The Summer AgriCULTURE Institutes (SAIs) are professional development courses designed for educators. Attendees learn about Colorado agriculture; tour farms, ranches, and production facilities; and gain innovative, standards-based ways to incorporate food, fiber, fuel, and natural resource topics into academic curricula!

July 8-12, 2024 - Fort Morgan: Agriculture on the Eastern Plains

Agriculture in northeast Colorado is not just corn, wheat, and cattle (although participants will learn about all three). This 5-day course will also explore the diversification of farms, ranches, and agriculture production in the Lower South Platte River Basin including sugar beets, dairy, turf, lamb, water and land conservation, and more. Through on-site tours, presentations from industry experts, and hands-on lesson exploration, you will be inspired and prepared to share the world of agriculture with your students. PreK-12 formal and informal educators in all disciplines from across the state and beyond are welcome. Registration of $95 includes 2.5 Continuing Education Units (37.5 clock hours) and 3 graduate level credits from Colorado State University.

Headquarters Location

The headquarters location for the week is the Best Western Plus Overland Inn (1410 Barlow Road, Fort Morgan). We will start and end each day at the Best Western.

Tentative Schedule, Participant List, and Expectations

Schedule tentative to change. Participant list will be updated as new individuals register. Answers to many of your questions and more information to help prepare for this adventure can be found in the Expectations tab of the linked Google Spreadsheet.

Housing

A block of rooms has been booked at the Best Western Plus Overland Inn. To reserve a room, call the hotel directly at 970-370-2322 and ask for the Summer Agriculture Institute block to get the group rate of $139+tax per night. You must book your room by June 7th to get the discounted rate (regularly $199/night). The hotel offers a complimentary full hot breakfast for guests ($15 for non-guests), indoor pool, hot tub, exercise facility, and other amenities.

July 16-18, 2024 - SLV: Agriculture in the San Luis Valley

Po-tay-to or po-tah-to - doesn't matter how you say it, participants will learn all about potato production from seed to store. But that's not all. Be prepared to learn about water, livestock, and other crops that are important to the region as we pack as much agriculture into three days as we can. Participants will learn directly from industry experts and be equipped with lessons and resources that can be immediately used in the classroom. Open to all preK-12 grade formal and informal educators from Colorado and surrounding states. Registration of $45 includes 1.5 Continuing Education Units (22.5 clock hours) and 1 graduate level credit from Colorado State University.

Headquarters Location

dams State University, 208 Edgemont Blvd, Alamosa, CO (tentative)

Tentative Schedule, Participant List, and Expectations

Schedule tentative to change. Participant list will be updated as new individuals register. Answers to many of your questions and more information to help prepare for this amazing experience can be found in the Expectations tab of the linked Google Spreadsheet.

Housing

A block of rooms has been booked at the Best Western Movie Manor in Monte Vista. To reserve a room, call the hotel directly at 719-852-5921 and ask for the CO SAI Group to get the rate of $124.00+tax/night. The hotel offers a complimentary full hot breakfast, exercise facility, two free movie options per night (outdoor screen visible from room), and other amenities.

What is Summer AgriCULTURE Institute (SAI)?

• A hands-on, graduate level class for preK-12 educators.
• The goal is to help educators use agriculture as the context for teaching academic standards.
• Current, factual, science-based information is presented about the food and fiber system we rely on every day.
• Participants are provided with educational materials to incorporate agriculture into their curriculum.
• Learn first-hand how farmers and ranchers care for land and water.
• Experience agriculture through tours of farms, ranches, and production facilities.

Why should I attend?

• To increase your knowledge and understanding of agricultural issues and applications.
• To gain information with the goal of helping people make well-informed decisions about agriculture.
• Receive fun, engaging curriculum to utilize with students.
• Teachers say this is the best professional development training they have ever attended.

Additional Details

• Participants should be aware that these are long, full days, which can begin before 8:00 a.m. and end after 5:00 p.m., depending on tour schedule and travel distance.
• Transportation to tour locations will be provided, however participants may be asked to car pool or may travel separately.
• Daily lunch, snacks, and water are provided (breakfasts and dinners are on your own).
• The days will be spent both indoors and outdoors.
• Housing is not provided.
• Courses will abide by current Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment guidelines.

Who is CoAITC?

Colorado Agriculture in the Classroom (CoAITC) strives to improve student achievement by applying accurate and authentic content related to food, fiber, fuel, and natural resources as the context to teach core curriculum concepts in science, social studies, nutrition, STEM, language arts, and more.

How do I sign-up?

• Once available, registration links will be posted near the top of this page.
• Space is limited to 30 educators.
• Open to educators from Colorado and surrounding states (space priority given to Colorado educators).