Ag educators from six states rejuvenated their teaching skills during an intensive multi-day training in food science hosted by the Agricultural Leadership, Education and Communication Department at the University of Nebraska-Lincoln. Held at Wayne High School, the in-person sessions were followed by virtual training, offering a hybrid experience.
The training, part of the national Curriculum for Agricultural Science Education (CASE) program, focused on food storage, handling, preparation, and the broader connections of the food system to individuals, communities, and the global economy. Educators collaborated on lab experiments, crafting soda biscuits with varying ingredients, analyzing nutrient and calorie content in beverages, and modifying cookie recipes to explore taste and texture.
Agricultural educators from Wayne Community Schools and Broken Bow Public Schools, valued the collaborative environment and gained valuable insights from fellow teachers. The training equipped them with enhanced curriculum sources, effective classroom management techniques, and practical delivery of industry-relevant content.
The CASE training covered various units, including food chemistry, safety, health, and product development, providing hands-on experience and tools for classroom implementation.
Abigail Lutjelusche, an ALEC teaching major, praised the well-structured CASE institute for offering a glimpse into effective classroom environments and cultivating a supportive ag ed family. Attendees shared potential concerns with the curriculum and brainstormed improvements together, fostering a strong sense of camaraderie.
The annual CASE sessions, held since 2011, have helped hundreds of teachers gain hands-on experience and valuable resources. The training not only boosts the skills of educators but also prepares them to tackle challenges that may arise in the classroom.
With refreshed minds and strengthened abilities, ag educators returned to their schools, ready to inspire the next generation of agricultural leaders.
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Categories: Nebraska, Education