Why Teach Agriculture?
Agriculture provides local connections to math, science and social studies
concepts. By offering agriculture in the classroom we can create real-world STEM opportunities. The National Agriculture Literacy Themes align with 90 Iowa Core science standards.
National Agriculture Literacy Themes:
1. Agriculture & the Environment
2. Plants & Animals for Food, Fiber & Energy
3. Food, Health & Lifestyle
4. Culture, Society, Economy & Geography
5. Science, Technology, Engineering & Mathematics
About Morgan, Education Outreach Director
Morgan Hibbs serves as the Education Outreach Director for Linn County Farm Bureau. Morgan received her bachelor’s degree in Agriculture Communications from Iowa State University and is passionate about agriculture education.
In her current role, Morgan manages the program and visits classrooms preK-12 monthly to bring awareness to the importance of Agriculture.
She resides in Johnson County with her husband, Tyler and son, Dean. In her free time, Morgan likes to blog about home-grown flowers and life on a beef farm.
About Paige, Outreach Coordinator
Paige McGovern coordinates Linn County Farm Bureau outreach efforts, contributes to the Spokesman newspaper and assists with the Ag in the Classroom Program.
Paige is currently a student at the Mount Mercy University Graduate Center where she is studying Marriage and Family Therapy. Her hobbies include writing, horseback riding, and spending time with family and friends. She is also planning for a wedding in the spring! She grew up on a family farm in Central City.
“Agriculture has always been a significant factor in my life, and I hope to spread the importance of ag to future generations,” says Paige.
About Taylor, Farm Bureau Intern
We would like to welcome Taylor Korte to the Farm Bureau Team. Taylor will be interning with the Linn, Buchanan, Delaware, and Benton County Farm Bureau staff.
Taylor will gain agriculture education experience by preparing lesson materials, managing digital content, and developing curriculum in accordance with the mission and goals of the ag in the classroom program.
Taylor is from Scales Mound, Illinois and is currently studying Agriculture Business at Kirkwood Community College. Taylor enjoys helping on the family farm, watching sports, and spending time with family and friends. We are looking forward to having her join us for the spring semester.
"I loved being able to provide our children with science topics that are more local to our area."
"Exposed kids to things and topics that many of them have never been exposed to or had experiences with. Hands-on activities are awesome!"
"Any time kids can have hands on learning, then the topics have a high level of engagement and an impact on their learning. Morgan always had topics that kids enjoyed and either had an activity or taste-test to really help keep them engaged in their learning."
"I have seen improvements over the course of the past few years and am impressed with the level of engagement and how well the lessons complement what we are doing in the classrooms. The only change that I wish we could see would be MORE visits! :-)"
"I loved the layout of the lessons. For Kindergarten students especially there was a quick teaching or reading a story and then the students were able to explore. I think the hands-on piece is important for their little bodies and that is sometimes how they learn the best!"
"I love that the program reaches all levels of students and lets them be hands-on!"
"The lessons are developmentally appropriate for the kindergarten aged student. They incorporate literature, questioning and response, and tie the lesson up with a highly engaging activity. The lessons are the perfect amount of time. Morgan is a fantastic facilitator and understands the young learner. That is critical! The students look forward to her visits each month! Morgan is willing to share her expertise outside the lesson time. She is a wealth of knowledge about agricultural literature and other resources that may enhance learning that we are doing."