Cranberry STEAM Learning Project

Cranberry STEAM Learning Project Lesson Plans

The Cranberry STEAM Learning Project is a newly formed Steering Committee representing Wisconsin’s cranberry industry and youth education. Using a grant awarded from the proceeds from the 2018 Wood County Farm Technology Days, numerous educational kits have been assembled to teach traditional and non-traditional students about Wisconsin’s state fruit, the Cranberry.

Lessons have been developed to engage students in Science, Technology, Engineering, Art and Math (STEAM). In addition to original lessons, our Cranberry STEAM lesson plans have been derived from existing plans that have been altered and enhanced to include Ag-literacy components. With these resources’ volunteers, teachers, and other agricultural advocates will help our youth better connect where food comes from, teach them about healthy eating and provide fun educational experiences.

Our vision is to remain in traditional and non-traditional classroom settings, targeting K-5 grade levels and learning organizations such as Boys & Girls Club, YMCA, Scouts, etc.

Our goal is to educate, promote and stimulate interest in agriculture, focusing on cranberry production. We’ve constructed tangible classroom learning tools for cranberry agricultural education and STEAM-based demonstrations to accompany the lesson plans. The goal is to merge cranberry agricultural education with STEAM concepts for agriculture learning initiatives/Ag-literacy.

The Cranberry STEAM Classroom Demonstration Kit Grant was written by the Cranberry STEAM Education Steering Committee, Co-Chairs Heidi Slinkman (Gaynor Cranberry Co. & Chair of the Wood County FTD Cranberry Exhibit 2018) & Pamela Verhulst (Cranberry Industry Consultant & FTD Cran-Expo Volunteer).

The Cranberry STEAM Steering Committee evolved from the 2018 Wood County Farm Technology Days - Cranberry Expo. During Farm Technology Days, we witnessed the power of hands-on learning from our cranberry bog displays and education tents. We recognized the value of connecting our community to cranberry farming and saw the need to enhance cranberry agricultural education materials for the classroom.

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