Ag Education

Agriculture Education Update
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Calendar of AG ED Events

September 11, 2010
School Garden Workshop at Connolly Ranch hosted by Napa County Farm Bureau AITC
Connolly Ranch, Napa, CA 94558
9:00 am – 1:00 pm            Cost: Free (A delicious lunch will be served in the tree shaded beauty of Connolly Ranch.)
Contact: This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it             Phone: (707) 224-5403 x104            Web site: www.napafarmbureau.org/aitc.html

September 16, 2010
San Diego Agriculture in the Classroom Golf Tournament
San Diego Agriculture in the Classroom Scholarship Fund is having its annual golf tournament at the San Luis Rey Golf Course.

September 18, 2010
Food, Fiber and Farms Workshop hosted by 48th DAA
Mt. San Antonio College, Walnut, CA 91789 - Los Angeles County
10:00 am –12:00 pm            Cost: Free
Contact: This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it             Phone: 909-468-4433                        Web site: www.agfair.org

September 30, 2010
Proposal Deadline: Kids In Need Teacher Grants
K-12 educators are invited to apply for grants of $100-$500 to be used for creative classroom projects. This year all teachers that apply will receive a special gift of poster making and bulletin board supplies. For more information, and to choose an application based on location, visit kidsinneed.net.

September 30, 2010
CFBF Photo Contest Deadline
Aspiring photographers ages 13 and under, whose parent is a Farm Bureau member, are invited to enter the CA Farm Bureau Federation photo contest in the Budding Artist category. First place receives $250, second place receives $100. Ten entrants will receive a copy of the latest Imagine this... book. Still life, landscapes, action shots, all styles are encouraged as California's youth shares their view and appreciation of agriculture. Enter today at www.cfbf.com/programs/photo/

October 1, 2010

Enter to Win a School-wide Assembly from the 2010 Presidential Turkeys!

Students will meet the 2010 presidential turkey candidates and learn about the historical significance of this American tradition. Ira Brister and Yubert Envia will teach students about the process of raising turkeys. *Teachers and administrators who enter to win must be able to provide an assembly setting for their school. Tentative assembly dates are Nov. 8, 9, 15 or 16, 2010. Enter online at www.learnaboutag.org/turkeytour/entryform.php.

November 1, 2010
Deadline for Imagine this... Story Writing Contest (3-8 grade students)
Don't be limited by the traditional "what I did this summer" essay as we go back to school. Meet standards for reading and writing with the Imagine this... Story Writing Contest and the rewards for both teacher and student are numerous. Regional winners are recognized with a plaque and literature about agriculture. State winners receive an expense-paid trip to Sacramento where they will receive a medal and $100 savings bond at the awards ceremony. State-winning stories are illustrated and published in book form. To learn more, and download entry forms, visit www.learnaboutag.org/imaginethis.

November 4-6, 2010
CA Foundation for Agriculture in the Classroom Conference
Shell Beach, San Luis Obispo County
There are many opportunities to share your expertise, experience and/or educational resources with conference attendees. Do you have a workshop or Make 'n' Take idea? Would you like to host a "Taste of California" Luncheon table or exhibit? Do you have handouts or door prizes to donate? Visit www.learnaboutag.org/conference to fill out the online form or download PDFs.

October 6 – December 9, 2010
Fresh Fruits and Vegetables Workshops
This free two-day training is designed for teachers, school personnel and community partners. It provides tools to support an increase of fresh fruits and vegetables on school campuses through fun, interactive, and skill-building activities. For more information, and to register, visit www.healthyschoolenvironment.org.

Recommended Resources
Lesson plan: That Was Then, This Is Now
Students learn about food prices and how they have changed over time as they perform mathematical computations, analyze data charts, and compare and contrast statistical information. This lesson meets California content standards for students in grades 3-6, and can be easily adapted for multiple grade levels. Available free online, www.learnaboutag.com/lessonplans.
Book: Breaking Through by Francisco Jimenez
This compelling autobiography tells the story of a young boy and his family and their struggle to survive economically. Appropriate for upper elementary and middle school students. ISBN 978-0-6183-4248-8
Resource: Change for a Dollar
U.S. notes have a direct connection to agriculture. This 16-page booklet introduces the individuals featured on U.S. currency and their contributions to agriculture. For students in grades 5-8. Available as a free, online download from Illinois Agriculture in the Classroom. To download visit www.agintheclassroom.org.
Website: Hands on Banking Website
This interactive website has specific lessons and activities for grades 4-5, 6-8, high school and adults. Learn the basics including balancing a checkbook and creating a budget, or investigate more complex topics, such as investing in a college education. The downloadable Instructor Guides provide everything educators need to guide students through real-life scenarios, group discussions and hands-on activities. www.handsonbanking.com.