Close Encounters With Agriculture Program

Close Encounters with Agriculture In the News

Slideshow of Images from Close Encounters 2008

FACT SHEET - AGRICULTURE AWARENESS ACTIVITY

THEME:	Close Encounters with Agriculture - applicable to the Social Studies, Science and Health curriculums
AUDIENCE:	4th Grade Students - 200 to 250 students per day
DATES:	Public Schools - October, 2009 on the following dates: 13, 14, 15, 20, 21, 22, 23, 26, 27, 28, 29 Private Schools - October 16, 2009
TIME:	The program is conducted from 10:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. each day. (If MCPS schools are delayed or closed, due to inclement weather, the program will not be held that day).
LOCATION:	Agricultural History Farm Park (M-NCPPC) 18410 Muncaster Road, Derwood, MD 20855

GOALS:	To promote and increase the visibility of agricultural science and related fields
	To demonstrate the interrelationship between agriculture, the environment and nutrition
	To increase the understanding of agriculture with youth and their families
	To involve volunteers in promoting agriculture and related fields

EDUCATIONAL TRACKS:
	1. Production Agriculture Children will better understand agriculture production by matching raw products (animal, grain and specialty) with finished products using a relay race and discussion; get a close-up view of dairy and beef cattle, pigs, goats, a miniature donkey and a pony and learn about the products they produce. Students will also learn about vegetable production, and take home a goodie bag of donated agricultural and promotional items.
	2. The Environment Children will better understand how agricultural soil conservation best management practices affect water quality and our environment. Hands-on activities will help children learn about Maryland soils, wildlife habitat, water quality and things students can do at home to help keep water clean and safe.
	3. Nutrition, Diet and Health Children will study grain products and their relationship to nutrition, diet and health. Hands-on activities and lively exhibits will be used to discuss production, marketing, food preparation and nutritional value of foods. Demonstrations, displays and a nutrition quiz bowl will enhance their understanding of the importance of good nutrition. All activities are based on the latest federal guidelines.

	SCHEDULE (subject to change):
9:45 - 10:00	Arrival/Registration
10:00 - 10:40	Hands-on Activities
10:40 - 10:50	Rotate - Next Track
10:50 - 11:30	Hands-on Activities
11:30 - Noon	LUNCH, then rotate to Next Track
12:00 - 12:40	Hands-on Activities
12:40 - 1:00	Wrap-up/Departure

	PARTICIPATING SCHOOLS WILL:
1.	Provide in-class activities for 4th grade students, using packets and activity sheets provided by the Cooperative Extension Office and co-sponsoring groups.
2.	Recruit and coordinate adult chaperones who will accompany students on field trip (suggested: 1 adult to 5-10 children).
3.	Arrange for bus transportation/cost, insurance coverage, bag lunches and permission slips for participating children, per MCPS policy. Please box and label lunches byteacher!!
4.	Inform Extension staff of any special needs children prior to the program.
5.	Establish time for an orientation session for teachers, to be conducted in the participating schools by Extension staff members (note: if you are a returning school from a previous Close Encounters Program an orientation is not necessary unless you specifically request one).
6.	Cooperate in follow-up activities and evaluations, as outlined in teacher's packet.

	COOPERATIVE EXTENSION SERVICE AND CO-SPONSORING GROUPS WILL:
1.	Provide teacher's packets at least one week prior to the field trip. In-class activities will include pre & post tests, games and activity sheets.
2.	Conduct an orientation session for participating teachers, if requested.
3.	Provide, together with volunteers, hands-on educational activities in agriculture production, the environment and nutrition, diet and health at the Agricultural History Farm Park in Derwood, MD.
4.	Furnish each child and teacher a take home goody bag of promotional agricultural materials.
5.	Evaluate the effectiveness of the program, in cooperation with participating schools.

HELPFUL HINTS:

Children and adult chaperons should dress appropriately for the weather and, if conditions are wet, should wear waterproof shoes and outerwear. Most activities will be under cover but groups will be walking outdoors during part of the day. Children and adult chaperons should bring a labeled bag lunch and drink - we are unable to provide refrigeration or cooking facilities. LABEL AND PACK ALL LUNCHES IN COOLERS, BOXES ORLAUNDRY BASKETS, MARKED WITH THE TEACHER'S NAME!! Trash receptacles will be available on the grounds.

CO-SPONSORING GROUPS:

Montgomery County 4-H, FCE, Master Gardener, and Farming Community Volunteers

Montgomery County Cooperative Extension Office - University of Maryland

Montgomery County Department of Economic Development - Agriculture Services Division

Montgomery Soil Conservation District

USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service

Montgomery County Farm Bureau

Maryland-National Capital Park and Planning Commission

Montgomery County Agricultural Center (Fair Board)

Maryland Grain Producers Utilization Board

Friends of the Agricultural History Farm Park

Questions? Call Doug Tregoning, 301-590-2809 or write to: Montgomery County Extension Office, 18410 Muncaster Road, Derwood, MD

For more information, contact Doug Tregoning

Last updated: 05/5/2009