By Scout Nelson
Minnesota educators will have new opportunities this summer to explore agriculture and bring real-world learning experiences into their classrooms. Minnesota Agriculture in the Classroom offers two professional development programs designed to help K-12 teachers connect students with agriculture, food systems, and the natural environment.
One of the major events is the Growing Minds Conference scheduled for July 27-28 at St. Paul College in St. Paul, Minnesota. The conference is being hosted jointly by Minnesota Agriculture in the Classroom and Wisconsin Agriculture in the Classroom. It will provide educators with hands-on activities, practical teaching strategies, and opportunities to work with other teachers.
The conference will focus on showing teachers how agriculture can relate to subjects such as science, language arts, social studies, health, and nutrition. Organizers hope the event will help teachers create more engaging lessons for students using real-life agricultural examples.
Another summer opportunity is the Summer Teacher Tour is planned for July 15 in Little Falls, Minnesota. During the one-day program, educators will visit agricultural businesses and food system locations to better understand how food moves from farms to schools and communities.
Participants will experience interactive learning activities and receive eight continuing education units. The tour will also allow teachers to meet other educators and share classroom ideas connected to agriculture and food education..
“Attendees of either the Growing Minds Conference or the Summer Teacher Tour will meet the people behind the food we eat, ask questions, and experience agriculture firsthand,” said Sue Knott, Education Specialist for MAITC. “These experiences give educators something real to bring back to their classrooms, helping students better understand where their food comes from and how agriculture connects to their everyday lives.”
The Growing Minds Conference is open to teachers from Minnesota, Wisconsin, and nearby states. Registration includes meals and educational tours. The Summer Teacher Tour is open to all K-12 educators, including those with little or no agricultural experience.
Both programs aim to increase agricultural literacy while helping teachers bring fresh ideas and practical classroom resources to students across Minnesota.
Photo Credit: gettyimages-lisegagne
Categories: Minnesota, Education, General