Meeting Pattern

• Wednesday, June 25 {8:30 a.m. - 4:00; 5:30 - 8:00 p.m.}
• Thursday, June 26 {8:30 a.m. - 3:30 p.m.}

Description

The workshop will engage environmental, chemistry and biology teachers and biotechnology and food science instructors in hands-on, inquiry-based lessons focused on integrating the science of modern food production into their classrooms and career technical education programs.

You will be:

• Investigating techniques of modern farming practices on soil and water system. 
• Exploring the scientific basis of biotechnology uses in agriculture.
• Producing biofuels to understand how fuel production mitigates climate change and increases energy independence.
• Understanding the impact of food production on environmental issues and sustainability.
• Increasing awareness of careers in the industry. 
• Utilizing food science techniques that can be integrated into the 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; create aseptic conditions for food safety; compare farming methods in the US vs less developed countries and apply sustainable farming practices through simulations.

Materials:

Required Student Resources

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