Students and teachers will focus on innovation in the ag sector as Agriculture in the Classroom Saskatchewan celebrates its 15th annual Canadian Agriculture Literacy Month (CALM) in March.
The annual event helps connect students with farmers and others who work in the ag sector with the goal of teaching how agriculture impacts their communities.
“Volunteers are the heartbeat of CALM,” Agriculture in the Classroom Executive Director Sara Shymko said in a press release. “They help students see how agriculture has evolved within their own communities and inspire curiosity about the future of farming. We are incredibly grateful for the time, knowledge, and energy our volunteers share to make a lasting impact.”
As part of Ag Literacy Month, students in participating classrooms take part in interactive sessions, or in-class experiences. The list of activities includes things like From the Ground Up, a presentation for Grade 4-6 students where they operate a simulated farm and learn about the many decisions farmers make throughout the year.
Others include Soil Horizon Snack, an activity for kindergarten to Grade 3 students where they explore the layers of soil through seed planting.
Other CALM resources include an interactive timelines, which shows students how agriculture in Saskatchewan has evolved over time.
“This year’s resource encourages students to think critically about how agriculture has changed and why innovation matters,” Shymko said. “By exploring the past and present of Saskatchewan agriculture, students can better understand the role the industry plays in feeding communities locally and globally.”
The annual month-long event has matched 161 volunteers with 313 classrooms across Saskatchewan with around 7,250 students. Shymko said it fosters a deep understanding of Saskatchewan’s agricultural evolution.
The program empowers teachers to integrate agriculture into classrooms and connects youth with the industry’s vital role in their everyday lives.
Agriculture in the Classroom Saskatchewan (AITC-SK) is a non-profit charitable organization dedicated to enhancing students’ understanding and appreciation of agriculture. Visit www.aitc.sk.ca for more information.
