Ag Education
Fresno County is one of the largest agricultural counties in the world. One out of every three jobs in our county is directly related to the food and fiber industry. And yet, few people really understand agriculture and its economic impact on their community and their own lives.
Teaching students about agriculture can be easy, fun and a productive way to shape students into informed, educated consumers and voters. Many teachers have discovered that incorporating ag into their classrooms provides them with real-life examples when working toward math, science, reading and other educational standards.
The cornerstone of FCFB’s ag education program has been the Fabulous Food Machine classroom presentations, an interactive school assembly discussion about Fresno County’s agricultural bounty. Educational outreach programs also included an annual in-service program to train teachers to incorporate ag education into their classrooms. During the three-day seminars, educators experienced “hands on” learning in mini workshops, met with agricultural professionals from throughout the state of California, toured production agricultural sites in Fresno County, attended hosted farm visits and participated in idea sharing. Likewise, the “Ag Mag,” a twice yearly “Weekly Reader-type” of publication aimed at third graders was a component of FCFB’s agricultural education program for several years.
With changes in California’s education system focusing more on standards-based learning, FCFB changed its focus of agricultural education. Regularly scheduled Fabulous Food Machine presentations still continue, but the program has broadened its scope to include the creation of a county-wide Farm and Nutrition Day for Fresno County third graders. Operating as a half-day field trip, students participate in activities that showcase both the agricultural industry as well as focusing on the benefits of making healthy eating choices.
Resources
California Foundation for Agriculture in the Classroom is a wonderful resource for educators.
Please call our office at (559) 237-0263, if you are looking for ag related curriculum we might have what you are looking for or can help you locate it and/or point you in the right direction.
If you would like more information regarding scheduling a Fabulous Food Machine Presentation, please call our office at (559) 237-0263.