New Website

The Ford-Iroquois Ag in the Classroom Partnership now has its own website. Check it out at http://web.extension.uiuc.edu/fordiroquois/agclassroom/index.html. Here you will find a wealth of information. Here is a look at what you will find:

- A link to the this blog can be found on the left side.

- The AITC Usage Survey is also located on the left hand side to record the programs/resources you use.

- Under program links you will find links to the Illinois Ag in the Classroom page as well as other great website resources. This page will continue to change, so check back often!

- The Forms and Downloads section will contain the list of kits available as well as copies of the current and past Ag Awareness Express newsletters.

Now all the information you need for Ag in the Classroom is right at your fingertips. New information will be added to this site monthly, so check back for new things.

Posted by Aimee Chandler at 12:45 PM | Permalink |

Teachers Learn About Agriculture In The Classroom

On September 29 twenty-one teachers learned what Agriculture in the Classroom has to offer them and their students. Those present learned what resources are available to assist them in teaching core curriculm while putting an agriculture twist on it. Hands on activities such as Corn Chains, Lincoln Hats, and Grocery Store Math were done. Snacks of Pumpkin Patch Pie and "Hamburgers" were enjoyed by all. For more information on Agriculture in the Classroom contact Aimee Chandler at alchandl@illinois.edu or 815-268-4051.

Posted by Aimee Chandler at 11:18 AM | Permalink |

Schools Online

University of Illinois Extension offers some great online curricula through the Schools Online website. Take a look at the different programs available.

The Great Plant Escape - urbanext.illinois.edu/gpe - The Great Plant Escape helps students learn the mysteries of plant life. Students learn the basics of composting, germination, seeds, and soils. This site is also available in Spanish.

Out on a Limb - urbanext.illinois.edu/conflict - This site teaches youth how to better manage conflicts and challenges they face every day. Also available in Spanish.

The Adventures of Herman - urbanext.illinois.edu/worms - Learn about worm anatomy, the history of worms, and why worms are so important to us. Build a worm bin for recycling food scraps. Also in Spanish.

Shake, Rattle, and Slide - urbanext.illinois.edu/earth - Shake, Rattle, and Slide shows students how forces on and inside the earth work to shape our world. Learn about earthquakes, volcanoes, and glaciers.

The All-Star River Explorers - urbanext.illinois.edu/rivers - What's an oxbow lake and how do rivers form? That's what students will learn as well as the basics of hydrology. There is also a special section on our early river explorers.

Trees Are Terrific - urbanext.illinois.edu/trees1 - Students in K-2 can learn the low-down on trees and why we need them. In Exploring the Secret Life of Trees (urbanext.illinois.edu/trees2) 3-5 graders can learn about roots, parts of the trunk, and tree care. Also in Spanish. Dr. Arbor Talks Trees (urbanext.illiois.edu/trees3) is for 6-8 grades and helps students identify trees using a key.

Walk in the Woods - urbanext.illinois.edu/woods - Explore the environment and all the things you can find in the woods. Also in Spanish.

Riding the Winds with Kalani - urbanext.illinois.edu/kalani - Help 5-8 year olds learn about temperature, clouds, seasons, winds, precipitation and violent storms.

Let's Talk About Insects - urbanext.illinois.edu/insects - Learn ant anatomy, where to look for bugs, and why insects are so important to us. Also in Spanish.

The Great Corn Adventure - urbanext.illinois.edu/corn - Zea Mays introduces students to the history of corn and its many suprising uses. And we learn all about a year in the life of an ear. Also in Spanish.

My First Garden - urbanext.illinois.edu/firstgarden - Learn the basics of gardening. Also in Spanish.

Fresh From the World...Where Your Food Comes From - urbanext.illinois.edu/food - Explore 15 popular foods and see where in the world they come from.

Posted by Aimee Chandler at 9:49 AM | Permalink |