As students return to school this Fall, Kentucky corn growers are supporting educational efforts in classrooms across the state. Since its inception, Kentucky Corn has supported the programming of Kentucky Agriculture & Environment in the Classroom (KAEC). KAEC programs help to connect students with the food they eat and the farms where it’s grown.
Kentucky teachers can choose from six programs that add to their curriculum and connect their students to Kentucky agriculture. If you know a family or teacher who might benefit from this content, please pass it along! Here’s a little bit about each:
1. Kentucky Farms Feed Me Virtual Field Trips
Through the “Kentucky Farms Feed Me” program, students in primary grades can embark on an exciting virtual journey to Kentucky Farms, with short educational videos that provide insights into all that is grown in the heart of Kentucky.
As an activity, teachers can pair these videos with standards-aligned companion activities, or go the extra mile by having students meet English Language Arts (ELA) standards through the completion of a special “passport” component of the program.
For students in secondary levels, a deep dive into the world of agriculture is available through the “My Kentucky Home Provides What I Need” curriculum. This program discusses how the availability of natural resources, climate, and land characteristics have historically influenced human settlements and the growth of civilizations and communities.
2. Kentucky Farm to School Challenge
For teachers who are incorporating any agriculture, garden, or farm-related lessons into their curriculum, the Kentucky Farm to School Challenge should be on their radar for the month of October. This exciting initiative encourages Kentucky schools and classrooms to engage in three activities—Taste, Learn, and Grow—during Farm to School Month.
Schools and classrooms that participate and complete the challenge will be entered into a drawing for farm-to-school recognition and some fantastic prizes!
3. Adopt-a-Cow Program
Move over, hamsters! What if you could adopt a 100-pound dairy calf as your classroom mascot?! While applications are closed for 2023, the Adopt-a-Cow program brings a calf right to your classroom! Best of all, you won’t need a giant pen to accommodate her. Instead, you’ll receive captivating photos and stories that bring her life on the farm directly to your students.
Adopt-a-Cow is absolutely FREE, courtesy of The Dairy Alliance and Discover Dairy.
4. There’s a Pig in My Classroom
Hosted by the Indiana State Fairgrounds & Event Center and sponsored by the LEAP Foundation and the Kentucky Pork Producers Association, “There’s a Pig in My Classroom” is a live, virtual program designed for students in grades 3-6.
Inside the curriculum, students will see the journey of pork from farm to plate. They’ll learn how pigs are raised on the farm, production terminology, and how to purchase pork in the grocery store. This program is an amazing way to teach students subjects like Life Sciences, Consumerism, and Careers.
Inside the curriculum, students will see the journey of pork from farm to plate. They’ll learn how pigs are raised on the farm, production terminology, and how to purchase pork in the grocery store. This program is an amazing way to teach students subjects like Life Sciences, Consumerism, and Careers.
Teachers can still register for Fall 2023 programming happening October 10-12 and November 14-16. Last school year, approximately 1,250 Kentucky students participated and left rave reviews!
5. Mobile Science Activity Center
Lastly, don’t miss out on the opportunity to book the fully staffed Mobile Science Activity Center for your school! This mobile trailer has interactive workstations and activities for students, including a “Biodegradable Corn Plastic” activity that we’re particularly partial to. The best part, all of the activities align with Kentucky Education Standards.
Reservations are open for late fall and into 2024!
Kentucky Corn proudly supports KAEC programming. Use the links above to share these amazing programming options with the students, parents, and teachers in your community!