21/08/2024 | Press release | Distributed by Public on 21/08/2024 20:21
In a world where STEM education is increasingly vital, the STEM-it Up2 program is set to transform the teaching of plant science, inspiring the next generation of green industry professionals.
STEM-it Up2 is a 3-year professional development program for United States agriscience teachers, taught by a multi-institutional team of educators and graduate students.
Led by Catherine DiBenedetto, an agricultural education associate professor at Clemson University, this initiative offers virtual and hands-on professional development for 16 agriscience teachers selected nationwide. STEM-it Up2 equips teachers with the knowledge to develop innovative learning modules aiming to strengthen agricultural literacy, STEM skills, and a focus on career exploration in plant science, horticulture and floriculture.
"STEM-it Up2 is an immersive program exploring each stage of the fresh-cut flower industry," DiBenedetto said. "During this program, teachers encounter all aspects of the floral distribution channel and immerse themselves in the world of floriculture."
Connie Lujan, an agriscience teacher at Mesa Vista Middle High School in Ojocaliente, New Mexico, is one SIU2 participant who is eager to prepare her students for careers in floriculture.
"Agriculture is mostly a hobby in our area," Lujan said. "Our students have very little knowledge about farming. I would like to take what I've learned here back to my students to introduce them to floriculture as a possible career option."
Lujan, who has been teaching for 40 years, was the first female agriscience teacher in New Mexico. She teaches high school classes in floriculture, food science, leadership, and welding.
"STEM-it Up2 is a great way for me to get the knowledge I need to educate my students," she said.
The program is funded by a $500,000 grant from the United States Department of Agriculture's National Institute of Food and Agriculture. It is an extension of DiBenedetto's STEM-it Up program, supported by the American Floral Endowment.
STEM stands for Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics. It is an educational initiative designed to provide students with critical thinking skills to make them creative problem solvers and ultimately more marketable in the workforce.
In addition to DiBenedetto, other team members include Natalie Ferand of Virginia Tech, Bryan Myers of the University of Florida, Richie Roberts of Louisiana State University, and Aaron McKim of Michigan State University.
Each teacher received a technology package that included an iPad Mini to use in their lessons.
"I don't have anything like this to work with," said Lauren Graham, a teacher at Limestone County Career Technical Center in Athens, Alabama. "I'm excited to have this iPad Mini that I can use with my lessons so that my students will benefit."
The teachers also visited Clemson University agriscience laboratories where they engaged in laboratory research with James Faust, professor of floriculture physiology. They also learned how to isolate Botrytis fungus.
In addition, the program included industry tours to highlight all aspects of the floral distribution channel.
Kristin Gehsmann, dean of the Clemson University College of Education, praised the program for equipping teachers to introduce students to the specifics of the floriculture industry.
"STEM-it Up2 is an example of the power and value of transdisciplinary, place-based, experiential learning," Gehsmann said. "When learning is engaging, relevant, and tied to real-world applications, it helps students answer the question, 'Why am I learning this?' and prepares them to become leaders and innovators."
Stem-it Up² agriscience teachers open their technology packages. (Photo: Kyleigh C. Hilburn/University of Florida)
Each teacher participating in the program received an iPad Mini to use in their classrooms.
Lori Ballard, agriscience teacher from Florida, uses her iPad Mini to shoot photos and videos during FloraLife's presentation in Walterboro, South Carolina. (Photo: Kyleigh C. Hilburn/University of Florida)
Emily Dent, an agriscience teacher from Alabama, enjoys all the fun creatures at the South Caroline Botanical Garden. (Photo: Kyleigh C. Hilburn/University of Florida)
Paul Young and John Clark, agriscience teachers from North Carolina, soak up the beauty of the South Carolina Botanical Garden. (Photo: Kyleigh C. Hilburn/University of Florida)
Stem-it Up² teachers study plants growing in Clemson University greenhouses.
The teachers tour Jet Fresh Flowers in Miami, Florida. (Photo: Joel Serrano/Jet Fresh Flowers)
Stem-it Up² agriscience teachers use technology to capture photos and videos of a hydrangea showcased by Fernando Ortega, Jet Fresh Flower Distributors general manager in Miami, Florida.
Steven DuBose, agriscience teacher from South Carolina, shoots photos at Jet Fresh Flower Distributors in Miami, Florida. (Photo: Kyleigh C. Hilburn/University of Florida)
Nora Melley, New Jersey agriscience teacher, and Lauren Grahman, Alabama agriscience teacher, take notes at Jet Fresh Flowers in Miami, Florida. (Photo: Kyleigh C. Hilburn/University of Florida)
Natalie Ferand, Virginia Tech assistant professor, explains Costa Farm's greenhouse science to Danielle Smith, an agriscience teacher from Tennessee. (Photo: Kyleigh C. Hilburn/University of Florida)
Agriscience teachers Lauren Graham from Alabama and John Clark from North Carolina, harvest sunflowers at River Bend Blooms in Allen County Kentucky. (Photo: Kyleigh C. Hilburn/University of Florida)
A group of Stem-it Up² agriscience teachers work with Michelle Wheeler at River Bend Blooms in Allen County Kentucky. (Photo: Kyleigh C. Hilburn/University of Florida)
The teachers pay a visit to FloraLife in Walterboro, South Carolina. (Photo: Kyleigh C. Hilburn/University of Florida)
Danielle Smith, Lauren Graham, Brooke Hall, Adriane Watts, Connie Lujan and Carol Travis show off the American Floral Endowment logo. The American Floral Endowment helped fund this immersive travel experience. (Photo: Kyleigh C. Hilburn/University of Florida)
*Note: Kyleigh C. Hilburn is a doctoral student at the University of Florida. Photos not shot by Hilburn should be credited with Clemson University photo.
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