Environmental and Agricultural Literacy Education

Educational offerings that utilize environmental and agricultural themes can reinforce basic education for students in kindergarten through twelfth grade (K-12) while also teaching about the environment and agricultural methods and products. A curriculum guide about the environment and food and fiber production was created for K-12 teachers. These materials were evaluated for their effectiveness in increasing student knowledge using elementary classes in several states. It was noted through pre/post tests that younger students, in general, made greater gains. Within five thematic areas, the greatest overall improvement was shown in themes related to the environment. Environmental topics covered, all in the context of agricultural themes, included the need to preserve shared natural resources including land, water, and air as well as the managing of the ecosystem and the use of non-renewable energy resources. Clearly such classroom guides have utility in teaching young students about environmental issues and their relationship to other important topics. This guide and its corresponding Website enhance both opportunities to transmit new knowledge as well as assess performance and impact on behavior.