Middle School

A black and white silhouette of a corn on the cob on a white background.

Ag Impact in Illinois

A diagram showing the process of growing corn.
Two corn on the cob with the words can you tell the difference

A Golden Crop: A comprehensive lesson on corn as a commodity, including topics like the futures market, supply and demand, and economic impact. 


Corn: a multi-use crop: A ready-to-use classroom presentation 


The Mystery of Corn: Science and History of Corn

The logo for nourish the future tomorrow 's science is looking for leaders

Nourish the Future is a national education initiative created by science teachers for science teachers that bridges modern agricultural practices with K‑12 science education. Its primary aim is to cultivate a nationwide network of educators who use sound, science-based resources to spark critical thinking and to connect students with real-world agricultural science. Below is a comprehensive summary highlighting key aspects of the website that are particularly useful for agricultural education in middle and high school classrooms, or for farmers looking to educate non-farmers:


Curriculum and Educational Resources

  • NGSS-Aligned Curriculum:
    The website provides free, hands-on curriculum resources that are designed to meet the Next Generation Science Standards (NGSS). Topics include:
  • Animal Science: For example, lessons on dairy challenges and cattle genetics that explore how biological principles are applied on the farm.
  • Biofuels and Bioproducts: Lessons on fermentation processes and the production of renewable fuels.
  • Biotechnology and Food Security: Investigations into genetic modifications, breeding techniques, and how science is used to sustain a growing global population.
  • Soil, Water, and Sustainability: Activities that demonstrate the importance of soil health and water quality in sustaining agriculture.
  • Practical, Real-World Connections:
    The curriculum is designed to translate complex scientific concepts into real-world applications. This makes abstract STEM topics accessible and relevant by showing students, for instance, how agriculture informs environmental stewardship and sustainable practices.


A black and white icon of a woman holding a fork.

Mission: Through grassroots advocacy, create a future for Illinois farmers in which they can operate freely, responsibly, and successfully.