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)
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π 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.
π€ Comprehension Questions:
The two companies are Full Circle Biotechnology and Cogastro.
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.
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.
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.
Full Circle is working with an AI expert named Simon Christofides to develop their AI system.
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.
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.
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.
π§βοΈ Listen and Fill in the Gaps:
There are two companies, Full Circle Biotechnology and Cogastro, that are using artificial intelligence (AI) to make insect more . Full Circle raises black soldier fly larvae to make animal feed for shrimp and pig . 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 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 and are both using AI to 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 on developing a solid software foundation before implementing AI. They want to make sure that their AI system is based on data and customer . Full Circle is 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 touch, like the breeding process. Understanding how the flies behave and with each other is important for successful breeding. In conclusion, Full Circle Biotechnology and Cogastro are AI to make insect farming better and . They face challenges like the cost of soybean feed, but AI has the to change the industry by analyzing lots of data and giving us insights that humans can't find on their own.
π¬ Discussion Questions:
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
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