How has agriculture and the Minnesota Agriculture in the Classroom Program impacted your students and instruction? The Ag in the Classroom program has really brought our edible classroom to the next level. Before working with Michele Melius (Waconia Middle School Social Studies teacher and Edible Classroom Coordinator) to develop curriculum, my only experience in the garden was starting pepper seeds in my Spanish class. Afterward, I have been able to collaborate with Michele and several other teachers to use the garden for authentic learning experiences, bringing the curriculum alive and using it in a more interdisciplinary way. The lessons themselves were fun to write and try out, especially creating hyperdocs so students could work at their own pace.

There might be snow on the ground, but we know many Minnesota gardeners are already planning for spring!  Our Cream of the Crop booklet provides inspiration for standards-based connections in science, social studies, language arts and health.  The activities are focused on garden produce and other specialty crops  - fruits, vegetables, honey, maple syrup, and others!

The Minnesota Schoolyard Gardens Conference is another opportunity to get excited for the gardening season!  Attend to gain innovative strategies for building sustaining and engaging diverse learning in a thriving schoolyard garden.  Details for this March 1st conference can be found at: http://www.arboretum.umn.edu/Schoolyards2019.aspx

What is the virtual barn? Just like farmers keep their prized possessions (animals and crops for feed) in a barn, we're collecting very important information in our virtual barn - input from educators!  After using a MAITC lesson or resource, visit our virtual barn to share your feedback.  By providing feedback, not only are you entered to win one of our awesome Monthly Theme Kits (these feature a lesson and everything you'll need to do the lesson in your classroom) but you're also helping us improve and spread the word about agricultural literacy.