Minnesota Agriculture in the Classroom News

September 2014

Research sciencetist shows how to score roots on corn plants

DuPont Pioneer research scientist Paul Gaspar explains how to score root development on corn plants as part of the MAITC Summer Teacher Tour.

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MAITC Summer Teacher Tour was a Success!

Thirty, K-12 teachers were able to gain first-hand experience and knowledge about agriculture as participants in Minnesota Agriculture in the Classroom's (MAITC) first Summer Teacher Tour. These educators were able to observe the research, technology and labor involved in the agriculture cycle by touring Forest-Lawn Dairy Farm, LeSueur Cheese Company, DuPont Pioneer Research Center, J & B Distribution Center and Sovereign Estates Vineyard and Winery. We can't wait to offer another Summer Teacher Tour in 2015!

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In This Issue

Teacher Feature

Ms. Lori Hodge

2nd grade teacher at Riverside Elementary in Brainerd, MN

Ms. Hodge was the 2014 Minnesota Excellence in Teaching about Agriculture Award winner! She represented Minnesota at the National Agriculture in the Classroom Conference in Hershey, PA June 23-27, 2014.

How are you helping students gain appreciation and understanding of agriculture and its impact on their daily lives?

I am advancing agricultural literacy in my classroom first and foremost by having an agricultural focus in every subject. Agriculture is not an additional topic, but a focus that I build into all core subjects.

Apply for Excellence in Teaching about Agriculture Awards

Travel Opportunities and Cash Prizes!

The MAITC Foundation is excited to recognize a Minnesota teacher for the Excellence in Teaching about Agriculture Award. The winner of this award receives $500 and a trip to the National Ag in the Classroom Conference in Louisville, KY! Applications are due December 5th, 2014.

An additional opportunity to win a free trip to the National Ag in the Classroom Conference is available through the American Farm Bureau Foundation's White-Reinhardt Scholarship. Applications are due October 15th, 2014.

New MAITC Resources for the 2014-2015 school year!

Updated Food for Thought Lessons/Maps and the AgMag!

MAITC is working with a talented team of geography teachers to expand and update the lesson and maps that are included in the Food for Thought curricular piece. This FREE resource will be available in October with a workshop scheduled for GEOFEST.

2014-2015 marks the 29th year that the AgMag has been available FREE to Minnesota Teachers! Visit the MAITC website to find out more details about the AgMag magazine series, as well as the AgMag Jr.

Fantastic Resources

MAITC Ag Literacy Grants

The MAITC Foundation proudly awards grants ($400 max.) to assist educators in bringing agricultural literacy to life in their classroom and curricula. Applications are due January 10th, 2015.

Children's Literature - The Beeman
The Beeman by Laurie Krebs introduces young readers to bees, beekeepers and the pollination process that play an important role in food production.

Nutrients for Life Foundation Website

The Nutrients for Life Foundation provides free curricula f

or elementary, middle and high school classrooms. STEM lessons and activities show how the challenge to feed our growing population can be solved with science.

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