Agriculture in the Classroom (AITC) is an educational program which encourages and enhances agricultural literacy in Grades K-8. AITC helps teachers, especially those with little knowledge of agriculture, integrate the study of this vast industry into existing curriculum.
The mission of the Virginia Foundation for Agriculture in the Classroom is to promote, through education, an awareness and understanding of the importance of agriculture. Such an understanding will enhance the quality of life and economic well-being of all Virginians.
Latest Content
| F is for FiberFiber is the word for agricultural products that are used to produce clothing and paper products. Virginia grows both cotton and wool, as well as the trees that are used to produce paper, cardboard, and other fiber-based products.Grades K-2 | 3-5 Science |
| O is for OrganicThe U.S. Department of Agriculture reports that the organic foods industry is growing at a rate of 20-25 percent annually. Many farmers have switched to raising organic foods in recent years in hopes of increasing profits. Typically, the farmer doesn't use any artificial fertilizers or pesticides in producing organically-raised food products, which can now be found in every major grocery store chain.Grades K-2 | 3-5 Science |
| G is for GrapesThe first grapes were introduced to this country by Spanish explorers to California nearly 300 years ago. Grapes have high nutritional value and make excellent snacks. Research has shown that eating grapes can help prevent cancer and is an excellent source of dietary fiber.Grades K-2 | 3-5 Science |
| M is for MarketingSome Virginia agricultural products are sold on the farm, while others travel out of state or halfway around the world. In 2000, Virginia was ranked 5th among all states for agriculture exports, having exported products worth about 3 billion dollars. Virginia's top exports include manufactured tobacco products, tobacco leaf products, meats, and grains.Grades 6-8 History-Social Science |
| L is for Land PreservationFarmers work hard to improve, manage and preserve the land for future generations, yet it is disappearing at an alarming rate. Farm land improves our environment, provides food for our families, shelters wildlife, improves water and air quality, and benefits the communities where farms are located.Grades K-2 | 3-5 Science |
| I is for IrrigationWater is critical to all living things, especially to plant growth. When rainfall doesn't provide enough ground moisture, farmers irrigate. Irrigation is the artificial watering of the land to sustain plant growth, and dates back to 5000 B.C.Grades K-2 | 3-5 Science |
| R is for Renewable Fuel SourcesRenewable fuel sources are simply products like corn, barley, and soy beans that are used to create fuel and fuel additives. If America used more agricultural products for renewable fuels, this would not only decrease our dependency on foreign countries for oil, but would help U.S. farmers.Grades K-2 | 3-5 | 9-12 Science |
| J is for JamestownTravel with Professor Brad as he visits the Jamestown settlement, now over 400 years old. Lured with promises of finding gold and owning their own land, the first settlers soon found out that, while beautiful, it was tough living. Not only did they have to contend with blistering heat in the summer and bitter cold in the winter, typhoid outbreaks and indian attacks threatened their health and safety.Grades K-2 | 3-5 History-Social Science |