Ag in the Classroom programs help teachers and students develop an understanding and appreciation of Florida’s multifaceted agricultural system and its relationship to our economy, environment, health, and quality of life. Presentations are typically in-class field trips and run for one hour. There are several different age-appropriate presentations. Below are a few examples:
The Magic of Butterflies – Students are introduced to the concepts of life cycles and the necessary components of a habitat. Live examples and hands-on activities are involved. This program is suitable for pre-kindergarten through 8th grade.
Exploring Classroom Hydroponics – Students learn about alternative farming by constructing a simple hydroponic setup. Concepts related to basic plant parts and needs, nutrition, food production, recycling, agricultural technology, and other areas come to life in these soilless growing environments. This program is suitable for 5th grade through 10th grade.
The Plant and Me – People and plants have the same basic needs for survival. During this program students will compare the similarities using plant models as well as live plants. Students will plant seeds to grow in the classroom. This program is suitable for pre-kindergarten through 1st grade.
Loco for Cocoa – Students will discover how chocolate and the Rain Forest are connected. Through hands-on activities students will learn about the origin of chocolate and the process of manufacturing chocolate today. Students are also able to sample chocolate. This program is suitable for 4th grade through 7th grade.
Ag in the Classroom Workshop for Teachers – One of the primary goals of Florida Ag in the Classroom, Inc. is to develop classroom industrial materials integrating state standards and agricultural concepts. Through professional development workshops, teachers can receive hands-on training in innovative ways to use the curricula materials with students. Workshops typically last six hours, and teachers receive a complete copy of the curricula materials.
