Close Encounters with Agriculture

1. Production Agriculture
Children will better understand agriculture production by matching raw products (animal, grain and specialty) with finished products using a relay race and discussion. They will see close up and interact with horses, and goats. Students will also try their hand at butter making and milk a simulated cow. Each student will take home a goody bag of donated agricultural and promotional items, plus a pansy for planting.

2. The Environment
Children will better understand how agricultural soil conservation best management practices affect water quality and our environment. Hands-on activities will help children learn about water quality, stream insects, local soils, wildlife habitat, soil erosion and things students can do at home to help keep water clean and safe.

3. Nutrition, Diet and Health
Children will study grain products and their relationship to nutrition, diet and health. Students will learn about parts of vegetables we eat through hands-on activities. Demonstrations, displays and games will enhance their understanding of the importance of good nutrition. All activities are based on the latest federal guidelines. A clicker quiz game will cap off the activities

Schedule (subject to change):

 Participating Schools Will:

1. Provide in-class activities for 4th-grade students, using materials provided through the program’s website. https://extension.umd.edu/locations/montgomery-county/agriculture-and-food-systems
2. Administer the online pre-tests to your students prior to the field trip.
3. Recruit and coordinate adult chaperones who will accompany students on the field trip (suggested: 1 adult to 5-10 children).
4. Arrange for bus transportation/cost, insurance coverage, bag lunches, and permission slips for participating children. Please box and label lunches by teacher!!
5. Inform Extension staff of any special needs children prior to the program.
6. Establish a time for an orientation session for teachers, to be conducted in the participating schools by Extension staff members(note: If you are a returning school from a previous Close Encounters Program orientation is not necessary unless you specifically request one).
7. Administer the online post-tests after the field trip.
8. Completed a post-program teacher evaluation online.

University of Maryland Extension and Co-Sponsoring Groups Will:

1. Make teachers aware of online resources for pre-trip in-class activities. A hard copy teacher's notebook will be provided upon request.
2. Conduct an orientation session for participating teachers, if requested.
3. Provide, together with volunteers, hands-on educational activities in agriculture production, the environment, and nutrition, diet and health at the Agricultural History Farm Park in Derwood, MD.
4. Furnish each child and teacher a take-home goody bag of promotional agricultural materials.
5. Evaluate the effectiveness of the program in cooperation with participating schools.

Helpful Hints:
Children and adult chaperons should dress appropriately for the weather and, if conditions are wet, should wear waterproof shoes and outerwear. Most activities will be under cover but groups will be walking outdoors during part of the day. Children and adult chaperons should bring a labeled bag lunch and drink - we are unable to provide refrigeration or cooking facilities. LABEL AND PACK ALL LUNCHES IN COOLERS, BOXES OR LAUNDRY BASKETS, MARKED WITH THE TEACHER’S NAME!! Trashcans will be available on the grounds.

Co-Sponsoring Groups:

• Montgomery County 4-H, FCE, Master Gardener, and Farming Community Volunteers
• University of Maryland Extension – Montgomery County Office
• Montgomery County Office of Agriculture
• Montgomery Soil Conservation District
• USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service
• Montgomery County Farm Bureau
• Maryland-National Capital Park and Planning Commission
• Montgomery County Agricultural Center (Fair Board)
• Maryland Grain Producers Utilization Board
• Friends of the Agricultural History Farm Park
• Edward B. Byrd Charitable Foundation