Meeting Pattern

• Wednesday, June 17 {9:00 a.m. - 4:00; 5:30 - 8:00 p.m.}
• Thursday, June 18 {9:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m.}

Description

Engages you in hands-on, inquiry-based lessons focused on integrating the science of modern food production into your classroom and career technical education program. Geared toward environmental, chemistry and biology teachers and biotechnology and food science instructors.

You will:

• Investigate techniques of modern farming practices on soil and water system. 
• Explore the scientific basis of biotechnology uses in agriculture.
• Produce biofuels to understand how fuel production mitigates climate change and increases energy independence.
• Understand the impact of food production on environmental issues and sustainability.
• Increase awareness of careers in the industry. 
• Utilize food science techniques that can be integrated into your classroom.

The two-day workshop will include protocols for making biodiesel (from soybeans) and ethanol (from corn) in the classroom, a trip to an ethanol plant, dinner with industry professionals and researchers, and activities on biotechnology, water quality, soil health, food science & modern farming practices.

Syllabus, Objectives, and Outcomes

Objectives:

You will:

• Know the advantages of biofuels; 
• Understand soil health and water quality measures to assess soil and water; and the biotechnology methods being used in the agriculture industry; 

• Be able to create and test biofuels; engage in evaluation of data; compare farming methods in the US vs less developed countries and apply sustainable farming practices through simulations.

Required Student Resources:

• You will need to bring a device to access the internet.

Testimonials:

"I LOVED HOW HANDS-ON IT WAS! ENJOYED TRAININGS LIKE THIS WHERE WE GET TO DO ACTIVITIES AND SEEING/LEARNING ABOUT THE INDUSTRY. TOURING THE ETHANOL PLANT, SOY BEAN CRUSHING PLANT AND GRAND FARM WERE REALLY COOL TO SEE."

"THE HANDS-ON EXERCISES WERE RELEVANT AND PROVIDED AN OPPORTUNITY TO DEVELOP CONNECTIONS WITH OTHER EDUCATORS. THE HOUSING AND MEALS WERE WELL ORGANIZED. THE INDUSTRY TOURS WERE ALL NEAR BY SO VIRTUALLY NO DRIVING BETWEEN TOURS. OVERALL GREAT EXPERIENCE."

"THE MOST VALUABLE ABOUT THE COURSE ARE THE LESSONS THAT WE CAN USE IN OUR CLASSROOM THAT ARE BENEFICIAL TO OUR STUDENTS."

"TEACHERS NEED MORE OPPORTUNITIES LIKE THIS TO PRACTICE AND STAY INFORMED. THIS WAS ONE ON THE BEST PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT COURSES."

"IT WAS A GREAT CLASS! I LEARNED SO MUCH ABOUT TWO OF THE MAIN CROPS IN ND. MORE TEACHERS SHOULD LEARN THESE THINGS."