The ND FFA Foundation and the North Dakota Department of Agriculture proudly support educators and facilitators who bring agriculture to life in the classroom. One of the most powerful ways to teach students about food and farming is to let them get their hands dirty—and in this case, doughy.
Program: NDSU Extension – McLean County
Facilitator: Kamile Moderegger, McLean County Extension
Impact: 27 students
Purpose: Teach students about agricultural commodities, food safety, nutrition, and the connection between farm and table.
Objectives:
- Increase awareness of agricultural products grown in North Dakota, including wheat, canola, and honey.
- Provide students with firsthand experience making homemade bread.
- Reinforce nutrition and food safety concepts.
Extension agents Kamile Moderegger and Rebecca Hager teamed up with local fifth-grade teachers to deliver a one-of-a-kind experience: making honey wheat bread entirely by hand—in a bag! Using pre-portioned ingredient kits and a structured 90-minute lesson plan, students learned how bread is made from raw ingredients to baked products. Each step was paired with educational lessons on nutrition, yeast function, grain intake, and North Dakota agriculture.
Students were surprised to learn that North Dakota ranks first in the nation in the production of Hard Red Spring Wheat, canola, and honey—and that McLean County ranks among the state’s top producers. They also discovered how ingredients like powdered milk and canola oil contribute to the bread-making process.
Before beginning, students took a pre-survey. By the end of the lesson, 88% of the class could correctly list four ingredients used to make bread—up significantly from the beginning. Students enthusiastically shared their discoveries, such as learning that there’s honey in bread or realizing how easy it is to make it at home.
Once the loaves were shaped and ready, teachers and Extension staff baked the bread in the school’s kitchen. Each student received their own loaf the next day to take home.
Teacher Feedback:
“The kids LOVED the bread, and they were cooked perfectly! They were so excited and could not wait for snack time so they could try some. A few of the kids have even made the bread at home since then!”
Looking Ahead:
The success of this project reinforces the importance of hands-on agricultural education. With a few adjustments to allow more time for discussion or survey responses, this program is expected to grow even stronger in the years to come. Most importantly, it left students with lasting impressions about where their food comes from—and the pride North Dakota can take in producing it.
