Date of Award
Spring 5-11-2022
Advisor(s)
Teresa Mares
Project Description
Given the structural problems in education laid bare by the recent pandemic, we as a community of educators need to re-evaluate goals for secondary science education. Specifically, classrooms and course content must evolve to become more socially responsive, inclusive, and interdisciplinary. Agricultural education is a demonstrably effective way to boost STEM (science, technology, engineering, and mathematics) comprehension as well as SEL (social-emotional learning) skills building. In this study, I use qualitative interview methods to assess current agricultural coursework at independent schools around New England. Results show intriguing themes stemming from designing and implementing farm-based courses, although there are logistical barriers to development. Overall, participants reported that with thoughtful administrative structuring, agricultural STEM education can be a promising pedagogy for improving student experiences in secondary science classrooms.
Project Approach
Education
Document Type
Dissertation/Thesis
Recommended Citation
Knowlton, Catherine Clare, "School farms and STEM: using institutional resources to promote deeper learning" (2022). Food Systems Master's Project Reports. 25.
https://scholarworks.uvm.edu/fsmpr/25
Included in
Agricultural Education Commons, Curriculum and Instruction Commons, Curriculum and Social Inquiry Commons, Educational Methods Commons, Outdoor Education Commons, Science and Mathematics Education Commons, Secondary Education Commons, Vocational Education Commons