Educating ALL Students about the Science of Food and Fiber Production through Agriculture Biology
Presenter: Chris Embry Mohr, Olympia High School
Description: Envision how we can leverage current science education trends to teach ALL students about the science of providing food and fiber products through an Agriculture Biology course that is currently under construction. Learn how to use the three dimensions of the Next Generation Science Standards, storylines as learning progressions, driving questions to determine lesson direction, and aligned assessments to teach science and engineering skills while making sense of agricultural phenomena and problems.
Flying into the Future: Drones in Agriculture High School Unit
Presenter: Jennifer Banda, University of Illinois Extension
Description: Learn about Illinois Extension’s new 4-H Drones in Agriculture unit developed in partnership with Danville Area Community College with Jennifer Banda, U of I Extension. The 3-week program piloted this year in Illinois Extension Unit 13 with plans to make it available to teachers statewide. The unit includes a teacher manual with learning objectives and standard alignment, slideshow presentation, and student activities. Come to this workshop to learn how to fly a drone, experience parts of the 4-H Drones in Agriculture unit, gain access to the curriculum, hear testimonials, and see learning results of student experiences.
From Boardroom to the Classroom( Workshop for teachers with Educator’s License with Stipulations)
Presented By Kindra Callahan
Description: Transitioning from Industry to the classroom and balancing all three circles of Agriculture Education. In this workshop, we will look at the total management of the AFNR Program for individuals Educators' License with Stipulations. Mrs. Kindra Callahan who worked in the agriculture industry made a change four years ago to become an agricultural teacher and FFA Advisor. She will provide key insight and resources to begin that management piece of your AFNR Program.
Marketing Your Ag Program
Presenter: Caseelynn Johnston, Bureau Valley HS
Description: Do you ever feel like, along with being an Ag Teacher, you also should have a degree in marketing? Yes? No? Maybe so? Marketing your Agriculture Program is probably one of the last things on your mind, but one of the most crucial things we can do as Agriculture Educators! Marketing your program might just be a solution to many of the unanswered questions we have as Ag Teachers. How do I better reach the community? Marketing. How can I show off our awesome SAE projects? Marketing. How do I recruit new FFA members? Marketing. How can I show the world the awesome things that are happening in my classroom space? Marketing. Join me to learn some simple steps for how to 1) Outline how to market your classroom through social media posts, weekly ag reports, and more! 2) Highlight Supervised Agricultural Experience opportunities through social media using Canva. 3) Explore the FFA Brand Style Guide and apply that to posts/marketing tools through Canva and Google Slides.
Mixing up Meat Science
Presenter: Jenny Wold, Somonauk-Leland HS
Description: Let's face it, learning hundreds of meat retail cuts can be a little daunting. If you are looking to activate student learning in meat science or maybe just make Meat Judging CDE practice a little more engaging, plan to attend this workshop. You will leave with lots of activities you can use next year to really "mix-up" meat science in your classroom.
New Curriculum Introduces Students to the Pork Industry
Presenter: Donna Moenning, US Pork Center of Excellence
Description: Destination Pork is a comprehensive curriculum designed to expose and interest high school students in pork industry jobs and career opportunities. Come learn about the curriculum which consists of two learning experiences: Pathway to the Industry and Pathway to Your Future. The content is aligned with AFNR standards and features both instructor-led as well as online independent study. Use this new curriculum provided by the U.S. Pork Center of Excellence to enhance your Animal Science or General Agriculture classes and showcase this growing industry to your students.
Prioritizing & Planning During Your First Year
Presenters: Colton Downs, Canton HS & Brent Nelson, Franklin HS
Description: This workshop will focus on how to prioritize and plan for/during your first-year teaching- from FFA and SAE, to planning and other in-school tasks. Topics will include distinguishing between that you must complete/do as a first-year teacher, and the things that you can set aside, as well as try to answer common first year teacher questions such as; “How do you prioritize yourself in your first year? What should you have done before school starts? Should you sign up for every CDE or just pick a few your first year? Do you keep your alumni happy or your administration? What should you wear to class?”
Scared of the Shop? Come See Christian for Help!
Presenter: Christian Thurwanger, Sycamore HS
Description: In this workshop we will take a look at how to set up your agriculture mechanics classroom from a space standpoint and a curriculum standpoint. The physical space of a shop can be overwhelming, and we will look at some suggestions of how to set it up for working on different units within your curriculum. We always struggle with the cost of materials increasing and our budget not following the same trend. I will share some of the success of fundraisers that the agriculture mechanics students have done to raise funds for different projects and materials around the shop.
Seed Your Future: Increasing the Labor Pipeline for the Horticulture Industry
Presenter: Dr. Chad Follis, Seed Your Future
Description: Seed Your Future is an industry-led movement dedicated to increasing awareness of horticulture and careers in the larger horticultural industry. In today’s tough hiring climate, we are focused on helping educate the next generation of potential employees to enter all industry sectors. Learn how you can be a part of the movement by informing students of the various career opportunities using our resources. Seed Your Future has created free tools available to teachers!
Soy: The Proven Protein Powerhouse
Presenter: Illinois Soybean Association
Description: We’ve got a “latte” to share about soy – from right here in Illinois, the No. 1 soybean producing state! Our local farmers use extensive conservation practices to grow soybeans sustainably – protecting soil, air and water quality. Enjoy delicious, complimentary, hand-crafted soy lattes, learn about soy as a powerful plant-based protein, meet local farmers and get inspired with soy – a powerhouse of delicious possibilities in product innovation.
Teach Ag Squad (IAVAT Student Branch Members ONLY)
Presenter: Megan Coy, FCAE
Description: This workshop is designed for IAVAT Student Branch Members who are interested in joining this new team to work on goals of agricultural education around recruitment and retention. Come learn about all of the opportunities to continue to grow as a future teacher and support other potential agricultural education majors!
Teaching Agricultural Leadership & Communications
Presenter: Jennifer Wherley, Mahomet-Seymour HS
Description: Are you wanting to know how to spice up your Ag Leadership/ Communications courses? In this workshop you will learn about different activities to engage your students to get the most out of your Ag Leadership/ Communications course.
Transportation and Supply Chain of Ag Products Talent Shortages & New Courses
Presenters: Panel of Industry Experts from Growmark, Kohl Foods, Frito Lay
Description: Transporting of agricultural products from field to fork is a very important segment of the agricultural industry. The Pandemic has caused an increase of online shopping and delivery of products to homes and businesses. Hear from industry experts about the extreme shortage of delivery drivers and truck drivers with a commercial driver's license (CDL). Learn about two new course offerings: Agricultural Supply Chain Management and Agricultural Transportation and Logistics. Curriculum resources will be provided.
What is the Controlled Environment Agriculture (CEA) industry and what technical skills are most relevant to CEA farms operating in Illinois?
Presenter: Peter Webb, MARSfarm
Description: Learn about the different types of "Controlled Environment Agriculture (CEA)" farming operations (also known as Indoor Farming, Vertical, Urban Farming, etc.) and the technology being used in these facilities to provide supplemental lighting, irrigation, Co2, and heat. Understand how consumer demand, the grocery industry and climate change have resulted in startups worth billions of dollars (Gotham Greens, Bright Farms, etc.) choosing Illinois as a location to build their high-tech greenhouse facilities. Teachers in urban areas or with students interested in hydroponics or aquaponics should definitely attend!