There’s nothing like getting your hands “dirty” when it comes to trying new things, especially when you’re a kid. The pandemic has made it challenging to offer programs like these, but innovative minds continue to find ways to reach kids where they are. Check out these new opportunities for youth in the swine industry.
USDA Agency Launches New Site for Science-Minded Students
AgLab, a new science-education website operated by USDA’s Agricultural Research Service, is now “open for business” to student and educators alike at aglab.ars.usda.gov/.
AgLab builds on the past successes of its predecessor, Sci4Kids, in educating students about the critical intersect of science and agriculture in their daily lives, USDA said in a release. From wrinkle-free cotton and edible coatings that keep apple slices from turning brown to a low-glycemic sweetener and DEET insecticide, AgLab is focused on opening kids’ minds to innovation.
The program is geared toward K-12 students with an interest in food and science, and offers a variety of content to promote how ag research is helping meet the food, fiber, feed and fuel needs of a growing world population while also safeguarding our environment and natural resources.
For example, if students are interested in science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM), AgLab’s “20 for 30" may be appealing, USDA said. It profiles young researchers on the rise at ARS—starting with Jaqueline Serrano, an entomologist who is with the agency’s Temperate Tree Fruit and Vegetable Research Unit in Wapato, Washington.
AgLab also offers kids science project ideas in “Let’s Get to Work,” a page offering a series of instruction-based experiments, including on food fluorescence, vitamin C content and soil erosion.
Harnessing videos, games, contests, experiments and recipes, this new site is devoted to introducing kids to agriculture, science and research in an engaging and creative manner.
Illinois Food Service Classes Learn Versatility and Ease of Cooking Pork
The Illinois Pork Producers Association (IPPA) announced 24 recipients of the IPPA Food Service Grant for the spring of 2021. The grant was created to educate students about pork production, which refers to the raising of pigs, and the quality protein that pig farmers raise. The grant provides necessary funding to purchase pork that students then cook with in their respective classes.
“Teaching students about pork production helps us make the connection between raising animals and the food we eat,” said Alan Kollmann, IPPA president, in a release. “Showing students how to properly cook pork shows them versatility in meals and makes them life-long customers after tasting the delicious flavor.”
The program allows teachers the flexibility to provide pork for in-classroom learning or take-home projects. Teachers are encouraged to be creative with their planning to implement multiple cuts of meat and varying flavor profiles.
More from Farm Journal’s PORK:
Glitter Snot and Virus Swapping: Hands-on Biosecurity Practice
Breaking Down Biosecurity: Youth Exhibitors Know Their Role Matters
