AgVenture: Establishing the Link between STEM and Agriculture

• Main Authors: Becky Ridgeway, Virginia Brown
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Published: University Library System, University of Pittsburgh 2018-12-01
• Series: Journal of Youth Development
• Subjects: stem education; agventure; elementary school; experiential learning
• Online Access: http://jyd.pitt.edu/ojs/jyd/article/view/617

Science, technology, engineering, and math (STEM) education is an integral part of primary school curriculum. AgVenture allows Extension to teach 4th graders about the connection between STEM and agriculture. Extension educators in Maryland developed hands-on activities around animals, plant sciences and nutrition, while linking station-specific activities back to STEM standards. Pretests and posttests show a statistically significant change in STEM-related knowledge by students, while feedback from teachers demonstrates the educational value of the program. Because of these results, AgVenture has grown and now has a waiting list of interested schools. The success of the AgVenture program can be replicated in other Extension programs throughout Maryland and nationwide.