By Andi Anderson
The Iowa Agriculture Literacy Foundation (IALF) has awarded 119 grants to schools across Iowa to enhance agricultural education.
The Agriculture in the Classroom (AITC) Teacher Supplement Grants provide teachers with up to $200 to initiate or expand projects that integrate agriculture into classroom lessons and after-school programs.
These grants enable teachers to create innovative experiences, such as field trips, guest speaker sessions, and hands-on activities, to inspire students and reinforce core subjects like science, math, and social studies. Projects range from robotics in farming and renewable energy to crop lifecycles and dairy production.
One such grant recipient, Ashley Langel from Gehlen Catholic in LeMars, Iowa, plans to use the funding for a mini-greenhouse. Her students will test soil and water nutrients, measure plant growth, and grow food for their cafeteria while learning about plant biology and reproduction.
Kelly Foss, IALF Executive Director, praised the variety of projects, stating, “These grants empower teachers to inspire students, helping them understand agriculture's importance and their role in its future.”
The funding, supported by organizations like the Iowa Farm Bureau Federation (IFBF), allows schools to connect students with practical agriculture experiences. At Union Middle and High School in La Porte City, students will visit Hansen’s Dairy to learn about milk production, animal husbandry, and the farm-to-table process.
They will return to the classroom to engage in activities like making cheese and butter while exploring dairy’s nutritional benefits.
Ronnette Vondrak, IFBF’s Community Relations Manager, emphasized the importance of agricultural literacy, highlighting its role in fostering appreciation for agriculture’s impact locally and globally.
Through these grants, Iowa students gain hands-on experiences, fostering a deeper understanding of agriculture and its significance in daily life.
Photo Credit: gettyimages-poike
Categories: Iowa, Education