QACPS seventh graders learn about agriculture industry

The seventh-grade students of Queen Anne’s County Public Schools were invited to participate in a once-in-a-lifetime educational experience to learn about Maryland’s number one industry, agriculture.

As the state’s population continues to grow, agriculture is crucial for survival; therefore, a coalition of agricultural educators, professionals and youth involved in 4-H and FFA joined together to host an educational experience for all seventh-grade students across the county.

This coalition hosted the seventh annual Agriculture Awareness Day on Tuesday, April 9, attended by Stevensville and Matapeake Middle schools. They were followed by Centreville and Sudlersville Middle schools on Wednesday, April 10.

The program utilizes the Next Generation Science Standards and Maryland Environmental Literacy Standards to educate students about agriculture. With the use of educational stations throughout the day, students are fully involved in activities covering the variety of industries within agriculture while being introduced to the career opportunities.

This educational experience was held at the Queen Anne’s County 4-H Park during school hours.

Local educators facilitated these stations and interacted with students to provide awareness on the diversity of agriculture on the Delmarva Peninsula. Stations covered agriculture’s ever-changing technology, food safety, pollinators, aquaculture, animal production, career opportunities and grains grown in the county and their uses.

“This has been another outstanding Agricultural Awareness Day,” said Queen Anne’a County Public Schools Supervisor of Instruction Michael Page. “The Maryland Extension office and the Queen Anne’s County farm community continue to provide an engaging and exciting day for our students.”