Creating a culture of student growth requires more than quality projects and activities. It starts with building student ownership of learning, strengthened through meaningful community engagement and support. For educators who are not members of the communities they serve or new to community projects, finding authentic connections can feel intimidating.
In this session, we will explore practical tools and strategies any classroom can use to leverage community relationships, promote student growth, and increase student ownership of learning.
The Soybean Science Challenge has engaged thousands of students and educators across the nation by connecting classroom science to real-world agricultural applications. This session will highlight how the program leverages a blended learning model that includes in-service teacher training, virtual field trips, classroom laboratory instruction, mentoring, and independent research opportunities. Attendees will explore how these experiences culminate in student participation in competitive science fairs, with opportunities for recognition and awards tied to soybean and agricultural research.
