Ag in the Classroom
What is Ag in the Classroom?
Ag in the classroom was created by the USDA in 1981 to improve Ag literacy. Every state coordinates the activities differently, but the end result is the same; students and their families better understand where their food comes from. The Illinois Ag in the Classroom program has an active presence in 62% of all schools, thanks to county coordinators and volunteers at county Farm Bureau offices throughout the state.
Our coordinator, Gracie Cook, works with teachers to provide lessons, hands-on experiences, and science experiments on agriculture to local students. Ford-Iroquois’ Ag in the Classroom is ran through the University of Illinois Extension. This partnership allows for ag education to be provided to elementary students throughout the counties.
Meet our Coordinator!
Gracie Cook resides in Onarga, Illinois with her husband. After growing up in her family’s feedlot and crop operation, she attended Lake Land College. In her free time, she likes to create recipes for her blog and work with her family on their farm and business.
As our coordinator, Gracie is in classrooms all over Ford and Iroquois counties teaching elementary students about agriculture. Some of her favorite topics to teach about are dairy, soybeans, and nutrition.
Ag in the Classroom
Kits Available:
Soil
Insects
Dairy
Illinois Trees
Embryology- Poultry
Illinois Magic
Chick Hatching
Agritourism (virtual)
A Day Without Agriculture (virtual)