From STEM to STEAM, adding Agricultural education in the classroom

Students at Owego-Apalachin Middle School try their hand at worm dissection in a STEAM classroom. (Photo by JoAnn R. Walter)

At OA Schools, a brightly colored banner hanging from the ceiling in one of the main middle school hallways welcomes students and visitors with the message, “Welcome to STEAM Academy.”

The STEAM acronym (Science, Technology, Engineering, Agriculture/Arts and Math) adds one more vital concentration to the widely known STEM, that being Agriculture education.

Ag in the Classroom connects to Agricultural Educators from Cornell Cooperative Extension. The program is designed to help students gain a greater appreciation for agriculture and its impact on our community, and it highlights the benefits of pursuing careers in the growing multi-billion dollar industry.

At OA Schools, a brightly colored banner hanging from the ceiling in one of the main middle school hallways welcomes students and visitors with the message, “Welcome to STEAM Academy.” (Photo by JoAnn R. Walter)

On Nov. 13 at Owego-Apalachin Middle School, Senator Fred Akshar (R-52) announced the expansion of the “Ag in the Classroom” program. Joining him were officials from Cornell Cooperative Extension and Broome-Tioga BOCES, along with superintendents from Owego-Apalachin (OA) and Windsor school districts as well as a group of OA students.

Ag in the Classroom began earlier this year as a pilot program in five school districts (Harpursville, Maine-Endwell, OA, Union-Endicott and Windsor). The program has since expanded to five additional schools (Bainbridge-Guilford, Chenango Valley, Deposit, Greene and Tioga Central).

From left, Jim Mullins of Broome-Tioga BOCES; OA Schools Superintendent, Corey Green; Senator Fred Akshar; Executive Director of Cornell Cooperative Extension of Broome County, Victoria Giarratano; and Dr. James Andrews, superintendent of Windsor Central School District gathered on Nov. 13 at Owego-Apalachin Middle School to announce an expansion of the “Ag in the Classroom” program. OA and Windsor Schools will receive $350,000 each to construct new Agricultural Education Laboratories. (Photo by JoAnn R. Walter)

At the Nov. 13 press conference, Senator Akshar announced that two schools, OA and Windsor, would both receive $350,000 each to construct new Agricultural Education Laboratories.

Akshar explained, “The pilot program met with overwhelming enthusiasm and ensures it is sustainable. The program’s vision was to show that agriculture is a real, engaging and tangible career path, and that vision has come to life in its first year.”

OA Schools Superintendent Corey Green commented, “Twenty-first century learning skills deem that this program is extremely important,” adding, “Our goal will be to add a greenhouse outside the back of the classroom to fulfill the comprehensive program.”

And, that comprehensive program at OA Schools begins in the early grades. OA students will be exposed to problem-based learning in elementary school and then carry that education and experience with them to the STEAM Academy during middle and high school. STEAM is focused on the four C’s of 21st Century learning, too, such as critical thinking, communication, collaboration and creativity, and prepares students to meet their future goals.

Students at Owego-Apalachin Middle School work on an aquaponics project in a STEAM classroom. (Photo by JoAnn R. Walter)

Green previously commented, “With Senator Akshar’s shared vision and support, at OA we’re making bold moves to ensure our students are well prepared for the world awaiting them.”

Akshar asked OA students a three-fold question; if they have enjoyed what they have learned so far in the agriculture education program, would they consider a career in the field, and, “Should the program be continued?”