After a successful pilot program, the Delaware Farm Bureau Foundation has launched a new program with its Ag Education Mobile Classroom (“Ag Lab”), taking the farm to school. First stop is Frederick Douglass Elementary in Seaford on Sept. 5, 6 and 7.
The Ag Lab is a traveling classroom that serves to educate young people about farming and agriculture. It is a fun, educational tool that allows kids to see the different aspects of agriculture and try it out for themselves. The Ag Lab also teaches the importance of farming, the effects the agriculture industry has on our community, and how farming successes and failures affect the economy.
In one 30-minute session, kids learn about healthy eating, complete a hands-on planting activity, and find out how food gets from the farm to their lunchbox. They are also given information to help them consider choosing agriculture as a future career possibility.
In this program designed for fourth graders, these topics align with 5-LS1 of the Next Generation Science Standards, and 5.NF of the Common Core State Standard for Mathematics.
Nicole Kurz-McDowell, a teacher Star Hill Elementary, who participated in the pilot program, commented: “Very informative, quick paced and a good mix of info and activities.”
Alaina Dunning, also at Star Hill, said: “It was very informative and engaging, plus I feel students should be exposed to careers they might not see.”
Kim Davis, teacher at Phyllis Wheatley Elementary, said: “Agriculture is very important to our state, seeing all the pictures, and how food is grown was great. Loved the lunch box portion.”
The cost is $1 per child.  
Laura Simpson, DFB Foundation manager, said, “We can stay one day or come back for multiple days, depending on the number of students.”
Simpson can be reached at 302-697-3183 for information on the 2017/2018 schedule.  Requests will be on a first-come, first-served basis.

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The Delaware Farm Bureau Foundation was incorporated in March 2013 as a 501 (c)(3)  non-profit organization. Headquartered in Camden,  Delaware, the Foundation was created to build awareness,  understanding and positive  public perception about  Delaware’s farm operations, promote fresh local food and sponsor the Ag Education Mobile Classroom.  The foundation partners with the New Castle, Kent and Sussex County farm bureaus to raise the funds necessary to  successfully achieve the mission and provide education  materials, grant scholarships, and feed the hungry. Serving on the Board of Directors are Kitty Holtz, Laura Hill, Jesse Vanderwende, Stewart Ramsey, Jonathan Thompson, Greg Knutsen, Martin Desmond, Jeremy Tucker, Jackie King, Chuck Hoober, Dr. Bart Gill and Pam Bakerian.