Minnesota Corn Growers Association
As fewer Minnesotans have a connection to the farm, Minnesota Ag in the Classroom’s (MAITC) mission to improve ag literacy in our schools is as important as ever. In addition to providing curriculum materials, one of its best tools for success is the opportunity to bring teachers on tours where they can see the state’s ag sector up close.
Each summer, MAITC Executive Director Ann Marie Ward would work with her team of regional specialists to bring teachers to a farm for a multi-day tour in agriculture covering a variety of experiences. Teachers would then translate what they learned to their K-12 students. Since beginning in 2014, the popularity of each tour grew, with waiting lists becoming the norm.
With the arrival of the COVID-19 pandemic, Ward and MAITC regional specialists focused on how they can bring the immersive in-person tour experience to the virtual world. The MAITC team found that not only could they carry over many of the aspects adored by the teachers, but also introduce parts of agriculture they might not be able to see in person.
“With biosecurity or safety concerns associated with an in-person tour removed, now we have more of an opportunity to show the diversity in our ag sector,” Ward said.
The 2020 Summer Teacher Tour includes four-stops. The first, held on June 23, brings teachers into the world of “Farm to Fork”, showing the farms that work with local restaurants and the chefs who focus on fresh, locally grown produce. On June 30, the tour will travel to a metro school with a focus on the important role school gardens can play in ag education. On July 14—a stop that wouldn’t be possible in person due to safety concerns—educators will virtually visit a Minnesota tree farm for a look at the state’s forestry sector. The final stop will take attendees to Martin County to tour a honey farm followed by visiting a crop farm to discuss precision agriculture.
Each stop will feature a live tour, mixed in with pre-recorded footage when necessary. Teachers will receive a packet prior packed with lesson kits and resources that are applicable to each stop. And to encourage discussion, teachers will participate in a private video chat, followed by breakout meetings after the tour where teachers are grouped based on grade level to discuss how they can translate the tours into the classroom. Each participating teacher will also be added to a private Facebook group, for follow-up conversations down the road.
“We want to make sure we continue to have the great conversations, and these breakout rooms allow that to happen. Kindergarten teachers can talk about how they break down this topic for children who cant read, for example,” said MAITC Education Specialist Sue Knott. “The Facebook private group then provides a home where teachers can continue to come back and connect.”
The reception to the tour among teachers exceeded the expectations of MAITC. The initial 80-person tour sold out in less than a week, leading to MAITC increasing registrations to just over 100. For Ward, the initial reception and excitement around the tours has been a highlight and one that opens up the possibility to more virtual events.
“In addition to being able to show more of the diversity in our ag sector, I love the idea that people can engage without having to worry about taking a couple days out of their summer,” Ward said.