New York Agriculture in the Classroom
The Empire Educator
A newsletter for New York's educators interested and committed to teaching through agriculture
             
November 2014
News
Teacher of the Year - Accepting Applications
Christine Bow, 2014 NYAITC Teacher of the Year
Each year, NYAITC recognizes an outstanding educator who uses agricultural education materials or activities in their classroom. For their excellence in teaching about and utilizing agriculture in their classrooms, the NYAITC teacher of the year will have the opportunity to attend the NAITC conference in Louisville, Kentucky with all expenses paid from June 15-19, 2015. They will also receive a free Food, Land, and People curriculum and have the opportunity to submit an application for the USDA National Excellence in Teaching Award.
Applications are due November 21, 2014. Visit our website for more information.
Kids Growing Food Mini Grants
kidsgrowingfood
School gardens are a terrific opportunity to get students involved in food gardening at school. They open up opportunities for education about and appreciation of agriculture, nutrition, and the food system.

NYAITC offers mini-grants for up to $500 to schools to establish or maintain food gardens. Funds can be used for a variety of materials. Find more information and the application here.
Applications are due December  12, 2014.
Christmas Tree Curriculum
'Tis the season to check out the Discover Christmas Trees curriculum. It includes dynamic lesson plans and activities that span all subject areas, and are aligned to NYS and Common Core Learning Standards. Find more information and the free curriculum on our website. Courtesy of the New York State Christmas Tree Farmers Association. 
Educator Resources
Ideas and Inspiration
Excellence in Agricultural Science Education Award
Dupont Pioneer in accordance with the National Science Teachers Association are offering a grant to a teacher who successfully incorporates agricultural science activities in their classroom. Grants are awarded up to $5,000! Any 
K-12 teacher is welcome to apply. The deadline for applications is November 30, 2014. Find more information here.
USDA Grants and Loans
The USDA offers grants and loans for schools, farms, and other groups or individuals that link agriculture and youth through various routes. Visit this page to discover more about what the USDA offers and how you can be involved.
Books
Johnny Appleseed
By Reeve Lindbergh
This book follows the story of John Chapman as he traveled the frontier of the United States spreading apple seeds. His distribution of these seeds made him a legend. Find the book and more information here.
Migration
By Robin Nelson
Read this book with your students to discover which animals migrate and why animal migrate. With great pictures and simple information, this book will be interesting and educational. Find more information here.
Leaf Man
By Lois Ehlert
This evocative and beautiful story follows the leaf that falls through the wind through the countryside. The illustrations and scenery make this book a must-read. Find more information here.
Animals in Winter  
By Henrietta Bancroft and Richard G. Van Gelder
Discover how different animals cope with the cold winter weather. This book covers different animal species and how they survive different ways during the cold winter months. Find more information here.
Web Resources
Mapping United States Agriculture
Use this resource from the USDA in your classroom to visualize United States agriculture on a map. These Ag Census maps allow for interaction and education in exploration of agriculture or other topics. Find the map resource here.
Urban Beekeeping
Learn about New York City Beekeeping in this interesting article. Did you know there are over ninety beekeepers in New York City? Check out more here!
Upcoming Events
New York Farm Bureau Scholarship Applications
Due November 15, 2014
  • For high school students pursuing agriculture post-graduation.
  • Learn more here
Teacher of the Year Applications
Due November 21, 2014
  • For exceptional educators who successfully utilize agriculture as a context of education
  • Learn more here
Dupont Pioneer Education Award Application
Due November 30, 2014

  • For teachers who use agriculture in their classrooms
  • Applications and more information here
Kids Growing Food Mini-Grant Applications
Due December 12, 2014
  • Apply for grants to start or continue a food garden
  • More information here
North Country Junior Iron Chef Competition
March 14, 2015 *Save the Date*
  • Team registration opens November 3, 2014
  • Learn more here
Featured News

Teacher of the Year Applications

Kid Growing Food Mini-Grants

Christmas Tree Curriculum
This Month in Ag

Native American Heritage Month

Peanut Butter Lover's Month

Thanksgiving--November 27
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Did You Know?
Fall is the peak time of migration for many bird species. Some birds travel 11,000 miles for their annual migration!

NY Agriculture in the Classroom | 607-255-9253 | nyaitc@cornell.edu | http://www.agclassroom.org/ny
29A Plant Science
Cornell University
Ithaca, NY 14853