2016 Spring Farm Outlook

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40 March 24, 2016 2016 Logan County Farm Outlook Magazine Lincoln Daily
heats up the contents of the baggie. The kids could
expect that through condensation, water molecules
would collect on the walls of the baggie, and when
the droplets are heavy enough, they will run down the
side of the bag and back into the pool of water in the
bottom.
Sarah and Dawn then discussed water conservation
with the kids and offered them an opportunity to
understand how much water we consume on a daily
basis. Each child was given a sponge. They formed
a line and one at a time dropped their sponges into a
large jar of water. When all the sponges were in the
jar, the Irwin girls removed the soggy sponges and
allowed the kids to see how much the water level had
dropped in the large jar. This provided an example of
how much water students collectively use on a daily
basis.
Then everyone talked about wasting water, and how
to save water. The young students were asked to give
an example of how they could save water. With each
example, water from a sponge was squeezed back into
the large jar. With this action children could see the
impact they personally can have in water conservation.
The day ended with a discussion of the water problems
that are going on in Flint, Michigan. Reagan led
the discussion, and it was surprising to see just how
many of the fifth-graders were well informed on the
problems in Flint.
Hyde and Akpore are both excited about the Ag in
the Classroom and Teen Teacher programs in Logan
County, and are hopeful that both programs will
continue to grow in Logan County. They said more
and more, teachers are recognizing the value of the
programs and are happily becoming involved. Hyde
said some of the best classes have been when the
teachers also have become active participants.
Teaching the children at an early age about agriculture
is also of great value, as we see more and more young
people leaving the farm for other careers. One residual
effect of this program will hopefully be that we see
more kids become involved in FFA and 4-H, and
ultimately choose to pursue agricultural careers.
By Nila Smith
At Hartsburg-Emden, fourth grade students are
getting practical lessons exercising mathematics while
following costs and learning about milk production in
the growth of a real calf named Snowbelle.
“Cow in the classroom” http://archives.
education_magazine/index.html#11/z