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Colorado Agriculture in the Classroom

On The Farm Stem

On the Farm STEM

Colorado - Fall 2024

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Science through the Lens of Agriculture

The On The Farm STEM program brings together individuals and teams of educators with experts in science education and agricultural science to envision a model for science learning that will inspire today’s students, our next generation of scientists and citizens, to take action and feel empowered to use agriculture to improve society.

A professional development course addressing the topic of beef production and climate change.

What to Expect
  • Hands-on experiential learning with experts in agriculture science and beef production during the one-day, in-the-field experience located at CSU ARDEC in Fort Collins, CO on September 14, 2024
  • One pre-event Zoom webinar to set the framework for the in-person event to be held at a mutually convenient time in the days leading up to the in-person event
  • Collaboration and community with a diverse cohort of 15 science educators from across Colorado
  • Tools, resources, and inspiration for classroom implementation - All participants will receive ready-to-use kits of science lessons
  • Guidance and support from a team of science and agricultural education facilitators
  • Up to 0.5 Continuing Education Unit credits (8 clock hours)
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Participant Eligibility
  • Targeted towards to middle and high school teachers
  • Individuals and teams of teachers are welcome
  • Open to science educators, STEM education leaders, Non-traditional educators, Agriculture education teachers
Other Details
  • This is a FREE event, thanks to the sponsorship from the Colorado Beef Council.
  • Lunch, snacks, and water will be provided throughout the day of the in-person event. Any special dietary needs noted on your application will be met.
  • Attire is casual. Wear comfortable, closed-toe shoes; there is a chance for minimal dust or mud. And you will be getting your hands dirty!
  • Free parking is available at the CoBank Center
Applications
  • This course is limited to 15 educators and will be filled on a first come, first served basis.
  • Participants will be required to commit to the entirety of the program (Pre-event Webinar and In-person Experience)
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Pre-Event Webinar Schedule
Location: Zoom
Tentative date: Wednesday, September 11, 2024*
Tentative time: 4:00-6:15 p.m.*

*Can adjust date/time to best meet participants’ schedules. Session will be recorded.

Schedule (subject to change):
  • Introductions/Get to know your cohort (20 mins)
  • The Beef Lifecycle and Colorado Beef Industry (20 mins)
  • Using three-dimensional learning to teach science through the lens of agriculture (20 mins)
  • Details for Saturday in-person session and Q&A (15 mins)
In-person Experience Schedule
Location: CoBank Center for Agricultural Education, 4492 East County Road 56, Fort Collins, CO
Date: Saturday, September 14, 2024
Time: 8:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m.
Schedule (subject to change):
8:30 AM - 8:35 AM
Introductions
8:35 AM - 9:00 AM
Discovery Session: Genetics and Heredity - OTFS Lesson
9:00 AM - 10:45 AM
On the Farm Learning: CSU AgNext Research - Sustainable Solutions for Animal Agriculture (Using CSU ARDEC vans for transportation to/from CSU ARDEC facilities)
10:45 AM - 11:00 AM
Load vans to transport to Processing Barn
11:00 AM - 11:45 AM
On the Farm Learning: Ruminant Nutrition (Hands-On with Fistulated Steer)
11:45 AM - 12:00 PM
Load vans to transport back to CoBank Center and break
12:00 PM - 12:45 PM
Networking Lunch: Connecting with Industry Representatives
12:45 PM -2:15 PM
Discovery Session: Livestock Production Sustainability PBL lesson
2:15 PM - 3:15 PM
Discovery Session - AITC Lesson:
3:15 PM - 3:30 PM
Wrap-up, Evaluation, Final Questions, Dismiss