By:
Tom Nordlie (352) 392-0400Source(s):
Sally Williams wsallyk@ufl.edu, (352) 392-2993
Lisa Gaskalla LBGaskalla@ifas.ufl.edu, (352) 846-1391
Tyrell Kahan kahant@ufl.edu, (321) 438-3878
GAINESVILLE, Fla. — Some fourth graders may believe pizza comes from grocery stores or delivery trucks, but Cynthia Mingo’s students at Prairie View Elementary School know better – pizza comes from farms.
Thanks to University of Florida volunteers and an educational program called AgriSmarts, the youngsters learned that every pizza ingredient they could name – from dough to cheese to pepperoni – is made from items produced on farms.
The discussion was part of a 30-minute presentation designed to help elementary-school students understand the importance of agriculture in their lives, said Sally Williams, an associate professor with UF’s Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences.
“Most Florida children don’t live on farms, so they may not know basic things about food production that their grandparents learned through experience,” said Williams, one of five volunteers who gave the presentation for Mingo’s class. “AgriSmarts shows them something new about the world, and engages them because it’s interactive and fun.”
During the presentation, students drew pictures, solved word puzzles and even learned how plants grow, she said. They also answered questions that revealed their knowledge of agriculture and asked a few questions of their own. A quiz at the end of the session suggested AgriSmarts had succeeded, leaving the class better informed and more insightful.
AgriSmarts is one of several programs offered by Florida Agriculture in the Classroom, or FAITC, a statewide nonprofit association charged with increasing awareness of Florida’s agriculture and natural resources industries among students in pre-kindergarten through 12th grade.
Taught by volunteers representing high schools, universities and civic organizations, AgriSmarts presentations are available free of charge to teachers at public and private elementary schools, said Lisa Gaskalla, FAITC executive director. Like other FAITC programs, AgriSmarts is supported by sales of Florida’s agriculture license tag.
“Originally, AgriSmarts was developed and presented by Florida FFA, but now it’s available to other groups, too,” Gaskalla said. “It’s easy to get involved – the program includes excellent how-to materials and prior teaching experience isn’t necessary.”
The presentation for Mingo’s class was conducted by student members and faculty advisors of UF’s Minorities in Agriculture, Natural Resources and Related Sciences club, said Tyrell Kahan, who coordinates AgriSmarts activities for the club.
A UF animal-sciences senior who plans to become a veterinarian, Kahan said the club chose AgriSmarts as a community service project this year and will make presentations at Gainesville-area schools as often as possible.
“It’s a great feeling to connect with kids and see they’re having a good time learning from you,” Kahan said. “That’s something I didn’t expect to do in college, and I really enjoy it.”
To request an AgriSmarts presentation by UF’s Minorities in Agriculture, Natural Resources and Related Sciences club, contact Tyrell Kahan at (321) 438-3878 or kahant@ufl.edu. For information about Florida Agriculture in the Classroom, contact Lisa Gaskalla at (352) 846-1391or LBGaskalla@ifas.ufl.edu, or visit http:/www.agtag.org.
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