OREGON, Ill. - Ms. Tammy Greene of Kings School received a book grant on soil from the Illinois Agriculture in the Classroom program, the IAA Foundation, and the Illinois Farm Bureau.  Her fourth-grade class will be learning about soil throughout the year.  

The mission of the Illinois Agriculture in the Classroom (IAITC) program is to bring accurate and authentic agricultural information to students in grades PreK-12 across Illinois. “Each year, our teacher grant program is very competitive, and our judging panel is amazed at the unique programs teachers use to infuse agriculture into their curriculum. Our grant recipients are ready to jump into units of study highlighting agriculture.  We see 2023-2024 as a prime opportunity for teachers to infuse their curriculum with agriculture,” said Kevin Daugherty, Director of the Illinois Center for Agricultural Engagement and IAITC.

Ms. Greene's class started the year “planting” underwear.  This is a fun, hands-on activity where students can understand what makes soil healthy by burying pairs of cotton underwear and watching them decompose over time.  

They recently dug up their underwear to see much of it was missing due to the many organisms in the soil.

Susan Moore, Director of the IAA Foundation, added, “We take pride in providing resources so teachers can continue engaging and inspiring students. These grants are a meaningful way for the IAA Foundation to partner with like-minded organizations to fulfill our mission to support the future of agriculture through education.”

Partner organizations of IAITC include Illinois Farm Bureau, Facilitating Coordination in Agricultural Education (FCAE), University of Illinois Extension, Illinois Beef Association, Illinois Corn Growers, Illinois Pork Producers, Illinois Soybean Association, Midwest Dairy Association, Illinois Department of Agriculture and the Association of Soil and Water Conservation Districts. In addition, annual donors include agribusiness partners and event participants with an interest in supporting the future of agriculture. For information on how individuals can contribute, visit www.iaafoundation.org.  For information on IAITC, visit www.agintheclassroom.org.

Ag in the Classroom is offered through the University of Illinois Extension in partnership with Ogle County Farm Bureau, Carroll County Farm Bureau, Ogle County Soil & Water, and Carroll County Soil & Water.

PHOTO: Students in Ms. Greene's fourth grade class learned about soil and decomposition during the "Soil Your Undies" learning activity.