Modules for elementary, middle and high school classrooms provide STEM activities and lessons to show how the challenge to feed our world's growing population can be solved with science. All lessons are aligned to state standards.
"Composting is nature's process of recycling decomposed organic materials into a rich soil known as compost. Anything that was once living will decompose. Basically, controlled composting is an acceleration of the same process nature uses. By composting your organic waste, you are returning nutrients back into the soil in order for the cycle of life to continue. Finished compost looks like soil-dark brown, crumbly and smells like a forest floor." (1)
Composting is a great teaching tool which can explain a variety of concepts such as life cycles, decomposition, soil science, chemistry, geology, ecosystems and more. Use activities to strengthen students' observation techniques, formulate a hypothesis and develop basic engineering skills. While learning these skills, students are also growing a sense of environmental stewardship.
Build a small, inexpensive tool for composting research.
NHAITC Teacher of the Year
Congratulations to Mike Smith of Mascenic Regional High School for being selected as the NHAITC Teacher of the Year! As a science teacher for grades 9-12, Mike has found a variety of ways to incorporate agriculture into his classroom including
landscaping the front of the school, planting apple trees, preparing a vegetable and herb garden for the Foods class, exploring seed propagation and securing a greenhouse. His future plans include adding a wall garden with a focus on soil and working with the local elementary school. Mike will be recognized at the annual Granite State Association of FFA Convention in April and his application will be submitted to the National Agriculture in the Classroom for consideration in the Excellence in Teaching Awards program.
Grant Opportunities
The
Lowes Toolbox for Education Grants spring cycle begins December 18th and continues through February 12, 2016. Funding may be available for technology upgrades, tools for STEM programs and school gardens. Click
here for application information.
Digital Wish Grants allows you to
submit a technology-based lesson plan for a chance to win over 50 different technology grants. Digital Wish also provides a searchable library of grants and a myriad of ideas for fundraising. The entire site is designed to empower teachers to find funding for technology for their classrooms. Click here for more information.
Research for Teachers Program
New Hampshire EPSCoR (
the Experimental Program to Stimulate Competitive Research), is once again offering its successful Research for Teachers Program this summer. The program provides a community within which middle and high school educators can obtain research experience and then work together to design ways to incorporate research into their classroom curriculum. Research will focus on the interaction between ecosystems and society and their resulting impacts on each other. Click here for more information.
NH Agriculture in the Classroom 295 Sheep Davis Rd Concord, New Hampshire 03301
