This fall, AITC partnered with Facilitating Coordination in Agriculture Education, Friends of Danada, KDSWCD, U of I Extension, Galusha Farms, and FFA students from Glenbard East to create a hands-on environmental science fieldtrip!

On October 3^rd over 300 seventh-grade students from Glen Westlake Middle School gathered at the Danada Model Farm to learn about land management, ecosystems, soil health, mechanics, and agriculture! Students rotated through different research stations featuring a corn field, soybean field, prairie, machinery and tillage, corn harvest, and weed control.

Ag Professionals and Farmers lead different learning stations

The middle school students were broken into smaller groups lead by the FFA student volunteers from Glenbard East. Each group of middle schoolers were able to visit three different stations of the ten offered to learn all about agriculture.

At the different stations, students observed the land management practices, flora and fauna, and participated in soil nutrient and soil texture tests. They later compared and contrasted their findings at the different sites. At the machinery station there was an insightful harvest demonstration featuring a 1950’s combine.

Education Coordinator Kristina Baumbach leading a soil particle size demonstration

During the lunch portion the students were given time to directly ask the farmers all about agriculture and the different practices that are used on the farm.

With the combined effort from local Farmers, Ag Professionals, and the Danda Farm, DuPage county students were given the opportunity better understand agriculture and the part it plays in our society. Thank you to all the volunteers who helped make this day possible!