Minnesota Agriculture in the Classroom (MAITC) and Minnesota Corn collaborate to create AgMag, an educational magazine for elementary school students. The magazine ignites young minds and fosters a love for reading, benefiting teachers like Jill Haehn in St. Cloud. Its versatile content caters to gifted and those needing additional support.
AgMag, a dynamic resource, can be integrated across multiple grade levels, capturing students' attention and fueling curiosity about food origins. It has been successful in small group settings and as independent reading material, encouraging students to share knowledge, sparking engaging discussions, and fostering a deeper understanding of agriculture.
The appeal of AgMag lies in its intriguing collection of agricultural facts, capturing the interest of every student. Haehn emphasizes that AgMag is not only an exceptional resource but also entirely free. Each student can have their own copy, accompanied by captivating posters and other complimentary materials.
Published biannually for grades kindergarten through sixth, AgMag aligns with 62 teaching standards in Minnesota across various disciplines, including science, geography, math, and reading. A comprehensive teacher guide accompanies the magazine, offering 17 standards-based lessons suitable for students from kindergarten to 12th grade.
With less than 2% of the population directly involved in agriculture, fostering a connection to farming among students is a significant achievement. However, AgMag simplifies this task. Its visually appealing content, such as colorful maps, engages students while encouraging critical thinking about Minnesota's agricultural landscape.
MAITC has now enhanced AgMag by printing it on paper suitable for drawing and writing with pencils or crayons, further enhancing its interactive nature.
For over three decades, Minnesota Corn has been a dedicated supporter of MAITC and AgMag. The magazine's banner, displaying the motto "Agriculture: Helping you every day! reflects its commitment to educating students about the essential role agriculture plays in their lives.
AgMag provides an immersive experience that invites students to explore the world of food production and recognize the invaluable contributions of Minnesota's agriculture industry, ultimately shaping informed consumers and fostering agricultural literacy.
Photo Credit: Ag Source Magazine
Categories: Minnesota, Crops, Corn, Education