There are two companies, Full Circle Biotechnology and Cogastro, that are using artificial intelligence (AI) to make insect farming more affordable. Full Circle raises black soldier fly larvae to make animal feed for shrimp and pig farms. They use AI to figure out the best ways to produce the larvae by looking at past and present data. Cogastro, on the other hand, sells software that helps insect farms collect and analyze data. They are working on an AI upgrade that will allow the software to learn and make changes within the farm.

Full Circle and Cogastro are both using AI to improve insect farming. Full Circle wants to make their insect-based feed cheaper than soybean feed, which is currently more affordable. They believe that their feed has a much smaller carbon footprint than soybean feed. Cogastro is focused on developing a solid software foundation before implementing AI. They want to make sure that their AI system is based on enough data and customer experience.

Full Circle is working with an AI expert named Simon Christofides to develop their AI system. They want to learn more about farming black soldier fly larvae, and AI can help them analyze lots of data quickly. However, there are still some parts of insect farming that need a human touch, like the breeding process. Understanding how the flies behave and interact with each other is important for successful breeding.

In conclusion, Full Circle Biotechnology and Cogastro are using AI to make insect farming better and cheaper. They face challenges like the cost of soybean feed, but AI has the potential to change the industry by analyzing lots of data and giving us insights that humans can’t find on their own.

Original news source: The insect farmers turning to AI to help lower costs (BBC)

🎧 Listen:

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📖 Vocabulary:

Group or Classroom Activities

Warm-up Activities:

– Charades
Instructions: Divide the class into teams. Give each team a word or phrase related to the article (e.g. insect farming, artificial intelligence). One member from each team will come to the front of the class and act out the word or phrase without speaking. The team members must guess the word or phrase within a time limit. The team with the most correct guesses wins.

– News Summary
Instructions: In pairs or small groups, students will take turns summarizing the key points of the article. Each student should have a chance to summarize different parts of the article. Encourage students to use their own words and focus on the main ideas. After each summary, the other students can provide feedback and ask questions for clarification.

– Opinion Poll
Instructions: Create a list of statements related to the article (e.g. “Using AI in insect farming is a good idea,” “Soybean feed is a better option than insect-based feed”). Have students move around the classroom and discuss their opinions on each statement with different classmates. They can use the statements as conversation starters and ask follow-up questions to gather more information. After the activity, have a class discussion and ask students to share interesting opinions they heard during the poll.

– Vocabulary Pictionary
Instructions: Divide the class into teams. Give each team a set of vocabulary words related to the article (e.g. artificial intelligence, insect farming, carbon footprint). One member from each team will come to the front of the class and draw a picture representing one of the words. The team members must guess the word within a time limit. The team with the most correct guesses wins.

– Future Predictions
Instructions: In pairs or small groups, students will discuss and make predictions about the future of insect farming and AI in the industry. They should consider the challenges mentioned in the article and brainstorm possible solutions. Encourage students to think critically and support their predictions with evidence from the article. After the discussion, each group can share their predictions with the class and compare their ideas.

🤔 Comprehension Questions:

1. What are the names of the two companies using artificial intelligence in insect farming?
2. How does Full Circle Biotechnology use AI to produce black soldier fly larvae?
3. What is Cogastro’s main focus when it comes to AI in insect farming?
4. Why does Full Circle want to make their insect-based feed cheaper than soybean feed?
5. Who is Full Circle working with to develop their AI system?
6. What is one aspect of insect farming that still requires a human touch?
7. What challenges do Full Circle and Cogastro face in their use of AI in insect farming?
8. How does AI have the potential to change the insect farming industry?
Go to answers ⇩

🎧✍️ Listen and Fill in the Gaps:

There are two companies, Full Circle Biotechnology and Cogastro, that are using artificial intelligence (AI) to make insect (1)______ more (2)______. Full Circle raises black soldier fly larvae to make animal feed for shrimp and pig (3)______. They use AI to figure out the best ways to produce the larvae by looking at past and present data. Cogastro, on the other hand, sells (4)______ that helps insect farms collect and analyze data. They are working on an AI upgrade that will allow the software to learn and make changes within the farm.

Full (5)______ and (6)______ are both using AI to (7)______ insect farming. Full Circle wants to make their insect-based feed cheaper than soybean feed, which is currently more affordable. They believe that their feed has a much smaller carbon footprint than soybean feed. Cogastro is (8)______ on developing a solid software foundation before implementing AI. They want to make sure that their AI system is based on (9)______ data and customer (10)______.

Full Circle is (11)______ with an AI expert named Simon Christofides to develop their AI system. They want to learn more about farming black soldier fly larvae, and AI can help them analyze lots of data quickly. However, there are still some parts of insect farming that need a (12)______ touch, like the breeding process. Understanding how the flies behave and (13)______ with each other is important for successful breeding.

In conclusion, Full Circle Biotechnology and Cogastro are (14)______ AI to make insect farming better and (15)______. They face challenges like the cost of soybean feed, but AI has the (16)______ to change the industry by analyzing lots of data and giving us insights that humans can’t find on their own.
Go to answers ⇩

💬 Discussion Questions:

Students can ask a partner these questions, or discuss them as a group.

1. What is artificial intelligence (AI) and how is it being used in insect farming?
2. How do Full Circle and Cogastro use AI to improve insect farming?
3. Do you think it is important for insect-based feed to be cheaper than soybean feed? Why or why not?
4. How do Full Circle and Cogastro believe their use of AI can help reduce the carbon footprint in farming?
5. What challenges do Full Circle and Cogastro face in implementing AI in insect farming?
6. Why do you think Full Circle is working with an AI expert? How can AI help them in their research on black soldier fly larvae?
7. In what ways do you think AI can assist in analyzing data quickly? Why is this important in insect farming?
8. What aspects of insect farming do you think still require a human touch? Why?
9. How do you think understanding the behavior and interactions of flies can contribute to successful breeding in insect farming?
10. Do you think AI has the potential to revolutionize the insect farming industry? Why or why not?
11. How do you think AI can provide insights that humans cannot find on their own in insect farming?
12. What other industries do you think could benefit from the use of AI? Why?
13. How would you feel if AI was used in the production of the food you consume? Why?
14. Do you like the idea of using insect-based feed for animals? Why or why not?
15. What are some potential advantages and disadvantages of using AI in agriculture?

Individual Activities

📖💭 Vocabulary Meanings:

Match each word to its meaning.

Words:
1. Biotechnology
2. Artificial intelligence
3. Larvae
4. Analyze
5. Software
6. Carbon footprint
7. Foundation
8. Implementing
9. Expert
10. Interact
11. Potential
12. Insights
13. Affordable
14. Upgrade
15. Challenges

Meanings:
(A) The base or groundwork of anything
(B) The ability to develop into something in the future
(C) To communicate or work together
(D) Putting a plan or system into action
(E) Inexpensive or reasonably priced
(F) The immature form of an insect that looks different from the adult
(G) Programs and other operating information used by a computer
(H) A deep understanding of a person or thing
(I) An improvement to make something better
(J) The amount of carbon dioxide emissions for which an individual or organization is responsible
(K) The use of living systems and organisms to develop or make products
(L) A person with a high level of knowledge or skill in a particular area
(M) To examine something in detail to understand it better
(N) The simulation of human intelligence in machines
(O) Difficulties or problems that need to be dealt with
Go to answers ⇩

🔡 Multiple Choice Questions:

1. What are Full Circle Biotechnology and Cogastro using artificial intelligence (AI) for?
(a) To make insect farming more affordable
(b) To develop software for shrimp and pig farms
(c) To analyze data on soybean feed
(d) To improve the breeding process for flies

2. How does Full Circle use AI in their insect farming?
(a) To analyze data on past and present insect farms
(b) To figure out the best ways to produce black soldier fly larvae
(c) To develop software for collecting and analyzing data
(d) To make their insect-based feed more expensive than soybean feed

3. What is Cogastro focused on before implementing AI?
(a) Making their insect-based feed cheaper than soybean feed
(b) Analyzing data on black soldier fly larvae
(c) Developing a solid software foundation
(d) Breeding flies for successful insect farming

4. Why does Full Circle work with an AI expert named Simon Christofides?
(a) To make their insect-based feed more expensive than soybean feed
(b) To analyze data on past and present insect farms
(c) To develop their AI system and analyze lots of data quickly
(d) To understand how the flies behave and interact with each other

5. What is one challenge that Full Circle and Cogastro face in insect farming?
(a) The breeding process for flies
(b) The development of AI software
(c) The analysis of data on black soldier fly larvae
(d) The cost of soybean feed

6. What is Full Circle’s goal for their insect-based feed?
(a) To make it cheaper than soybean feed
(b) To develop a solid software foundation
(c) To analyze data on past and present insect farms
(d) To improve the breeding process for flies

7. What is Cogastro’s goal for their AI system?
(a) To analyze data on soybean feed
(b) To develop a solid software foundation
(c) To understand how the flies behave and interact with each other
(d) To learn and make changes within the insect farm

8. How can AI potentially change the insect farming industry?
(a) By making insect-based feed more expensive than soybean feed
(b) By analyzing lots of data and providing insights that humans can’t find on their own
(c) By developing a solid software foundation for insect farms
(d) By improving the breeding process for flies

Go to answers ⇩

🕵️ True or False Questions:

1. Full Circle is collaborating with an AI expert named Simon Christofides to develop their AI system for farming black soldier fly larvae.
2. Full Circle uses AI to analyze data and find the best ways to produce the larvae.
3. Cogastro is working on an AI upgrade for their software that will allow it to learn and make changes within the farm.
4. Full Circle believes that their feed has a larger carbon footprint than soybean feed.
5. Two companies, Full Circle Biotechnology and Cogastro, are using artificial intelligence (AI) to improve dog breeding.
6. Full Circle aims to make their insect-based feed more expensive than soybean feed, which is currently more affordable.
7. Cogastro sells hardware that helps insect farms collect and analyze data.
8. Full Circle raises black soldier fly larvae to make animal feed for shrimp and pig farms.
Go to answers ⇩

📝 Write a Summary:

Write a summary of this news article in two sentences.

Writing Questions:

Answer the following questions. Write as much as you can for each answer.

1. What are the two companies mentioned in the article and how are they using artificial intelligence (AI) in insect farming?
2. What is Full Circle Biotechnology trying to achieve with their insect-based feed?
3. What is Cogastro focused on before implementing AI in their software?
4. Who is Full Circle working with to develop their AI system and what is the purpose of using AI in their farming process?
5. What challenges do Full Circle Biotechnology and Cogastro face in the insect farming industry and how can AI help overcome these challenges?

✅ Answers

🤔✅ Comprehension Question Answers:

1. What are the names of the two companies using artificial intelligence in insect farming?
The two companies are Full Circle Biotechnology and Cogastro.

2. How does Full Circle Biotechnology use AI to produce black soldier fly larvae?
Full Circle Biotechnology uses AI to analyze past and present data in order to figure out the best ways to produce black soldier fly larvae.

3. What is Cogastro’s main focus when it comes to AI in insect farming?
Cogastro’s main focus is on developing software that helps insect farms collect and analyze data. They are also working on an AI upgrade that will allow the software to learn and make changes within the farm.

4. Why does Full Circle want to make their insect-based feed cheaper than soybean feed?
Full Circle wants to make their insect-based feed cheaper than soybean feed because they believe it has a smaller carbon footprint and can be a more sustainable option.

5. Who is Full Circle working with to develop their AI system?
Full Circle is working with an AI expert named Simon Christofides to develop their AI system.

6. What is one aspect of insect farming that still requires a human touch?
One aspect of insect farming that still requires a human touch is the breeding process. Understanding how the flies behave and interact with each other is important for successful breeding.

7. What challenges do Full Circle and Cogastro face in their use of AI in insect farming?
Full Circle and Cogastro face challenges such as the cost of soybean feed and ensuring that their AI systems are based on enough data and customer experience.

8. How does AI have the potential to change the insect farming industry?
AI has the potential to change the insect farming industry by analyzing large amounts of data quickly and providing insights that humans may not be able to find on their own. This can lead to more efficient and sustainable insect farming practices.
Go back to questions ⇧

🎧✍️✅ Listen and Fill in the Gaps Answers:

(1) farming
(2) affordable
(3) farms
(4) software
(5) Circle
(6) Cogastro
(7) improve
(8) focused
(9) enough
(10) experience
(11) working
(12) human
(13) interact
(14) using
(15) cheaper
(16) potential
Go back to questions ⇧

📖💭✅ Vocabulary Meanings Answers:

1. Biotechnology
Answer: (K) The use of living systems and organisms to develop or make products

2. Artificial intelligence
Answer: (N) The simulation of human intelligence in machines

3. Larvae
Answer: (F) The immature form of an insect that looks different from the adult

4. Analyze
Answer: (M) To examine something in detail to understand it better

5. Software
Answer: (G) Programs and other operating information used by a computer

6. Carbon footprint
Answer: (J) The amount of carbon dioxide emissions for which an individual or organization is responsible

7. Foundation
Answer: (A) The base or groundwork of anything

8. Implementing
Answer: (D) Putting a plan or system into action

9. Expert
Answer: (L) A person with a high level of knowledge or skill in a particular area

10. Interact
Answer: (C) To communicate or work together

11. Potential
Answer: (B) The ability to develop into something in the future

12. Insights
Answer: (H) A deep understanding of a person or thing

13. Affordable
Answer: (E) Inexpensive or reasonably priced

14. Upgrade
Answer: (I) An improvement to make something better

15. Challenges
Answer: (O) Difficulties or problems that need to be dealt with
Go back to questions ⇧

🔡✅ Multiple Choice Answers:

1. What are Full Circle Biotechnology and Cogastro using artificial intelligence (AI) for?
Answer: (a) To make insect farming more affordable

2. How does Full Circle use AI in their insect farming?
Answer: (b) To figure out the best ways to produce black soldier fly larvae

3. What is Cogastro focused on before implementing AI?
Answer: (c) Developing a solid software foundation

4. Why does Full Circle work with an AI expert named Simon Christofides?
Answer: (c) To develop their AI system and analyze lots of data quickly

5. What is one challenge that Full Circle and Cogastro face in insect farming?
Answer: (d) The cost of soybean feed

6. What is Full Circle’s goal for their insect-based feed?
Answer: (a) To make it cheaper than soybean feed

7. What is Cogastro’s goal for their AI system?
Answer: (d) To learn and make changes within the insect farm

8. How can AI potentially change the insect farming industry?
Answer: (b) By analyzing lots of data and providing insights that humans can’t find on their own
Go back to questions ⇧

🕵️✅ True or False Answers:

1. Full Circle is collaborating with an AI expert named Simon Christofides to develop their AI system for farming black soldier fly larvae. (Answer: True)
2. Full Circle uses AI to analyze data and find the best ways to produce the larvae. (Answer: True)
3. Cogastro is working on an AI upgrade for their software that will allow it to learn and make changes within the farm. (Answer: True)
4. Full Circle believes that their feed has a larger carbon footprint than soybean feed. (Answer: False)
5. Two companies, Full Circle Biotechnology and Cogastro, are using artificial intelligence (AI) to improve dog breeding. (Answer: False)
6. Full Circle aims to make their insect-based feed more expensive than soybean feed, which is currently more affordable. (Answer: False)
7. Cogastro sells hardware that helps insect farms collect and analyze data. (Answer: False)
8. Full Circle raises black soldier fly larvae to make animal feed for shrimp and pig farms. (Answer: True)
Go back to questions ⇧