October is National Farm to School Month, an annual 31-day campaign to recognize, appreciate and celebrate the connections happening across the country between students, families, and community food systems.
While harvest festivals, farm visits, and cooking programs help introduce and raise awareness of the importance of agriculture and nutrition education, educators should also consider leveraging the power of hands-on learning and agriculture into their STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math) programs, from kindergarten through university.
No better time to introduce agriculture education into your classroom than Farm to School Month!
By introducing agriculture education, students can see how biological sciences intersect with technology and engineering, fostering a deeper appreciation for real-world applications of their lessons.
For example, students learn about plant biology, soil science, and environmental sustainability, all of which contribute to a strong foundation in biology and ecology. They also explore technologies like irrigation systems, plant genetics and seed varieties, and water sensors, which tie into engineering and technology lessons. Math plays a role as students measure growth rates, calculate food yields, and manage resources, linking abstract concepts to practical outcomes.
One amazing way to bring agriculture into the classroom is with Gardyn. Gardyn offers students a hands-on approach to growing food indoors, without soil, vertically and efficiently. Our innovative system also introduces concepts of water conservation and renewable energy, as hydroponic gardening uses up to 90% less water than traditional farming. In turn, students gain exposure to cutting-edge agricultural technologies while reinforcing their STEM education in a meaningful, interactive way.
Learn more about Gardyn for Schools
Gardyn’s Hybriponics® technology has revolutionized indoor gardening, maximizing vertical space by only using two square feet of classroom space and combining AI assistant-technology to maximize growth.
The National Farm to School Network, which successfully advocated for the creation of Farm to School Month by Congress in 2010, continues to lead this annual celebration with support from hundreds of partners nationwide. Ready to get involved? Visit https://farmtoschoolmonth.org to find resources, ideas, and inspiration to bring farm to school to life in your classroom!