Wyoming Ag in the Classroom Sees High Participation in Contest
The time has come for students to submit artwork for the Wyoming Agriculture in the Classroom Bookmark Contest. With over 1,400 entries to review, I can’t tell you how much I love looking at all the submissions. I wish there was a way to publish them all. Each has a unique story, insightful message and beautiful artwork that puts me at awe. For example, one submission has come in with the message, “No better steward than a rancher!”
This fifth grader didn’t know when he sent in his bookmark that he had captured one of the key concepts in our current educational effort of the Wyoming Stewardship Project. We want our students to know what resources there are in Wyoming, who cares for them and ultimately what their responsibility is and ways they can participate in Wyoming’s legacy.
This past fall we sent out surveys asking what you would like students to know about Wyoming. Given our state’s multiuse of resources, the surveys brought in many thoughts. From the survey results, we have worked diligently with stakeholders of agriculture, energy and minerals and recreation sectors to select key learning concepts for our work as an organization.
We are asking for your help again for comments. Please take time to view the key learning concepts to date and let us know if you think something isn’t clear, a concept needs to be added or if we are on the right track.
This is our first draft, and we know the current work needs input and revision to truly serve as a foundational document guiding our work. On the Wyoming Agriculture in the Classroom website, you will first see a diagram of our approach. Natural resources are vital for the agriculture, recreation, energy and minerals sectors. We believe that it is important to teach an understanding of natural resources first and then work into the sectors. While teaching these concepts, we believe in reinforcing the people and culture that make Wyoming, Wyoming. Thank you to all the stakeholders who have taken time to participate in multiple meetings and prepare this draft document.
The concepts will be loaded on our website for comment from March 8 to April 8. Please provide feedback on our website, email or call our office and share your thoughts.
Thank you for your time and support of our work. It is greatly appreciated. As you view the concepts I hope you also take time to vote for your favorite bookmark during National Agriculture Week March 14-18. Many students, just like Shane, took time to share an important message for our state. Thank you to Shane and all the other students. We enjoy your bookmarks, and I think you’re on the right track!
To comment or donate to this effort contact Wyoming Agriculture in the Classroom online at wyaitc.org or at 207-369-1749.
