflections from educators and students who have piloted the playbook in their classrooms.

III · Teacher’s Resources

Slide decks, rubrics, and logistical guides to implement the program confidently.

IV · Authors

The agricultural economists, engineers, and educators behind the curriculum.

03. Competency Projects

3 Hands-On Activities: The Learning Objectives

Earn your certificate by excelling at these competency-based projects.

ACTIVITY 01

Grow Main Street: Farm to Fridge

THE GOAL

Learning STEM and SCADA Data.

THE SITUATION

We'll concentrate on dairy products like milk and eggs. Temperature changes lead to spoilage and food insecurity.

THE TECHNOLOGY

Using SCADA systems, students monitor goods remotely and detect disruptions in real-time.

ACTIVITY 02

(Student to Business): The Virtual Fair

THE GOAL

Discovering Your Local Career Network.

THE PROCESS

Students log into the S2B app and explore local supply chain businesses, careers, and pathways

THE REFLECTION

Students complete a video-based mock interview reflecting on their learning.

ACTIVITY 03

Split Collective Health Simulator

THE GOAL

Agricultural Economics and Personal Nutrition Security.

ANALYSIS

Students track their food intake over 30 days using AI-based extraction.

SIMULATION

Simulating food shock by making raw ingredients inaccessible

OUTCOME

Students adapt using economic decision-making to maintain nutrition.

04. Certification

Earn the Certificate

This is not merely an exercise of lessons, but a demonstration of proficiency. By completing these project-based exercises, students prove their readiness for real-world agricultural and economic challenges.

05. Field Evidence

Testimonials & Case Studies

Feedback from schools and students leading food security innovation.

The “Tech to Table” Success Story

NORTHVIEW HIGH SCHOOL · STEM PROGRAM

“Our students began to see agriculture as data science and coding. They simulated a SCADA alert that saved a virtual egg delivery. This is STEM with real-world impact.”

— Sarah Jenkins, Lead CTE Instructor

This program demonstrated how interdisciplinary learning can connect agriculture, engineering, and data science. Students gained real-world exposure by simulating supply chain disruptions and solving them through technology-driven approaches.

Connecting Community Youth to Job Opportunities

MIDWEST REGIONAL CAREER CENTER

“Students discovered real supply chain careers in their own community. Several pursued internships. This is education that leads to income.”

— Marcus Thorne, Vocational Coordinator

This program demonstrated how interdisciplinary learning can connect agriculture, engineering, and data science. Students gained real-world exposure by simulating supply chain disruptions and solving them through technology-driven approaches.

06. Implementation

Teacher’s Resources

All components necessary to implement the playbook in your classroom.

Lesson 1 Kit

Sensory Intro Slide Deck
SCADA Quick-Start Guide

Support for Activities

Virtual Fair Logistics (S2B login)
30-Day Photo Challenge Rubric

Curriculum Integration

Ag-Economics 101
Video Reflection Prompt

07.Authors

About the Author

The USDA K-12 Food Shock Playbook is developed by a collaboration of agricultural economists, engineers, and educators.