![2025 Conference Logo Vector [Recovered].png](https://static.wixstatic.com/media/694e9b_5efd58ec12fa49e484f130d667b8cd5e~mv2.png/v1/fill/w_168,h_169,al_c,q_85,usm_0.66_1.00_0.01,enc_avif,quality_auto/2025%20Conference%20Logo%20Vector%20%5BRecovered%5D.png)
Make N' Takes
Beef in the Classroom
Presented By: Jill Standen, Howard Elementary School
In this lesson students will learn how cows eat and process their food. We will use the Ag in the Classroom "Chew it Twice" resources to follow the path food takes on its way through the cow. Literature that follows this lesson will also be shared and a brief extension to integrate ag science with writing skills.
Grades: K-6
Location: Atrium-Solarium
No Garden, No Problem
Presented By: Kevin Jordan, Leo A. Palmiter Jr./Sr. High School
Learn the different methods and strategies to cultivate different types of plants without the need for a traditional school garden. Learn about cultivating herbs, mushrooms, micro greens, succulents, and tropical plants in your classroom. You don't necessarily need a school garden to teach your students about cultivating plants in a meaningful way. This presentation will empower you to grow without a garden.
Grades: K-12​​
Location: Atrium-Solarium
Butter in a Jar
Presented By: Miranda Blagg
In this hands-on activity, attendees will explore the butter-making process by shaking jars of heavy whipping cream to observe the physical change from cream to butter and buttermilk. They will learn how to present this activity in their classroom and receive the lesson to take home with them.
Grades: K-​8
Location: Atrium-Solarium
Poppin Good Time
Presented By: Suzanne Squires, Los Olivos School
Students grow their own popcorn, harvest the cobs and create a gift using the kernels. Students create their gift using small mason jars, ribbon and their own popcorn brand label. This project can turn into a genetics experiment on the colors of kernels as red, yellow, white and blue are passed on from one generation to the next. Popcorn can also be marketed and sold instead of using it as a gift. Popcorn is easy to grow and easy to study. Participants will see how it can be grown and used in third grade and middle school to enhance their curriculum.
Grades: K-8​​
Location: Atrium-Solarium
Worker Bee Roles: Lesson and Game
Presented By: Emily Helton, Honeybee Discovery Center
Students will explore the different roles of worker bees, drones, and the queen. Through engaging visuals and discussions, students will understand how honeybees work together to support their hive and the importance of bees in nature.
Grades: K-6
Location: Atrium-Solarium
Solar Bracelets
Presented By: Adrian Williams, SMUD
Participants will experiment with a STEM activity SMUD uses with students that introduces students to the power and impact the sun has on the planet. They will use UV beads to understand UV rays, visible light and more. Participants will be able to take home the activity they complete and receive information on how to replicate the activity for their students at low or no-cost depending on their location.
Grades: K-3
Location: Atrium-Solarium
Hexagons in the Hive
Presented By: Carolina Burreson, Honeybee Discovery Center
Taught as a discovery lesson, during which students discover why honeybees build hexagonal cells. Honeybees are purposeful in their choice to build hexagonal cells because it is the most-sided polygon that will cover a plane without waste. It is also the polygon closest to being circular without waste, which accommodates bees in the larval stage, which is round.Grades: K-6
Location: Atrium-Solarium
Seeds of Knowledge: Empowering Students through Seed Saving & Homemade Seed Packets
Presented By: Jessica Eves, Darnall Charter School and CFAITC Outstanding Educator
Join us for a hands-on workshop designed for garden educators interested in teaching seed saving and creating homemade seed packets. Learn how to select, harvest, and store seeds while gaining student engagement strategies that highlight the value of plant diversity and sustainability. Then, get creative by making personalized, eco-friendly seed packets—perfect for classroom or garden use. You'll leave with practical tools, ready-to-use materials, and fresh ideas to inspire your students and deepen their connection to gardening.
Grades: K-6
Location: Atrium-Solarium
Rethinking Your Seed Library: Family Time!
Presented By: Margaret O’Neill, UCCE San Bernardino County Master Gardeners/San Bernardino County Farm Bureau
It's time to rethink your seed library! Learn a new way to sort your seeds and teach your scholars a little more about the seed saving process. In the make 'n' take session you will make your own little library and learn how to sort plants by season and plant family. Participants will come away with seeds and a new layer of understanding on how to take your seed library to the next level!
Grades: K-12
Location: Atrium-Solarium
Ag Art Projects on a Budget
Presented By: Chris Lavagnino, Ronald Reagan Elementary School
More than ever, educators are pinching pennies and trying to find cost effective projects for students. Join this presentation for simple and cheap ideas to take back to your students.
Grades: K-6
Location: Atrium-Solarium
Ag Starts with Me: Leadership & Communication Through Everyday Agriculture
Presented By: Maria Azevedo, California Women for Ag - Merced Chapter
From tacos to T-shirts, agriculture is part of every student’s life. This workshop helps educators teach communication and leadership through relatable ag concepts like food, clothing, and nature. Using engaging activities and speaking games, students build confidence while discovering how they're connected to ag—whether or not they’ve ever set foot on a farm.
Grades: 4-12
Location: Atrium-Solarium
What's the Dirt on Soil? Hands-On Jar Test for the Classroom
Presented By: Marjie Zarinelli, CA Ag in the Classroom Curriculum Developer
Dig into soil science with a hands-on jar test! In this interactive session, you’ll explore how students can investigate soil texture, compare samples, and uncover what makes healthy soil. Walk away with a classroom poster, student worksheet, and educator guide that link soil health to food and NGSS-aligned science learning.
Grades: K-6
Location: Atrium-Solarium
Plantable Seed Paper Making Activity
Presented By: Evy Young, Orange County Fair - Centennial Farm
What is plantable seed paper? Seed paper is paper with seeds embedded into it. Once placed in soil and watered, it will germinate and sprout little seedlings. Eventually, the paper will decompose and leave the seedlings to grow into mature plants. The seed paper is very easy to make, and incorporates many different topics for discussion with your students including but not limited to: Environment/recycling, Art, Gardening, Food preservation – dehydration, etc. The plantable seed paper you make can be used for invitations, birthday cards, giveaways or other gifts.
Grades: K-6
Location: Atrium-Solarium