Seed Survivor Mobile Classroom Teaches Plant Science to Students

By Andi Anderson

From February 16 to 18, 2026, a 36-foot interactive mobile classroom will visit Oskaloosa and Ottumwa elementary schools, giving local third graders a unique opportunity to learn about plant science and agriculture.

The Iowa Agriculture Literacy Foundation (IALF) hosts the Seed Survivor Mobile Classroom, a free, curriculum-based program designed to engage students through hands-on experiences.

Students will rotate through several interactive stations, including displays on growing healthy plants, multimedia and virtual reality learning games, lessons connecting agriculture to daily life, and seed planting activities.

These experiences will help students understand where their food comes from and the role agriculture plays in everyday life.

In 2026, Iowa is one of only three states selected to host the Nutrien Seed Survivor Mobile Classroom. Each year, the program reaches nearly 100,000 students across North America. This is the second year IALF has partnered with Nutrien to bring the program to Iowa schools.

Over nine weeks, February 16 to April 17, 2026, the mobile classroom will visit 45 schools in 12 counties. During the first week, students in Oskaloosa and Ottumwa will explore the program at Oskaloosa Elementary and Fahrney Elementary.

Subsequent weeks include visits to schools in Wapello, Mahaska, Marion, Jasper, Polk, Crawford, Carroll, Sac, Calhoun, Buena Vista, Clay, and O’Brien counties.

Schedule of Events (Week 1)

Monday, February 16

8:15 a.m. to 2:45 p.m.

Oskaloosa Elementary, Oskaloosa

Tuesday, February 17

8:30 a.m. to 2:50 p.m.

Fahrney Elementary, Ottumwa

Wednesday, February 18

8:30 a.m. to 2:20 p.m.

Fahrney Elementary, Ottumwa

Kelly Foss, Iowa Agriculture Literacy Executive Director, said, “Agriculture provides real-world context for science and other core subjects students are learning in the classroom. When students step inside the Seed Survivor classroom, science comes to life. They see how Iowa agriculture impacts their daily lives while building curiosity about plant science and future careers.”

The mobile classroom combines education, technology, and hands-on activities, allowing students to connect science with agriculture.

This innovative approach encourages curiosity, develops understanding of plant growth, and introduces students to potential future careers in agriculture.

Photo Credit: Seed-Survivor-Mobile-Classroom