STEM and Inquiry in Agriculture
Fun, hands-on activities to get students thinking and problem solving by carrying out STEM and inquiry challenges with connections to agriculture.
Christmas Tree Resources
Illinois Ag in the Classroom is excited to offer the following resources for teaching students about Christmas Trees:
- Christmas Trees Handout
- Recommended Reading
- Interview with Patricia Toht, author of "Pick a Pine Tree"
- Christmas Tree Lessons
- Interview with a Christmas Tree Farmer
Scroll down to view and download the resources!
Christmas Trees Handout
Read about the history and production of Christmas Trees and meet some Christmas Tree farmers!
Recommended Reading
Christmas Books:
- Mr. Willowby's Christmas Tree by Robert Barry
- Christmas Farm by Mary Lyn Ray
- Christmas Day in the Morning by Pearl S. Buck
- Pick a Pine Tree by Patricia Toht
- Carpenter's Gift: A Christmas Tale about the Rockefeller Center Tree by David Rubel
Winter / Tree Books:
- This Very Tree by Sean Rubin
- Sleep Tight Farm by Eugenie Doyl
- Zee Grows a Tree by Elizabeth Rusch
Have a visit with Patricia Toht, author of Pick a Pine Tree!
Watch this brief interview with the author of Pick a Pine Tree, one of our favorite evergreen tree books, to hear about her holiday traditions, her upcoming books, and more!
IAITC Christmas Tree Lessons
Click the picture to view the lesson!
How are Christmas trees grown in Illinois?
Watch this interview with Brian Helmig, a Christmas tree grower from McLean County, Illinois to learn more about how Helmig Tree Farm grows their trees!
Everything Earth Day: Earth Day & Sustainability Resources
As the weather warms into spring, many teachers and students are antsy to start getting back outside during the school day. Over 95% of primary and secondary schools across the country do just that on April 22nd each year - Earth Day! This month on the blog, we will highlight our favorite Earth Day and Sustainability activities that you can use to help you celebrate.
March at the Market: Gardening and Farmers Market Resources
Spring has officially sprung and farmers all over Illinois are gearing up for the 2024 gardening and farmers market season! This month on the blog, we will help your students warm up with our favorite farmers market, gardening, and specialty crop resources.