National Ag Web Links:

For Teachers

• Lesson Plans 
• National Resource Directory 
• Growing a Nation 

For Students

• Kids Zone (Elementary) 
• Teen Scene (Secondary) 
• Agro World (Secondary e-Zine)

Our 2007 Institute took place from July 31st - August 3rd (2007) at the University of Maine at Farmington, and was a giant success! Here are some comments left from amongst the 26 teacher attendees:

This has been, without question, the best workshop I've been involved with in my teaching career! So many resources to share and so little time! I can't believe how smart all the farmers are! Local farmers have invested in our environment. It's never too early to teach about land stewardship. This trip has modeled how we should be teaching children. The excitement, enthusiasm and curiosity that we have experienced is what our students need! I was so impressed by the quality of the farms... I don't want Maine farms to disappear. Buy local, keep $$ local, keep local farmers farming.

The focal points of the 2007 conference included Aquaculture, Horticulture, Dairy, Alternative Energy Sources, and Native American Culture.  Programming included visits to an organic grain producer, Maine smelt hatchery, dairy and goat farms, and a drive-by of New England's largest greenhouse.  Presentations  included soil painting, and biodiesel creation (we made our own biodiesel in the class).  Participants received 36 contact hours for teacher re-certification credits.  Thanks to grants issued by the ME Potato Board and the ME Department of Agriculture, the cost of the training was just $50 per person by June 30th (a $350 value), and $75 after June 30th, which included logding, travel and meals for up to 25 educators.

All participants also received the 55 lesson Food, Land and People Resources for Learning, The Maine Teacher Resource Guide and the impressive Wild Blueberry Curriculum as well as training in these hands-on materials and exposure to Maine agriculture and local foods.  The lessons in the curricula have been aligned with the Maine Learning Results. All participants also received a free copy of the USDA interactive CD "Growing a Nation - The Story of American Agriculture."