Program Overview:
The Kentucky On The Farm STEM® is a one-day, expenses-paid professional development and immersive learning program for Kentucky science educators. This experience will showcase food, agriculture, beef production, and the scientific research that underpins these systems. Educators will gain meaningful context for teaching science that will inspire today's students, our next generation of scientists and citizens. Participants will investigate real agricultural phenomena, learn directly from producers and scientists, and engage in facilitated sensemaking that links these experiences to classroom instruction. There will also be a pre and post webinar for this event!As a result of this experience, you'll develop an understanding of core science ideas and how to bundle them around agricultural phenomena. Each participant will identify, bundle, and create an agricultural phenomenon for submission to the Kentucky Atlas of Phenomena.
In addition, you'll explore the Food and Agriculture Center for Science Education's high-quality instructional resources, which can make science learning more relevant, meaningful, and authentic for diverse learners.
What to Expect:
• Hands-on immersive learning with experts in agriculture science and beef production during a one-day, in-the-field experience around Lexington, KY, on June 25, 2026
• Blended professional learning format, including asynchronous learning and two virtual webinars.
• Collaboration & community with a diverse cohort of 30 middle and high school science educators from across the state of Kentucky. We encourage middle and high school science educators in Kentucky, regardless of their location in Kentucky, to apply.
• Tools, resources, and inspiration for classroom implementation
• Guidance and support to develop an agricultural phenomenon bundle.
Expenses Covered:
• Travel expenses to and from the event at the state rate will be reimbursed for each participant.
• If traveling more than 100 miles away, one night's hotel stay will be reimbursed upon request up to $120.
• All meals during the event
• Transportation to the experiences during the event
• All supplies and resources
Event Details:
• Program Length: The immersive professional development experience begins in June 2026 and concludes in July 2026.
• Key Dates & Locations:
• Webinar 1 - Relevance and Authenticity in Science Education through Food and Agriculture: Thursday, June 4, from 4 – 5 PM EST
• One-day, In-Person Immersive Event, Lexington, KY area: Thursday, June 25, 2026, from 8:30 AM - 4:30 PM EST
• Webinar 2 - Developing Agricultural Phenomenon: Thursday, July 9, from 4 – 5 PM EST
Is this for You?
Science Educators
This experience is for middle and high school science teachers, including those who teach chemistry, biology, physics, and environmental science. Educator applicants should seek to strengthen three-dimensional instruction, integrate relevant food and agricultural contexts, and make use of high-quality resources that support meaningful classroom learning.
STEM and Science Education Leaders
This experience is also intended for STEM coaches, district science leaders, instructional leaders, curriculum supervisors, and university-based coordinators or coaches who support science teaching and learning across schools and systems.
Applications close Friday, April 17th
30 participants will be notified of their selection by the end of April.