Empowering Minnesota educators: CFANS bridges research and high school classrooms

CFANS actively empowers high school teachers to bring cutting-edge agriculture, food and natural resource (AFNR) concepts directly into their classrooms. Twice over the past semester, the College bridged the gap between educators and its innovative research with its new AFNR ROCs (pronounced “rocks”) program, funded in partnership with the Minnesota Agricultural Education Leadership Council (MAELC). Ag Ed and STEM teachers traveled to two of the college’s 10 Research and Outreach Centers (ROCs) across Minnesota for immersive, paid professional development experiences.

At August’s “From Field to Classroom” event at the Southwest Research and Outreach Center in Lamberton, six educators learned about current projects in soil health, crop production systems, perennial grains and more — and then were given classroom-ready versions of the topics and research techniques to help students explore authentic agricultural science. 

October’s session brought 11 educators north to the Cloquet Forestry Center. The group returned to the same forest site multiple times, exploring it through various perspectives. Science teacher and CFANS alum Marcee Shramm said she was interested in the Cloquet program for the opportunity to network with other STEM educators and “[think] about more ways to incorporate nature and outdoors into the high school learning experience.”

The group learned about ongoing research and land stewardship in forest ecology that blends Indigenous and western practices. They walked away with activities that use outdoor learning to spark curiosity and encourage careful observation among high school students.  

“Teachers are our most vital partners in inspiring the next generation of agricultural and environmental leaders,” said Cathleen Drilling, Director of Strategic Outreach at CFANS. “AFNR ROCs gives educators the tools, experiences and university connections they need to bring authentic learning to their classrooms and help open doors for students.”

By collaborating with both agricultural and STEM educators, CFANS is helping teachers show students the rewarding AFNR career opportunities across Minnesota and the academic pathways available at the College.