4 minute read
Sparking Green Curiosities
Sparking Green Curiosities
The Field Watchers STEM Program at Naper Settlement.
By Betsy Osman
Science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) education was born from curiosity and designed to prepare future generations to be successful in their educational and professional pursuits. The skills gained from STEM education extend beyond those needed to be successful in STEM fields, preparing children with varied interests who move into any industry to have valuable skill sets that posture them to succeed. Because the ability to think critically and challenge standards is the basis of innovation, much emphasis is focused on problem solving, critical thinking, creativity, decision making, leadership, and entrepreneurship.
STEM learning fosters the bravery needed to try something new, accept failure, learn from it, and move forward.
The thought leaders behind the Field Watchers STEM Program at Naper Settlement are pioneering new educational frontiers by connecting thirdgrade students with Illinois farmers through STEM, inquiry-based learning and experimentation in agronomy. Participating students gain a deep understanding and appreciation for the components of soil and plant health, and connect to Illinois’ agriculture industry by learning the various components of farming.
During Field Watchers field trips to the new Mary and Richard Benck Family Agriculture Center, students become
“FieldWatchers” to farmers, learning about soybean blooms by potting and caring for their own soybean plants. The program continues back in the lab as students monitor their plants and connect remotely to learn from their Field Partner farmers. Classrooms are provided with a monitoring system that will measure the health of their plants, and they can take an active role in adjusting the water, heat, sunlight, or nutrients in the soil to ensure the health of the plants.
“So much STEM learning is based around agriculture, this felt like a very natural adaptation,” says Jeanne Schultz Angel, Associate Vice President for Naper Settlement. “Even though Naper Settlement is an established outdoor history museum, you can’t do justice to the history of Illinois agriculture without technological advancements, science and innovation. We’re bridging the past to the future, so it’s a very forward-facing experience for our young learners.”
Established in 1969, Naper Settlement, through a management agreement with the City of Naperville, operates under the direction and governance of the Naperville Heritage Society, a 501(c)(3) not-for-profit organization. Naper Settlement is a family-friendly outdoor history museum featuring over 30 historic structures spanning 13 acres of learning and interactive opportunities for all ages. Visitors are immersed in history as they learn about the past and how it relates to the present.
The just-opened Mary and Richard Benck Family Agri - culture Center, a 4,000 square foot exhibition and classroom space, is growing fascinating immersive opportunities to learn about Naperville’s storied agricultural history and how it connects to the farming story of the region and nation today. The exhibits will bring to life themes like food production, planting and harvesting of crops, mechanics of simple machines, climate, weather, natural resources, and the economic value of agriculture to communities.
“Our new series of school programming focuses on the past, present, and future of agriculture,” says Angel. “It wasn’t long ago that almost all Illinoisans were farmers. Today, there are around 72,000 farms in Illinois, a small percentage of the population, yet agriculture remains the number one industry in the state. Field Watchers will make connections to sustainable farming, food supply, food insecurity, genetic modifications and organic farming.”
The Illinois Soybean Association (ISA) has partnered with the ag-focused learning program, providing funding for 2500 students to experience Naper Settlement's Field Watchers program this year and helping to foster awareness and discovery in careers in agriculture and the Illinois soybean industry.
“Because of ISA, teachers will be able to provide award winning curriculum and programming to their students,” says Angel. “We’re thrilled with this partnership which aligns students with farmers, classrooms with real-world learning experiences, and consumers across the state the opportunity to grow in their awareness of and appreciation for agriculture.”
She continues, “Our hope is that every young Field Watcher leaves our program feeling a little proud that they live in Illinois where our ag stories are full of innovation and inspiring accomplishments by everyday farmers.”
