Engaging Our Community

Think about the agriculture department you were a part of in high school. Think about the agriculture department your child is involved in now? Are there differences? Odds are you are shaking your head yes right now. Why you ask? Because each agricultural education department is based on the needs of the community. Every district is different with a completely different set of wants. Why is this important? Oh, great question! This is important because as an agricultural educator I think it is my job to fuse the students with the community. I like to involve my community in what my students are learning.

Recently, I gathered with my colleagues to share some Community-Based Service Learning Project ideas.  I thought these ideas where just a terrific way to expand students' knowledge and get involved and give back to the community, so I wanted to share them with you.

1.) Build Bluebird boxes to set up at a local park or game land. Have your students create tags that can be fixed to the front of the boxes giving passerbys important information on Bluebirds and their habitats. Involve your local conservation district to help the students plan the right habitat for the Bluebirds. (Mackenzie McCollum)

2.) If you want a great project to go with your floriculture/flower arranging class here it is: Take your class to a local community center (example: Grange &/or Young Famers) and have your students work with the community members to teach special needs students or elementary school students how to create floral arrangements. These arrangements can be sold for Valentine's Day and the proceeds can be donated to your charity of choice. (Adam Peachey)

3.) Do you have a courtyard that isn't being used by your school district? Here is an idea: create an outside classroom. You can utilize your plant science class, landscaping class and metals class. The whole school will be able to enjoy and utilize this outdoor classroom. This is a great way to show the students that what they learn in the classroom is applicable in the real world. (PJ Adam)

4.) Create a Community Garden!! Allow local stakeholders to apply for a garden plot. AG. Ed. students can take a part in advertising, kick-off banquet, building the plots and holding educational workshops for the stakeholders who will be gardening the plot. Image all the SAE Proficiency areas your students could apply for through this project!!!!!!! (Darla Romberger)