Winter 1999

In this issue   Learning to teach: Extension volunteers share Internet skills Iowa Institute for Public Leadership brings state officials together Kids find Ag-Citing ISU and Extension respond to farm economy issues Extension strengthens low-resource families Modern Johnny Appleseed sows technology Kids dig in the dirt and grow in the garden Iowa roadways gain appeal Start college while in high school __________ The Extension Connection Winter 1999 homepage

Kids find Ag-Citing Third and fourth graders, 1,200 in the Clay County area, know corn is used to make golf tees. They know which Iowa counties grow popcorn and how big a hog is when it goes to market. They learned all this and more at the Clay County fair. A rewarding combination &endash; Students, fair exhibitors and livestock turn the barns into a sensory classroom. (Photo copyright by Judy Hemphill) They had their senses "tickled" at fair workshops during half-day sessions where they heard, felt, touched, smelled and tasted the lessons provided by the rich agriculture resources at the fair through Ag-Citing, an ISU Extension program and curriculum designed by Ann Lohman and Karen Gebel. The kids call it games, the teachers say it is a hands-on learning experience and the organizers call it a wealth of sensory experiences provided by a unique learning atmosphere. "Walk-abouts" of the agriculture exhibits in the barns, exhibit halls and the machinery display area brought students in touch with Iowa agriculture, local ambassadors and Extension's ability to teach in unique ways.