FARMSCOOL WEEK
Extension Education
Linda Mcclanahan
County Agent for Agriculture & Natural Resources
UNIVERSITY OF KENTUCKY
HARRODSBURG
Abstract
\r\n Local agriculture groups have identified agricultural awareness as an important issue. With less than 2% of the US population being involved in production agriculture it is important for the agricultural industry to share its story. It was only fitting to try to reach this objective by targeting elementary school students. Objectives for FarmsCool Week, held May 10-14, 2010, were to teach students where their food comes from, how much we depend on farmers every day, ways farmers are caretakers of livestock and stewards of the environment, and to give them an opportunity to have a hands-on learning experience with farm animals. This week was designed similar to other weeks that are celebrated in school such as Red Ribbon Week. Each day of the week had a different theme for the students to participate in. For example, Monday was Grow Green Monday so students wore green to show their support for farmers who take care of the environment while growing our food. In addition, curriculum and educational materials were given to teachers at each grade level to supplement and reinforce the theme for the day. One day of the week students got to enjoy Farmin’ on the Playground, a hands-on learning venture where students rotated between ten stations that featured farm animals, tractors, crops and farm by-products. Over 1300 elementary school students participated in FarmsCool Week and were presented with numerous opportunities to learn more about farming, their food and farm by-products that they use every day.
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Poster has NOT been presented at any previous NACAA AM/PIC
This poster is being submitted for judging. It will be displayed at the AM/PIC if not selected as a State winner. The abstract will be published in the proceedings.
Click to view Poster
Authors: L.K. McClanahan
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McClanahan, L. Mercer County Extension Agent for Agriculture & Natural Resources, University of Kentucky Cooperative Extension Service, Kentucky, 40330