Rangeland Ecology & Management

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HOW CAN THE RANGE PROFESSION CONTRIBUTE TO DEVELOPMENT OF AG-STEM CURRICULA FOR MIDDLE SCHOOL STUDENTS
Author
Demoney, Kim
Griffin, Christine
Tolleson, Doug
Publisher
Society for Range Management
Publication Year
2015
Body

STEM education is a national priority in the US. The World Economic Forum ranks the US 52nd in STEM education. There will be a projected 14% increase in STEM jobs in the next 10 years. Agriculture (Ag) is an important but often overlooked STEM subject. Recent estimates indicate that < 1% of all Americans are involved in agricultural production. The projection of 9 billion people on Earth by 2050 highlights the need for efficient use of natural resources and agricultural output. This must occur in an ever shrinking agricultural land base and changing climate. As the US becomes more urbanized and less knowledgeable about agriculture and natural resources, professionals in these disciplines have called for more Ag-STEM education, starting at an early age. Public rangelands are the predominant land type in central Arizona. They provide a unique opportunity for students to gain knowledge and appreciation for agriculture and natural resources in their own “backyard”. The principle for Oak Creek Middle School in Cornville, Arizona has recently implemented an Ag-STEM program there. The primary instructor previously worked with the extension range specialist for northern Arizona in the Range Rocks! outdoor education program for high school students. Collaborative efforts to bring Range Rocks! activities to younger students and to develop appropriate curricula are underway. These activities must: 1) engage the students, 2) provide hands-on experience, 3) foster an appreciation for science and agriculture, 4) be appropriate for the age level, and 5) provide opportunities to meet current STEM standards. The goal is to offer hands-on, experiential learning as much as possible. Schools who wish to provide these types of learning experiences can benefit from collaboration with rangeland professionals to provide access to venues for outdoor learning and expertise in subject areas such as soils, plant growth, water cycles, and grazing animals.

Language
English
Resource Type
Text
Document Type
Conference Proceedings
Conference Name
SRM Sacramento, CA