By Alice McFarlane

Kid-friendly website brings the story of agriculture to life

Oct 29, 2021 | 11:53 AM

MELFORT, Sask. – Agriculture in the Classroom Saskatchewan (AITC-SK) has launched phase two of their student-centered website.

ExploreSaskAg.ca includes interactive information, illustrations, and real-life photos.

Teachers can access a variety of quizzes, activities, and lessons to lead students in their discovery of agriculture.

The website, designed for grades three to seven, investigates the past, present, and future of agriculture in the province.

AITC-SK Executive Director Sara Shymko said phase two includes 67 new sections, covering important topics like technology on farms today, the future of plant genetics, the evolution of farm equipment, and policies that affected First Nations farmers. Each section includes quizzes and over 25 activities.

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“I truly believe that this website will provide valuable learning experiences for students for many years to come,” Shymko said. “We incorporated feedback from educators and topic experts throughout the development process and have worked hard to ensure the website is informative, engaging, and accessible for all.”

Saskatchewan is all Treaty land, and the story of agriculture is deeply interconnected with the stories of Indigenous peoples. AITC-SK formed an Indigenous advisory committee to ensure that the Indigenous content on the website is accurate, fair and honours the history.

Whitecap Dakota First Nation Education Consultant Ian Worme said the committee was comprised of an Elder, teachers, and agriculturalists.

“This website will be an important learning tool for both Indigenous and non-Indigenous students and a catalyst to embrace land-based education,” Worme said. “Observe nature and you’ll see patterns in everything natural. If you take care of the land, the land will take care of you.”

A few final components are set to be added to the website including additional information on Metis people and agriculture, and further lesson plans to help teachers guide students in their exploration.

Although the website was created with students in mind, the elements and interesting information will capture the attention of people of all ages.

Since the initial launch in April, the website has had over 70,000 page views.

Visit ExploreSaskAg.ca to learn more.

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alice.mcfarlane@pattisonmedia.com

On Twitter: @farmnewsNOW