Join educators, farmers and GMRI staff in Aroostook county for an interactive workshop exploring agriculture, climate change, and community resilience. Participants will take a deep dive into GMRI's Potato Farming in Maine's Changing Climate module, a series of lessons designed for Maine students in grades 5 thorugh 9.

Engage in insightful conversations and tours with local potato farmers and processors and gain firsthand knowledge of their strategies for resilience. Later, convene at Washburn District Elementary School for an in-depth exploration of the curriculum. Through interactive lessons, a game, data stations, and reflection, discover how to integrate these activities into the learning experiences you provide for youth.

Enjoy dinner along with mileage reimbursement, contact hours, and a $75 stipend (for educators). Participants who cannot attend the full day can choose to join from 3:30-8:00 only, please indicate this preference on your registration form.

Agenda
12:30-3:00 pm: Tours of Porter and McCrum Farms

3:30-8:00 pm: Deep dive in the potato curriculum at Washburn District Elementary School

-Creating Context: How potato farming curriculum connects climate change and Maine's communities.

-Growing Plants in Maine’s Changing Climate: How climate changes are impacting potato farming.

-Exploring data: Understanding what data can teach us about changing conditions and being resilient

-Adapting Crops to a Changing Climate: Choices current, Maine farmers are making

-Hot Potato! Potato Farming Game: Play the role of a farmer in a changing climate to produce the most potatoes

-Dinner

-Building Climate Resilient Potatoes: How Maine scientists are building climate resilient potatoes

-Reflection and Connection

Don't miss this opportunity and invite your colleagues!