Kindergarten students from Chardon Hills STEM School recently had a hands-on learning experience as they visited the Urban Agriculture Career and Technical Education (CTE) program at Memorial Options Center. The trip served as an engaging introduction to the farms unit in their CKLA Knowledge curriculum, giving students the opportunity to explore agriculture up close.The visit was filled with excitement and discovery as Urban Agriculture students shared presentations about urban farming and the many careers within the agriculture industry. From growing crops to raising animals, the kindergarteners learned about the vital role agriculture plays in our communities and the innovative ways urban environments can support farming.

A highlight of the visit was meeting the program’s farm animals. The kindergarteners eagerly interacted with goats, rabbits, chickens, and ducks—feeding, petting, and observing the animals up close. The Urban Agriculture students explained the important contributions these animals make, such as providing fur or hair for yarn, eggs, and other valuable resources.

In addition to learning about livestock, the kindergarteners explored the process of crop cultivation. They saw firsthand how food is grown, gaining a deeper understanding of where their meals come from. The Urban Agriculture students also emphasized the importance of sustainability and how urban farming can help create greener, healthier cities.

This interactive field trip was not only an exciting adventure for the kindergarteners but also a wonderful opportunity for the Urban Agriculture students to showcase their expertise and leadership. By sharing their knowledge with younger learners, the CTE students served as mentors and role models, inspiring curiosity about farming and the natural world while getting the students to think about their future careers.

As Chardon Hills kindergarteners begin their farms unit, this memorable visit to the Urban Agriculture program has given them a strong foundation for exploring the concepts of farming, sustainability, and agriculture. The experience brought their learning to life and sparked enthusiasm for discovering more about the world around them.

Thank you to the Urban Agriculture program at Memorial Options Center for providing such a meaningful and engaging experience for our youngest learners.