Close Encounters with Agriculture is an award-winning program offered; each year to Montgomery County fourth-grade students. Since 1993, over 80,000 students have participated in this hands-on educational program designed to teach students about modern agriculture, maintaining a healthy environment, and leading a healthy lifestyle.
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
