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Destination Ag
Destination Ag provides an interactive, educational experience for children and all guests focused on modern agriculture and natural resources. Through a variety of programs, guests connect to where their food, fiber, and shelter come from – agriculture!
Program Overview
The program began in 2016 thanks to an initial gift of $250,000 from the Harley Langdale, Jr. Foundation to the ABAC Foundation. In 2017, the Harley Langdale, Jr. Foundation committed $1 million over the next four years to continue the program. The Harley Langdale, Jr. Foundation continues to support Destination Ag providing free programing to public schools in the following districts: Ben Hill, Berrien, Brooks, Colquitt, Cook, Echols, Irwin, Lanier, Lowndes, Tift, Turner, Valdosta City, and Worth. Grades PreK, first, third, and fifth from these schools can visit Destination Ag for no program cost.
Destination Ag does provide programming to school systems (public, independent, or homeschool) and grades beyond those listed above. If interested, please call (229) 391-5221 or email kscott@abac.edu for further information.
Mission
The mission of Destination Ag is to be a dynamic educational program connecting students and teachers to the importance of agriculture and natural resources in their daily lives. Destination Ag provides educational activities directly focused on agriculture and natural resources. The goals for Destination Ag include:
- Providing interactive programs that link curriculum standards, utilize Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM) principles, and share career opportunities within agriculture and natural resources.
- Developing program outreach that includes teacher education/professional development opportunities at the GMA, a series of Family Farm books highlighting Georgia farm families and their commodities, partnerships with industry organizations to provide schools and the public with educational resources.
- Involving ABAC students in teaching/mentoring roles for the children participating in Destination Ag programming.
State Educational Standards
The Destination Ag curriculum is tied to Georgia Early Learning and Development Standards (GELDS) along with the Georgia Standards of Excellence (GSE) and incorporates principles of Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math (STEM). View the specific standards addressed under each lesson description or in the Program Guide.
On-Site Programs
On-Site Programs provided by Destination Ag feature multiple field experiences on agriculture and natural resource topics.
Field Experience
Customize your group’s visit by attending three to four sessions during your Field Experience on-site at Destination Ag.
Details
- Field experiences are available for third and fifth grades in the fall and Pre-K and first grades in the spring.
- First, third, and fifth grade sessions are 30-minutes and PreK sessions are 20-minutes.
- Field experiences include three to four sessions plus a 30-minute lunch break at the Opry Shelter pavilion. The number of sessions is determined by the amount of time the visiting school has available.
- A full program day (four sessions) may start with a 9:15 arrival and end with a 1:15 pm departure. PreK groups may leave by 12:30 pm. See the Programming Guide for more details.
- Teachers will be able to choose lessons for students to participate in. Free Time is included with all Field Experiences.
- During Free Time, students visit the agriculturally themed playground under the supervision of their teachers (Museum staff do not lead this session).
- Lessons are adapted for the grade level to ensure state educational standards are addressed.
- Groups bring sack lunches to enjoy a 30-minute break at the Opry Shelter pavilion.
Pricing
- If you are booking for grades PreK, 1st, 3rd, or 5th from a public school in the following districts (Ben Hill, Berrien, Brooks, Colquitt, Cook, Crisp, Echols, Irwin, Lanier, Lowndes, Tift, Turner, Valdosta City, Wilcox, or Worth), then your school receives no-cost programming, and may already have a field trip scheduled. Confirm with your principal prior to completing this form.
- For groups not listed above, pricing is $10 per student.
- Teachers, other school staff, and bus drivers do not pay for Museum admission. All other adults must pay general museum admission upon arrival.
3rd & 5th Grade Lesson Descriptions (30-minute lessons)
- Agricultural Career-Livestock Manager: Curious about what it takes to manage livestock? Step into the shoes of a livestock manager and discover the essential tasks that keep animals thriving and content. Students will dive into the world of livestock care, meeting some of DA’s animals and having an immersive learning experience! This program addresses the following GSEs: 3NR.4.3, 3.MDR.5.5, S5L4.a, S5L4.b
- Animal Academy: Discover the fascinating world of vertebrates with our engaging Animal Academy! Students will explore the realms of amphibians, reptiles, birds, mammals, and more while getting up close and personal with some incredible creatures. This hands-on adventure allows learners to discover the unique characteristics of each animal group in a fun and interactive way. State standards addressed: S3L1.a, S3L1.b, S3L1.c, S5L1.a, S5L2.b.
- Just Coastal Plain Fun: What makes Georgia’s Coastal Plains unique? Join us to explore this distinct region’s soil, crops, and wildlife. With interactive activities like using an erosion table and meeting Destination Ag’s gopher tortoise, this hands-on session promises an enjoyable and educational experience. State standards addressed: S3E1.a, S3E1.b, S5E1.a, S5E1.b, S5E1.c.
- Forestry Fun: Through the world of forestry, students will discover the basics concepts of economics. Hands-on activities include measuring trees with DBH tapes and examining prescribed fire equipment. Students will understand the important role forestry has in our daily lives. State standards addressed: SS3E1.a, SS3E1.b, SS3E1.c, SS3E1.d, SS5E3.a, SS5E3b.
- *Free Time: This session is included for all on-site field experiences. Students learn through play while enjoying non-structured time at our agriculturally themed play area. Groups may visit the agricultural equipment and visit the pollinator garden. Visiting teachers are responsible for their students and more than one class may be in the Free Time area during a session.
Outreach Programs
Bring Destination Ag to your classroom! Destination Ag offers educational programs for in-classroom experiences focused on agricultural and natural resources. These resources are offered all schools throughout Georgia!
Traveling Trunks
As part of the Destination Ag and Georgia Farm Bureau partnership, Traveling Trunks were developed to teach children throughout the state of Georgia about agriculture and natural resources. Traveling Trunks provide a hands-on experience to engage students in a grade-specific & standards-linked interactive lesson. Georgia Farm Bureau houses the trunks within each of its 10 regions. Volunteers or local county office members can bring the trunks and present the provided lessons to groups at no cost!
Contact your local Farm Bureau office to schedule a visit to your classroom today!
All About Trees
All About Peanuts
Family Farm Book Series
These literary resources are written for elementary-level readers providing an entertaining and unique look into Georgia’s agriculture industry. Students gain a deeper connection to where their daily food and fiber products come from. Currently, Destination Ag offers “My Family’s Cotton Farm,” “Our Family’s Tree Farm,” “My Family’s Peach Farm,” and the newest book, “Our Family’s Pecan Farm!” Books are available at no cost in a downloadable PDF or online through Issu below.
We would like to thank the Georgia Pecan Growers Association! “Our Family’s Pecan Farm” was made possible through their partnership.
Visit the Family Farm Book Resources to download free lessons which incorporate math, ELA, and social studies. Each book is tailored for a specific grade range; however, all books can be used with for any age! All lessons address Georgia education standards to assist with incorporating these resources into classrooms. “Our Family’s Pecan Farm” and “My Family’s Cotton Farm” focus at the primary elementary level (PreK to second grade) while upper elementary (third to fifth grade) geared books include “Our Family’s Tree Farm” and “My Family’s Peach Farm.”
Plan Your Program
- If your class grade is PreK, 1st, 3rd, or 5th AND you are from a public school in the following school districts (Ben Hill, Berrien, Brooks, Colquitt, Cook, Crisp, Echols, Irwin, Lanier, Lowndes, Tift, Turner, Valdosta City, Wilcox, Worth), then your school may already have a field trip scheduled. Confirm with your principal prior to registering.
- If your class is from a different school system (public, independent, or homeschool) please contact us for a possible program. Call (229) 391-5221 or email kscott@abac.edu.