News

By: Michelle Thompson

Dalhousie University’s Faculty of Agriculture welcomed approximately 500 Grade 8 students from six schools in the area to campus on June 7^th, 8^th and 9^th for the annual Amazing AgZone Race!

AgZone has been welcoming students to campus for many years. “Our goal is to surprise them of what they think agriculture is,” explains Katherine Rutherford, Community Education Officer. “Also, to get the students interested and thinking about a career in Agriculture.”

Students from Central Colchester Jr. High in Onslow, George P. Vanier Junior High from Fall River, Thorburn Consolidated in Pictou County, Truro Junior High, E. B. Chandler from Amherst and Spring Hill Junior High schools participated in the program this year.

“The students very much enjoyed AgZone,” says Michelle Young, Grade 8 Math and Science teacher at Central Colchester Junior High. “They were able to make the connection between the curriculum we cover in Grade 8 science, health and social studies and also make connections with agriculture in our everyday lives.”

Stations included Maple Sugar production, Food & Nutrition, DNA extraction from strawberries, egg strengthening and the 3D Printer in the Engineering Department, along with Aquaculture and more. Guides were made up of 4-H summer assistants and volunteers from the Department of Agriculture.

Last year, a survey revealed attendance at AgZone marked the first visit to the Agricultural Campus for 69 per cent of these Grade 8 students.   

Thanks to all who made this event such a success.