Farm Bureau's Ag in the Classroom

				Return to TFB Main Page Return to Current Edition Texas Agriculture Archive January 17, 2003 Farm Bureau's Ag in the Classroom

				Agriculture in the Classroom (AITC) is an exciting program for Texas school children. Using Texas Farm Bureau's Food and Fiber for the 21st Century–the Texas Agriculture Resource Guide for grades 1-6, and other specially developed supplementary materials, teachers around the state guide students in exploring various facets of food and fiber production in Texas. How agriculture contributes to the lifestyles of people throughout the world is also presented. Available statewide since 1987, Ag in the Classroom is now used in over 50 percent of the school districts in Texas. Teachers say that the Texas geography and history sections fill gaps left by standard textbooks, and that the program contributes much toward the study of our state. Farm Bureau's objective for Ag in the Classroom is to introduce the school children of Texas to agriculture and its important contribution to society. Because local county Farm Bureaus participate in providing Agriculture in the Classroom materials, the program helps school districts fulfill state mandates for community involvement. County Farm Bureaus help make the program special for students by providing local resource people. Working with teachers, these resource people can organize activities such as: • Explaining local farming/ranching to students • Providing animals, crops, or other samples for hands-on demonstrations • Coordinating ag fairs (where feasible) • Arranging ag-related tours (where feasible) • Visiting areas museums which preserve and demonstrate our agricultural heritage • Corresponding with students about what life on a modern day Texas farm/ranch is like • County Farm Bureau members can bring positive community caring and involvement to your school.