Our 2008 Institute took place from July 29th - August 1st at the University of Southern Maine (Gorham campus)
The focal points of the 2008 conference included Aquaculture, Deer & Elk, Dairy, Fiber production, and Native American Culture. Programming included visits to an alternative school using both agriculture and aquaculture as learning tools, dairy, llama and shellfish farms, and a visit to an 18th-century schoolhouse. Presentations included soil painting and a distance learning system for aquaculture and hydroponics. Participants received 36 contact hours for teacher re-certification credits. Thanks to grants issued by the ME Potato Board, the ME Department of Agriculture, and USDA, the cost of the training was only $65 per person by June 30th (a $350+ value), and $90 after June 30th, which included logding, travel and meals for up to 25 educators.
All participants received the 55 lesson Food, Land and People Resources for Learning, The Maine Teacher Resource Guide, Growing Potatoes in Northern Maine, and the 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 will also receive a free copy of the USDA interactive CD "Growing a Nation - The Story of American Agriculture."
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