|
|
Do our kids know about agriculture?
Colorado Do our kids know about agriculture? That may sound like an odd question to you. Unfortunately, to many it is a sad statement on the times. And it doesn't affect only inner city youth. Many rural community children have not learned the importance of agriculture in our society. It is important society takes the time to teach today's youth about agriculture. They need to have an understanding of where their food, clothes, medicines, and more originate. Furthermore, agriculture is based on the core fundamentals of science--another area in which many of our youth could use a little educational bolstering. Many Colorado State University Extension field staff are quite concerned with the current knowledge base Colorado youth have regarding agriculture. As a result, a large group of staff are working to develop AgFest 2010. The concept is to host an educational event schools may send their fifth and sixth grade students to for a day. Students will rotate through a series of interactive stations that will teach segments of agriculture. Each station will incorporate science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) to ensure students are able to see agriculture's importance in everyday living. We will invite fifth and sixth grade classes from over 75 schools in Eastern Colorado to AgFest 2010. Three separate day sessions will be held during the week of April 19 with hopes each invited school may travel to one of the AgFest programs. It is our hope that by holding these events in Brush, Seibert, and Lamar that all of our Eastern Colorado schools will feel the travel to their closest AgFest location is warranted. We pose a few questions for parents, teachers, community leaders, and those involved in agriculture. Do you think many of our kids understand agriculture in your community? Do kids know where their food, clothes, and medicines come from? Does STEM have enough emphasis and practical application in school curriculums? If you answered no to any of these questions, we challenge you to step up and join us today. Ag businesses across Eastern Colorado have already committed to help sponsor this unique hands-on educational experience. What we need from parents, community leaders, and teachers is for you to visit with your school boards. Explain to them the importance of agriculture, STEM, and this program. Encourage your schools to fund a day's travel so your kids may be a part of this valuable educational experience. Also, we want to be sure to include home schooled children at the fifth and sixth grade learning levels. So, if you are home schooling age-appropriate children, let us know and we will provide you more information. If you have questions or want more information on AgFest 2010, many of the Extension offices in Eastern Colorado have an involved representative. Mick Livingston is the point person for the project and can be reached in the Kit Cason County Extension office at 719-346-5571.
Copyright/Privacy
Copyright 1995-2012. High Plains Publishers, Inc. All rights reserved. Any republishing of these pages, including electronic reproduction of the editorial archives or classified advertising, is strictly prohibited. If you have questions or comments you can reach us at High Plains Journal 1500 E. Wyatt Earp Blvd., P.O. Box 760, Dodge City, KS 67801 or call 1-800-452-7171. Email: webmaster@hpj.com |
|
