Marion County Ag in the Classroom Updates

Marion County students are getting a hands-on education in agriculture thanks to a unique program led by AITC Coordinator Abbey Walsh. The AR & Agriculture program, designed for 2nd graders, combines Accelerated Reader books with short activities and fascinating facts. So far, students have explored topics like What is Ag, pizza, and pumpkins. Abbey visits 26 second-grade classrooms each month, reaching a total of 419 students. 

Fourth graders also get in on the action every other month. This school year kicked off with lessons on soybeans and corn. In September, students dissected bean pods from the Walshes’ own field and counted the seeds inside, while October’s lessons highlighted Illinois as a top corn-producing state. Students discovered that many everyday products come from corn, including some biodegradable items. A hands-on activity called “Disappearing Ghosts” had students dissolving packing peanuts in water to see how they break down. 

Throughout October, Abbey brought agriculture lessons to 741 students in Marion County, making learning both fun and educational.