Farm to Classroom: Biology Teacher Development Program
Farm to Classroom: An Immersive Plant Systems Agriculture Training Program for Teachers from the Mountains to the Sea is a professional development program that equips high school educators with the knowledge, experiences, and resources to integrate agriculture into biology and other science courses. Through an immersive statewide agricultural tour, hands-on labs, mentoring, classroom resources, and an ongoing learning community, teachers will build confidence in using real-world agricultural applications to strengthen science learning and expose students to careers in food, agriculture, and STEM.
Youth Programs
From growing tender turnips, to identifying squash from seeds to measuring trees using a Biltmore stick. Find out about the opportunities that wait young people in agriculture!
Horticultural Science Summer Institute
The Horticultural Science Summer Institute is a weeklong residential pre-college experience that gives high school youth an inside look at the science, careers, and possibilities within North Carolina horticulture. Through hands-on activities, campus experiences, and connections with faculty and professionals, participants explore everything from plant production and breeding to design, sustainability, and emerging technologies.
Resource Conservation Workshop
The Resource Conservation Workshop is a weeklong residential pre-college program at NC State where teens explore the science and stewardship of North Carolina’s natural resources. Through hands-on learning and field experiences, participants investigate conservation, agriculture, soils, water, wildlife, and forestry while discovering related college and career pathways.
NC Youth Institute
The North Carolina Youth Institute, part of the World Food Prize Global Youth Institute, challenges high school students to explore some of the world’s most pressing food and agricultural challenges. Participants research a global issue, develop thoughtful solutions, and connect with researchers, professionals, and other young leaders working toward a more food-secure future..
Horticulture Contest
The North Carolina 4-H Horticulture Contest challenges youth to put their plant knowledge and problem-solving skills to the test through plant identification, judging, and horticultural knowledge. Along the way, participants build confidence, critical-thinking skills, and a deeper understanding of the plants and agricultural systems that surround them.
NC State Fair Insect Collection
Stalking squash vine borers, digging for bess beetles, and searching under logs are all part of the adventure of creating an insect collection! Youth learn to find, identify, preserve, and organize insects while developing a collection that can be entered in the North Carolina State Fair.
4-H Presentation Program
The 4-H Presentation Program gives youth the opportunity to dig deeper into the plants, soils, insects, and environmental topics that spark their curiosity and share what they discover with others. From parasitic piratebush and soil crayons to pollinators, gardens, and even hobbit houses, the possibilities for learning, creativity, and communication are nearly limitless.
