Using the AGsploration: the Science of Maryland Agriculture Curriculum as a Tool to Increase Youth Appreciation and Understanding of Agriculture and Science

Authors

  • April Hall Barczewski University of Maryland Extension 4-H Youth Development
  • Sheryl Bennett University of Maryland Extension 4-H Youth Development
  • David Gordon University of Maryland Extension 4-H Youth Development and Agriculture
  • Thomas Hutson University of Maryland Extension 4-H Youth Development
  • Sara Meagher BhaduriHauck University of Maryland Extension Agriculture and Natural Resources

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.5195/jyd.2016.467

Abstract

AGsploration: The Science of Maryland Agriculture is a 24-lesson, peer-reviewed curriculum that includes experiential hands-on activities and built-in pre-/post-evaluation tools. Lesson topics include production agriculture, the environment and nutrition with emphasis on how science relates to each topic. Student pre-/post- evaluation data reflects participation in AGsploration positively affects students’ attitudes about agriculture and science. Separate evaluations were developed to survey two groups of trained teen teachers about the curriculum immediately following their training, 1-2 years after using the curriculum and another 3-4 years post involvement. The results demonstrated that teen teachers were an effective way to disseminate the curriculum and these same teens increased their agriculture knowledge, life skills and interest in agriculture science education and careers. A similar evaluation was conducted with adult educators following a training session and another 1-2 years after actively using the curriculum. This data suggests that the curriculum is well received and valued.

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Published

2017-01-04

Issue

Vol. 11 No. 3 (2016)

Section

Program & Practice Articles

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