2008 Faculty Development Workshops
An AgrowKnowledge highlight each summer is the opportunity for educators to upgrade their teaching methods and skills by attending one of our faculty development workshops. Plans are underway for the Summer of 2008. This year a prerequisite to your attendance at one or more of our summer faculty development workshops is to submit a lesson plan or learning activity that incorporates math, science, or technology - read more about it here.
Additional Workshops are being developed for the summer of 2008. Check back to see what exciting workshops AgrowKnowledge will be offering this year!
National Workshops
Tying Entrepreneurship Skills to Math, Science, Technology and AgricultureJune 16th - 17th, 2008, (Prior to the NAAE Region III Conference) La Crosse, WIParticipants will receive an overview of entrepreneurship including innovation and creativity, opportunity recognition/idea evaluation, marketing/market research, finance, and business operations as they relate to agriculture. Successful agricultural entrepreneurs use math, science, and technology skills to develop and grow their businesses. This workshop will reinforce the principles with hands-on activities allowing participants to further internalize the concepts presented. Participants will learn how to guide their students through the process of identifying and developing agricultural business opportunities. Participants will receive access to business planning curriculum and resources.Biotechnology Level IIJuly 23rd - 25th, 2008, El Reno, OKThis workshop will focus on agricultural biotechnology. Participants learn about the use of the polymerase chain reaction (PCR), protein fingerprinting, DNA extraction and bio-informatics. Participants become aware of sources for equipment and support. Biotechnology I is a prerequisite for attending this workshop.Alternative Energy in AgricultureAugust 6th - 8th, 2008, Fennimore, WIMore details will be posted soon.Math and Science of Greenhouses and HydroponicsOctober 8th - 10th, 2008, Orlando, FLMore details will be posted soon.
Regional Workshops
Introductory Agricultural Data CollectionJune 24th - 25th, 2008, Bismark, NDParticipants learn introductory field data collection techniques by using a simple handheld GPS to collect points and attributes from the local area. These points and attributes are then used to create a viewable table in ArcView. An aerial photo and other data are employed to check for accuracy.Introductory Agricultural Data CollectionJuly 14th - 15th, 2008, El Reno, OKParticipants learn introductory field data collection techniques by using a simple handheld GPS to collect points and attributes from the local area. These points and attributes are then used to create a viewable table in ArcView. An aerial photo and other data are employed to check for accuracy.Data Collection and Manipulation for GIS July 17th - 18th, 2008, Wooster, OHIn-depth knowledge of field data collection methods used by precision farming specialists are learned through the use of hand held computers with GPS units and field software. Soil samples are taken and crop scouting is conducted. A yield monitor system is reviewed and raw yield data is processed to a yield map. Specific sampling techniques and joining data together in a GIS is covered.GIS Data ManagementJuly 29th - 31st, 2008, Rexburg, IDThe workshop is designed to provide college and high school instructors with basic skills in collecting and managing GPS data. The workshop will also provide teaching modules that instructors can use to teach high school and college students. The training will cover GIS and GPS basics using ESRI's ArcGIS software and Garmin's Etrex Legend GPS units. Attendees will collect data with GPS units and download the data to a computer to be displayed in ArcGIS software. The collected data will be used to make decision such as where to place a flower bed, restaurant, or irrigation equipment.
