Companion Resources

This activity details the instructions for making ice cream in a resealable plastic bag.

Growing microgreens is a quick, easy, and tasty way to explore the seed germination and plant growth life cycle. There are MANY different kinds of microgreens—some taste mild and juicy, others pack a spicy punch! Try growing a variety of microgreens to observe and eat.

Ag Challenge Task Cards can be used during soft/STEM start times, as a brain break, or as a fast finisher activity. Students simply read the cards and draw, build, or discuss the solution to an agricultural industry problem. This resource was developed by 2022 Excellence in Teaching About Agriculture Award winner, Meaghan Porritt.

Tailored to inspire curiosity, engage young minds, and foster a genuine connection to where our food come from, these farm to school resources bridge the gap between the classroom and the farm. Resources include posters, lessons, mini books, and videos investigating tomatoes, grapes, apples, citrus, carrots, herbs, leafy greens, asparagus, berries, and corn.

In this game, students determine how much money to invest in their bean crop and then roll dice to determine what happens to their crop during the planting, growing, harvesting, and marketing phases. Will their farms make money this year?

Students observe and dissect bean seeds and label the parts of a seed.

Water Savers is a board game developed for grades 6-12 and designed to support a group of 2-5 students. The game introduces environmental issues and sustainable farming practices to encourage understanding of issues within students' community and/or region.

Insect collections are so cool! This virtual insect collection lab allows students to participate in a virtual science experience as they learn more about insects and what they can tell us about our world.

Let's Get Growing! tells the story of Iowa native Dr. Norman Borlaug, whose research developed wheat that could grow in harsh conditions and feed hungry people worldwide. He won the Nobel Peace Prize for saving billions of people from starvation. Learn about him, sing some fun songs, and tell the story of his remarkable life in this easy musical. Included are additional resource suggestions and famous Borlaug quotes. Available online from JWPepper.com, materials for purchase and download include score, recordings for rehearsal use, and piano accompaniment tracks for performance.

Students have the opportunity to taste winter squash in the classroom with this simple slow cooker recipe.

Seeds from winter squash are collected, cleaned, and skillet toasted for a unique and tasty snack.

This STEM-based activity incorporates math (exploring dimensional spaces and problem solving) and art, as the students are encouraged to apply their creativity to come up with a unique design in form using apples and toothpicks.