Middle School Agriculture Education
Nutrition, history, environmental science, economics, literature, art and math, community service – the world of agriculture is a rich and diverse field for interdisciplinary studies, especially in middle school!
Teachers of middle school students know that this high energy group can be especially motivated to investigate, build, demonstrate and display their passions for the planet and their communities. Incorporating ag and natural resources curriculum is a powerful way to engage motivated students!
MARYLAND AITC EDUCATOR WORKSHOPS
ARE YOU A ELEMENTARY OR MIDDLE SCHOOL EDUCATOR LOOKING TO INCREASE YOUR STUDENTS’ ENGAGEMENT AND EXCITEMENT ABOUT LEARNING?
Come learn how to teach your existing curriculum using agriculture as the context for learning. Our goal is to introduce you to Maryland agriculture and show you how easy it is to infuse agriculture into your existing classroom curriculum…even if you know nothing about it! Utilizing standards aligned, hands-on, agriculture-based lessons to coordinate with on-the-farm experiences, these trainings not only allow educators to personally experience learning through agriculture but provide the resources necessary for them to take it directly back into their elementary and middle school classrooms or for use in their non-formal settings with elementary and middle school aged youth!
TRAINING INCLUDE:
- MSDE CPD credits (approval currently pending)
- An experiential-learning based model of delivery
- On-the-farm experiences
- Standards aligned lesson plans
- Agriculturally accurate trade books for your classroom library
- Kits, resources, and tools to teach the lessons
For more information and to register visit the MAEF LET’s GRO Educator Workshop page!
Middle School Teacher Resources
Teachers of middle school students know that this high energy group can be especially motivated to investigate, build, demonstrate and display their passions for the planet and their communities. Incorporating ag and natural resources curriculum is a powerful way to engage motivated students!
Delmarva Chicken Association Resources
MAEF Lessons:
Creating the perfect chicken sandwich is much more than layering ingredients on a bun. It begins on a farm and ends on your plate. Let’s dive deeper into making a perfect chicken sandwich with an exploration of the careers involved in this important process.
Natural Resource Education Links
Want to learn more about natural resource education in Maryland? There are many organizations that provide curriculum training, field trip opportunities, and lesson plans for middle school students.
The Maryland Association for Environmental and Outdoor Education (MAEOE)
MAEOE is a partnering organization that promotes sustainable practices in schools throughout Maryland. MAEOE runs and organizes that Maryland Green Schools Program. Through this program, schools go through an application process to make their school more environmentally friendly. This organization has fantastic resources on its website that educate about the importance of sustainability in Maryland!
Department of Natural Resources: Project Wild!
This set of curricula educates PreK-12 students about natural resources and environmental education. Each curriculum is aligned with many curricular standards to meet the needs of your classroom. DNR hold training sessions for Maryland teachers at little to no cost to the the teacher. To find out more about these opportunities, please visit the following link:
Project Learning Tree
Project Learning Tree is a program that educates K-12 students about tree diversity, conservation, and career opportunities in environmental science and biology. Periodic training is offered to teachers on a yearly basis. For more information about the program, training dates, and curricular resources, please visit the link below.
Leopold Education Project
This nationally acclaimed professional development workshop introduces students and teachers to the work, life and legacy of Aldo Leopold, Father of Conservation Agriculture and the Land Ethic. This one-day workshop is based upon Leopold’s most well-known book, A Sand County Almanac, that all participants receive, along with a curriculum guide and supplementary materials. Through literature, observation and engagement with the working landscape, and the history of conservation policy and practice, the LEP provides teachers with ideas for conservation, sustainability and stewardship education. In addition, MAEF provides consultation in how to adapt the curriculum to particular needs and audiences, K-12. Perfect for designing Environmental Literacy experiences on campus or off!
Careers in Agriculture
MAEF strives to provide resources that allow for the exploration of careers in agriculture and can connect you with the professionals who are currently employed in those careers. If you have specific questions or would like to be put in contact with an agricultural professional, please reach out to Victoria Stone at vstone@maefonline.com.
Looking for Career-Focused Lessons?
Check out the list of websites below for some curricular resources and projects to implement career awareness in your classrooms!
MAEF Lessons:
Creating the perfect chicken sandwich is much more than layering ingredients on a bun. It begins on a farm and ends on your plate. Let’s dive deeper into making a perfect chicken sandwich with an exploration of the careers involved in this important process.
Interested in a career?
Download our Career Brochure here or contact us about receiving a bundle for your office or classroom: Careers Brochure