The ND FFA Foundation provides opportunities that foster leadership development and personal growth for FFA members across the state. It’s the core of our mission! Did you know the Foundation also provides resources for ag educators and others in the agriculture sector whose work aligns with our mission?
The Ag in the Classroom grant program is offered in partnership with the North Dakota Department of Agriculture. Each year, any organization or individual may apply to receive funding for developing and conducting educational materials and programs to help young people understand the importance of agriculture in North Dakota and in their lives. Discover how one of this year’s grantees, NDSU Extension, is bringing agriculture education directly into classrooms across North Dakota!
Program: Carrington Public School
Impact: 45 8th graders in Exploring Agriculture class
Purpose: The project aimed to introduce students to gardening and plant cultivation, addressing the challenge of not having a school greenhouse at the Carrington School.
Objectives:
- Master the techniques for growing and transplanting cucumbers, radishes, and lettuce in various growing environments.
- Acquire knowledge on selecting the appropriate soil and seeds for trellis systems.
- Identify the correct types of fertilizers suitable for food-grade produce.
- Understand the crucial role of pollinators in food production.
Carrington Public School purchased four tomato planters with trellises and two hanging grow lights to introduce 8th-grade students to gardening and container gardening. The students grew cucumbers, radishes, and lettuce, learning about soil selection, seed choice, fertilizers, and the role of pollinators.
The project aimed to provide hands-on gardening experience, especially since Carrington lacks a greenhouse. The equipment allowed for smaller group activities, enhancing the learning experience. A total of 45 students participated, facing challenges like plant die-off during breaks and transplanting issues. This spring semester the students planted and then transplanted the cucumbers, radishes and lettuce into the tomato towers.
Next fall, Carrington Agricultural Education Teacher, Mitch Becker, plans to begin the project once school starts so the plants will be bigger or done growing before holiday break. “I feel we have learned a lot this year with the tomato planters and lights, and I plan to incorporate this in the elementary school with presentations about container gardening next year. Lessons learned will improve future efforts, including expanding the program to elementary students next year,” says Becker.
