AGRICULTURE IN THE CLASSROOM (AITC)

- is a free, educational program designed for 3rd-6th grade students in Peoria County. Rooted in science, our 30-minute lessons are IL Standards-based and offer exposure to America’s food, fiber, and fuel (energy) system.

August/September

AGRICULTURE AND TECHNOLOGY

Agriculture is an important part of our everyday lives. We want to guide students to make agricultural connections with the products they use daily. Students will discover the connection of food, fuel and fiber to the agricultural industry. Students will uncover the various individuals that play a key role in getting the products they depend on from a farm to their table. Finally, students will investigate how farmers and engineers are involved in making modern agriculture better. Students will uncover the technology behind flying a drone.

October

SOYBEANS & TECHNOLOGY

Students in Peoria County cannot travel far without seeing a soybean field; however, can they identify the row crop and all its valuable products? The students will learn about all the different by-products that soybeans create that provide us with abundant and affordable food and fuel. Students will discover how they are grown and harvested with the modern farming equipment. Students will uncover the importance of the scientific research that has been developed to assist farmers in growing a strong and resilient crop. We will dive into the invention of the modern combine and how it is used to harvest one of Illinois’ top crops. Each student will examine and identify the soybean seed and plant up close.

November

TREES

They stand like statues amongst fields of other crops, and we often forget how much we depend on these plants for so many products in our lives. Students will learn about the 250 Illinois tree farms and the products we get from trees. Students will uncover the native trees that flourish in Illinois. We will highlight evergreens and the impact of the Christmas tree industry. Students will learn more about one specific sweet and delicious product made by trees, maple syrup. Students will play a tree nutrient resource game and sample real maple syrup. FOOD ALERT

January

HORSERADISH & PEACHES

Illinois ranks #1 in horseradish production with about 1,700 acres dedicated to growing this spicy condiment. Horseradish is grown in southern Illinois along with peaches. Students will discover the diversification of the crops that can be successfully grown in our state. Students will learn about the unique characteristics of horseradish and peaches and their nutritional value. We will dive into details about how these 2 crops are grown and harvested. Students will investigate horseradish and peaches up close.

February

BEEF CATTLE

Beef is a big part of most people’s diet, from hamburgers, steaks, meatballs and more. But where does that meat come from? The students will learn all about the beef industry, where these animals are raised and how they are taken care of right here in Peoria County. Students will discover the important and fascinating digestive system of this ruminant animal through a hands-on rumination navigation activity.

March

HYDROPONICS

Soil is not needed for growing a bountiful crop. In this lesson students will learn the history of hydroponics and the research agronomist are conducting to improve the process. They will identify 3 key nutrients that plants need and exactly how the plants use those nutrients to grow. Students will investigate the importance of nutrients for plant growth by growing and observing plants in a 2-liter bottle hydroponic system.

April

ILLINOIS BERRIES

Strawberries, Raspberries, Black Raspberries, Blackberries and Gooseberries can be found growing wild in Illinois. The summer months are prime time to harvest all these wonderful and colorful berries that flourish in our great state. These berries are nutritious and a perfect way to add color to your plate. Students will learn about the various types of berries grown in Illinois and their nutritional value. Students will discover the research behind developing efficient packaging to get their favorite foods to the farmers markets or grocery stores.

For more information, please contact Jennifer Glover, Ag Literacy Coordinator, at agcoordinator.peoriacounty@gmail.com.

A few of our AITC students had questions about all the pumpkins that are grown right here in Central Illinois. We would like to thank the Princeville FFA officers for answering their questions.