FARM-TO-CLASSROOM
Our farm can come to you!
Select from our list of programs below, which can be catered to meet your curricular needs. All programs are designed to support academic learning standards. Farm-to-Classroom programs can also be a great pre- or post-experience in coordination with a field trip to Gorman Heritage Farm.
Bringing the Farm to your Classroom can help overcome transportation barriers, are easily scheduled around testing schedules, and are a great way for students with special needs to engage in farm-based learning. We look forward to bringing the Farm to you and your students!
- Farm-to-Classroom programs run 30-60 minutes.
- Programming is designed for a group of up to 30 students, or one classroom. We can schedule back-to-back programs to accommodate larger groups.
- The cost for schools and non-profit education centers is $100 per program. The cost for for-profit childcare centers is $125 per program. Financial assistance is available. Please fill out the financial assistance form below.
- There is an additional $0.75 per mile for travel, starting from Gorman Heritage Farm. For example, if your site is 5 miles away from 10052 Reading Rd, that is 10 miles roundtrip, and an additional $7.50 will be added for each program day.
We are now booking Farm-To-Classroom programs for 2024! Fill out the Farm-to-Classroom Interest Form to begin planning your program.
Questions? Email education@gormanfarm.org or call at 513.399.9760.
FARM-TO-CLASSROOM PROGRAM DESCRIPTIONS
These programs last between 30-60 minutes. They are a sample of the programming we can provide. Reach out for more information about customizing these programs for different ages and grades.
A Chicken is a Bird – PreK-5th Grade
This program will encourage students to discover the natural history characteristics of birds by meeting and examining a live chicken. Chickens are birds that share common characteristics with wild birds and have differences that help them provide food for people. All living things have basic needs, including chickens and humans. Using hands-on exploration and discussion, students will learn how farmers provide for the needs of chickens and how chickens can provide food for humans in return. Students will have the chance to pet one of our chicken ambassadors.
Objectives:
- Students will be able to describe the physical characteristics of birds: feathers, beaks, hollow bones, eggs, flight.
- Students will be able to tell how chickens are similar to other birds and how they are different.
- Students will be able to name how chickens benefit farmers and people by providing food.
The Chicken & the Egg – 3rd-6th Grade
This program will encourage students to discover the natural history characteristics of birds by meeting and examining a live chicken. This program will introduce students to the life cycle of birds and the importance eggs and chickens in our food system by meeting a live chicken and dissecting chicken eggs.
Objectives:
- Students will recognize how eggs develop and 2 ways they are hatched.
- Students will be able to describe the parts of the egg.
- Students will be able to recognize in which food group eggs belong and the basic nutritional components of eggs.
Busy, Busy Bees – PreK-6th Grade
Honey bees are busy insects with a unique social structure that enables them to work collectively for their own benefit and that of humans.
This program will encourage students to discover how honey bees help make food for people in two important ways: honey production and pollination services. Students will learn the parts of a hive and structure of a colony, act out the different jobs of a worker bee, learn about the work of a beekeeper, and finish the program on a sweet note by tasting some Gorman Heritage Farm honey.
Objectives:
- Students will be able to describe the two important jobs of bees on a farm: pollination, making honey.
- Students will be able to identify 3-5 foods that are pollinated by bees.
- Students will be able to name the 3 types of honey bees within a colony: queen, drone, worker.
Dig into the World of Worms – PreK-5th Grade
Red wiggler worms can convert food waste to healthy soil, which is important to all terrestrial life and many forms of food production. In this program students will learn all about worms and the benefits they bring to making healthy soil. The compost cycle will be introduced, followed by a meet-and-greet with our Red Wiggler Worms.
** Optional Add-On: Create a worm bin for your school ($150)
Objectives:
- Students will be able to describe the importance of healthy soil to people.
- Students will be able to identify 3 items that can be composted and 3 items that cannot be composted.
- Students will be able to name 1 macroinvertebrate that helps break down compost.
Longer Term Classroom Experiences
Tower Garden Semester – 2nd-12th Grade – $350
Rent a JuicePlus Tower Garden from Gorman Heritage Farm. You can grow food right in the classroom throughout the school year! Semester-long classroom gardening using a portable Tower Garden provides educational opportunities in science, math, literacy and healthy eating. Program includes the loan of Tower Garden equipment, assistance with set-up, seeds, and curriculum ideas. The semester program ends with a delicious Harvest Party!
Your tower garden semester includes:
- Use of the Tower Garden for up to 12 weeks
- All the supplies you need: seeds, rock wool substrate, minerals for the water, lights, pump, timer… everything!
- Delivery and set-up
- One-on-one instructions
- 20-30 minute Farm-to-Classroom program about hydroponic gardening. This can be coordinated in conjunction with your planting day or harvest day.