Beginning this school year, Clarke Elementary students will have the opportunity to explore the world of agriculture through a brand-new Elementary Agriculture special. The addition to the specials rotation is designed to build agricultural literacy while helping students understand how agriculture impacts their everyday lives.
Through hands-on, inquiry-based learning, students will discover where their food, clothing, and other everyday products come from while making connections to science, math, social studies, and other core subjects. Planned units include Agriculture and Me, Agriculture in Our Community, Livestock and Crops, Pollination, Plant, Tree and Animal Lifecycles, Plant Science, Livestock Needs, and Meat Studies.
The new program is being developed by Mrs. Tara Norman-Pankey, a former 2nd grade teacher, who is excited to introduce students to the many ways agriculture shapes the world around them.
"I am absolutely thrilled to build our school's brand-new Elementary Agriculture program from the ground up," Norman-Pankey said. "Agriculture connects to everything we do, and I cannot wait to watch our K-5 students discover how the food on their plates and the clothes on their backs go from the farm to their families. Because this is a new adventure for our school, I am looking forward to creating hands-on experiences that spark a lifelong curiosity about science, nature, and the hard work that sustains our world."
The Elementary Agriculture program will provide students with meaningful, real-world learning experiences that encourage curiosity, critical thinking, and an appreciation for the role agriculture plays in their daily lives. By introducing these concepts at an early age, Clarke Elementary hopes to inspire the next generation of informed consumers, leaders, innovators, and agricultural advocates while helping students better understand one of Iowa's most important industries.