Hands-On Activities and Challenge Tests in Agricultural and Environmental Education

Abstract

Many agricultural and environmental problems are interrelated and overlapping. Several agencies, including nonprofit organizations, have developed programs to educate schoolchildren about agricultural and environmental issues; however, programs that integrate both agricultural and environmental learning, especially among middle and high school students, are limited. To facilitate agricultural and environmental learning among middle and high school students, an agricultural and environmental challenge program was developed at the University of Louisiana at Lafayette (UL Lafayette) in southwestern Louisiana. Educators conducted 4 challenge events for middle and high school students in 2002. Each event consisted of 5 stations: water quality, plant science, soil science, land management, and aquaculture. Groups of 5 to 6 students spent 25 min at each station engaged in hands-on activities and discussion. At the end of each event, appropriate tests were administered, and prizes and a scholarship to study in the College of Applied Life Sciences at UL Lafayette were awarded. Students evaluated the events at the end of the day. Teachers and students reported that the events were very interesting, informative, and educational. Hands-on activities and challenge tests enhanced student's interest, motivation, and ability to think critically about contemporary agriculture and environmental issues in the region.

Keywords:

• aquaculture
• challenge tests
• critical thinking
• hands-on activities
• land management
• learning process
• plant science
• soil science
• water quality