In partnership with Georgia Farm Bureau: Ag in the Classroom
The Spring 2023 STEM Challenge is Now Open!
This STEM Challenge is a special project brought to you by the Georgia Ag Experience, the Georgia Foundation for Agriculture and Georgia Farm Bureau’s Ag-in-the-Classroom. We partner with the Georgia Association of Conservation Districts to make this happen!
The challenge was developed to help expose elementary teachers and students to science, technology, engineering and math (STEM) involved in agricultural production of food and fiber. We aim to help students recognize their role in agriculture by exposing them to real-world problems that they can help solve.
How is the challenge structured? A bi-annual competition focusing on a real-world ag problem. Elementary classrooms (grades 3 – 5) across Georgia put their skills to the test as they compete to win. Each school receives a digital kit of resources and a tailored educational program for their students. The top 3 classrooms with the best solution can win a prize and be recognized for their effort!
Current Challenge Question:
How Can I Create a Worm Farm to Better My Garden?
2023 SPRING CHALLENGE PARTNER
Georgia Farm Bureau: Ag in the Classroom
The purpose of the Georgia Agriculture in the Classroom program is to increase agricultural literacy among children and the general public. It provides tools for more effective teaching about agriculture and its role in an interdependent society, and to assist Georgia ’s educators in implementing the instruction of agriculture-related concepts in the classroom.
This mission is achieved through the activities of county Farm Bureau volunteers in their local communities and through teacher training courses held throughout the state.
Learn more by visiting the website: https://www.gfb.org/ag-in-the-classroom/about
Farmers use worms as a natural super recyclers! They can turn kitchen or lunchroom scraps into compost that helps plants grow and thrive. Join our challenge to find out more!
How the Challenge Works:
- Register your classroom on this webpage by hitting “Register for the Challenge” at the bottom of this page
- Download the Digital Toolkit
- Complete the challenge with your students by creating a video presentation answering the challenge question
- Upload your class video to YouTube (instructions included in the toolkit)
- Upload the class presentation to our submission page for judging by April 28, 2023.
- Tune in to the live winner announcement on May 5, 2023. Link will be emailed when you submit your final presentation.
Challenge Basics:
- Each class will be asked to Engage, Explore, Test and Improve, Share Results & Reflect. All steps are outlined in the lesson plan.
- For deeper understanding (and bonus points!) ask an expert
Final Project:
Create a video presentation discussing the process to create a worm farm which will serve as a basis for investigations about ecosystems, life and nutrient cycles, and decomposition.
Challenge Parameters:
- Class submission must be from students in grades 3rd, 4th, or 5th
- 1 challenge submission per class
- Open to Georgia elementary schools only
Final Submissions Must:
- Must include a video presentation (no longer than 5 minutes) showing the process of investigation to create the worm farm.
- Must demonstrate knowledge of how worms play an important factor in our ecosystems, life and nutrient cycles, and decomposition.
- Must incorporate how worms play into the role of farmers or agriculturalists.
- Must include 5 photos showing the students process throughout the challenge.
Prize for top 3 winners
*Top Winner in Each Grade*
$250 classroom supply grant + your choice of physical prize
($350 Total Value)
HOPE YOUR CLASS CAN JOIN US THIS SPRING!!