Third Graders Celebrate Earth Day at Conclusion of Ag Ed Program

This past Earth Day, third graders from Alpha Hart Lewis Elementary in Columbia, MO learned about agriculture and its impact firsthand, after completing a ten-week agriculture education program in class.

Students had the opportunity to tour University of Missouri’s Bradford Research Farm, in addition to learning about crops, pollination, honeybees, compost and farm equipment.

After enjoying a sack lunch and Tiger Stripe ice cream, students participated in a teambuilding activity, wheat races and planted watermelon seeds.

Alpha Hart Lewis is one of the many classrooms participating in a hands-on education program identifying key classroom objectives primarily in the areas of science, math, reading and writing. Students gain an understanding of today’s agriculture and farm families, through diverse learning experiences while learning about crops, livestock, soil and water conservation, nutrition and agricultural careers. Students engage in agriculture in a fun and exciting way by planting seeds, experimenting with yeast and bread making, creating corn plastic, rock ‘n’ roll ice cream and more.

“All teachers are impressed with the amount of information our third graders have retained from the ten-week program. Our educator, Amanda Smith engages the students in a way that’s informative and fun,” says Erin Caldwell, third grade teacher for Columbia Public Schools.

“It is amazing to see what the students learn over the course of ten weeks and how they relate it to everyday life,” says Columbia educator, Amanda Smith.

Ag Education on the Move is an educational effort through Missouri Farmers Care. Missouri Farmers Care is a joint effort by Missouri’s farming and agriculture community to stand together for the men and women who provide the food and jobs on which our community depends. Missouri Farmers Care implements activities to promote the continued growth of Missouri agriculture and rural communities through coordinated communication, education and advocacy.

When incorporated with science, history, writing and reading, agriculture truly can make an exciting and lasting impact on a child. From planting seeds, to baking bread, students learn through doing and it is a wonderful thing,” says Program Director, Luella Gregory.