2023 Ag Science Grants

From studying soil to exploring animals – the possibilities are almost endless!

Apply for an Ag Science Grant from McLean County Farm Bureau Foundation to add hands-on learning to your classroom. Pick one of the recommended book bundles or kits (see examples below) or submit your own idea!

Need ideas? Check out the kit list!

Application deadline is Oct. 31, 2023.

Apply Now.

USDA Future Scientists Presentation

 

From 4-5 p.m. on Tuesday, Sept. 20, the Children’s Discovery Museum will host a
free after-school program at the Normal Theater featuring Dr. Craig Wilson, the Director of the USDA Future Scientists Program. This interactive presentation about the exciting world of science and agriculture is sure to inspire students to want to learn more about how science and agriculture intersect in amazing ways every day. The presentation is free to attend, but reservations are required.

 

To sign up, visit this link: https://72435.blackbaudhosting.com/72435/Dr-Craig-Wilson

Dr. Craig Wilson is a researcher at Texas A&M University in the Center for Mathematics and Science Education. In this role, he directs the USDA Future Scientists Program. A favorite presenter at conferences across the country, Dr. Wilson focuses on hands-on and inquiry-based science teaching that links teachers with agriculture. The USDA Future Scientists Program operates in 40 states, Puerto Rico and the country of Panama. Central Illinois is one of the most productive agricultural areas in the world, which makes this a perfect location for students to discover a newfound appreciation for the agriculture all around them with this fun-filled science presentation.

Dr. Wilson’s presentation at the Normal Theater is made possible by a collaboration among the Children’s Discovery Museum, Illinois Agriculture in the Classroom and the McLean, Livingston and DeWitt County Farm Bureaus along with their Agriculture in the Classroom programs.

USDA Future Scientists Program

Free after-school program at the Normal Theater featuring Dr. Craig Wilson, the Director of the USDA Future Scientists Program. This interactive presentation about the exciting world of science and agriculture is sure to inspire students to want to learn more about how science and agriculture intersect in amazing ways every day.

The presentation is free to attend, but reservations are required.

Register here

2022 Summer AITC Teacher Workshop

Join us June 6-9 for our 2022 Summer AITC Workshop for Teachers!

  • 4 Days of field trips, tours & hands on lesson ideas
  • Geared for pre-K to grade 12 educators
  • Earn 30 PDCHs (professional development clock hours), plus 2 graduate level college credit hours available (optional/additional fee)
  • Learn about FREE resources for STEM lessons aligned with Common Core & Next Generation Science Standards
  • Take home lesson ideas, materials & grant opportunities for use in your classroom next year!

Cost is $50 for the workshop.

Tuition for 2 hours of Graduate Credit from St. Francis University is $200

(Course #REAL 694 K Agriscience Educator Institute)

Instructors: Carrie Vogel, McLean County Ag in the Classroom Coordinator & Katie Buckley, University of Illinois Extension

Please note:

  • Teachers will be responsible for their own transportation to field trip/tour locations, you can arrange your own carpool if desired

Registration deadline May 31, 2022

Click here to register

Ag Careers – Explore Fields of Opportunity

Agriculture has fields of opportunity with more than 300 career choices! Check out the career pathways, potential job profiles and more!

McLean County (IL) teachers can request ag careers materials and resources for their classroom: Click here

Reading Materials

Learning Ag-tivities

Websites:

Videos:

 

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