In Partnership with Georgia Association of Conservation Districts
The Fall 2022 STEM Challenge is Now Open!
This STEM Challenge is a special project brought to you by the Georgia Ag Experience, the Georgia Foundation for Agriculture and Georgia Farm Bureau's Ag-in-the-Classroom. We partner with the Georgia Association of Conservation Districts to make this happen!
The challenge was developed to help expose elementary teachers and students to science, technology, engineering and math (STEM) involved in agricultural production of food and fiber. We aim to help students recognize their role in agriculture by exposing them to real-world problems that they can help solve.
How is the challenge structured? A bi-annual competition focusing on a real-world ag problem. Elementary classrooms (grades 3 - 5) across Georgia put their skills to the test as they compete to win. Each school receives a digital kit of resources and a tailored educational program for their students. The top 3 classrooms with the best solution can win a prize and be recognized for their effort.
Current Challenge Question:
How can we improve gardening spaces while using water conservation practices?
FRSWCD Conservation Technician Abby Davis and Flint River Fresh School Garden Coordinator Jordan Parker are working with partners on this challenge to develop resources.
2022 CHALLENGE PARTNER
Georgia Association of Conservation Districts
The Georgia Association of Conservation Districts (GACD) is a grassroots non-profit organization representing 40 conservation districts in Georgia. All 159 counties in Georgia are part of a local Conservation District. For over 75 years, the organization's members have volunteered in each district to promote conservation, educate citizens about the importance of conservation, and inform policy makers about natural resource issues. GACD's mission is to advocate for the conservation of Georgia's natural resources by providing organization, leadership and a unified strategic direction to the Conservation Districts of the State. Learn more by visiting the website: https://www.gacd.us/
Did you know?
Farmers use a variety of methods to irrigate their farmland? This helps them produce more crops with less resources! Join our challenge to find out more!
How the Challenge Works:
Register your classroom on this webpage by hitting "Register for the Challenge" at the bottom of this page
Download the Digital Toolkit
Complete the challenge with your students by creating a video presentation answering the challenge question
Upload your class video to YouTube (instructions included in the toolkit)
Upload the class presentation to our submission page for judging by November 18
Tune in to the live winner announcement on December 2. Link emailed when you submit your final presentation.
Challenge Basics:
Each class will be asked to Engage, Explore, Test and Improve, Share Results & Reflect. All steps are outlined in the lesson plan.
For deeper understanding (and bonus points!) ask an expert
Final Project:
Create a video presentation discussing the process of how we can improve and increase gardening spaces while using water conservation methods.
Challenge Parameters:
Class submission must be from students in grades 3rd, 4th, or 5th
1 challenge submission per class
Open to Georgia elementary schools only
Final Submissions Must:
Must include a video presentation (no longer than 5 minutes) on the process of how we can improve and increase gardening spaces
Must demonstrate knowledge of what crops need to grow and the relationship between humans and water conservation methods, particularly in agriculture
Must incorporate the role of farmers and water conservation methods
Must include 5 photos showing the students process throughout the challenge
Prize for top 3 winners
* Top Winner in Each Grade*
$250 classroom supply grant + your choice of physical prize
($350 Total Value)