Great question. Here are a couple of things you could do that are both student orientated and beneficial, not just busy work.

*Design a Fact Sheet on whatever the current material you are covering. Follow the link below for further details. The fact sheet could be computer generated or hand design. I have also attached a sample and an example assignment sheet. Time frame anywhere form 45-80 minutes.

http://www.isd743.k12.mn.us/AgHandbook/EllenAgtivities/FactSheets.htm

*Have each student create a crossword on the material you are currently covering. I usually require that the crossword be created by the student not the computer. This ensures that the student will actually have to problem solve and analyze their puzzle. Then have them switch with another student in class, and put both names on it and turn it in. 30-45 minutes to create the crossword if you require 20 words.

*Mind Map AKA Concept Map on a current unit or new material. In the center designate the main concept. Off of the main concept sub topics and then facts related to the sub topics. I make the students draw pictures to represent at least half of the facts. I also require that the students use only colored pencils. Require so many facts. Time frame 40-50 minutes. I have attached a sample, it is a little cut off but you can get the idea.

*Read a chapter/handout/article and type an outline of the chapter.

Also check out the following website for over 400 lesson ideas that are easy to use and organized by topic.

http://www.isd743.k12.mn.us/AgTableofContents.htm

I am excited to hear what others have for ideas too. Ag teachers are gone so much we always need an arsenal of lessons for being gone.