Dec. 13, 2023
Seventh-graders this spring can go on an AgVenture.
For the second time this school year, 25 seventh-graders will have the opportunity to explore agricultural sciences with AgVenture, an agricultural learning experience. The pilot for the new program began this fall and included 22 students, all interested in agriculture, said Amanda Vandergrift, coordinator of work-based learning and student experiences.
"AgVenture students learned about the variety of agricultural careers in our community," said Vandergrift. "There are so many ways that students who love earth science, animal science, biology, plant science and more can cultivate agricultural careers in the Ozarks. This is a great introduction for students to discover where their passion for agriculture takes them."
Over the course of four full-days, seventh-graders were able to participate in a variety of learning experiences connected to agriculture during the school day.
AgVenture Learning Experiences Include:
- Tour of Vital Farms
- Presentation from Hillcrest High School's FFA Chapter
- Tour of the new Wilson's Logistics Arena at the Ozark Empire Fairgrounds
- Tour of Darr Agricultural Arena at Missouri State University
- Floral Arrangement Workshop
- Presentation of Precision Agriculture Equipment and integrated drone technology
- Expert presentations on small animal veterinary science, entomology, animal science and more.
"I loved Vital Farms; I never knew there were so many eggs," said GP, AgVenture student. "I liked learning how to pet a cow, animal judging from the Hillcrest FFA and so much more. Livestock animals at school are cool."
Current SPS seventh-graders at SPS who are interested in agriculture, have 95% attendance or higher and are exceptional citizens within their school community are encouraged to apply to AgVenture. The application window for AgVenture opens Dec. 15 and closes Jan. 12.
AgVenture is part of the SPS Agricultural Learning Pathway, including: AgAcademy (a magnet school for 150 students grades 4-6), AgVenture (grade 7) and Agricultural Sciences with FFA at Hillcrest and Glendale high schools (grades 9-12).
