What is Farm Lab?

Farm lab is a field trip to a working farm, where students learn about the science of growing our food. Farm Lab is a living laboratory where students dive into water, plant, and soil science activities. Finally, we teach how we are all part of the food supply chain. The Farm Lab Program is aligned with 3rd-grade NGSS standards and is offered free of charge to all schools.

Now Available in Santa Barbara and Ventura Counties!


• Allan Hancock College Vineyard and Community Garden - Santa Maria, CA
• Petty Ranch - Saticoy, CA

Scroll down to learn more and download the Farm Lab Passport here!

Program Mission

To build awareness of and appreciation for agriculture from farm to consumption through hands on experiential learning with an emphasis on soil science, plant science, water cycles, and entomology via classroom and field trip presentations.

Participate in all 3 of our programs below to learn the journey of our food!

INTRO TO SEEAG PRESENTATION

(To be scheduled and conducted prior to your field trip)

In this classroom presentation, we aim to establish and strengthen the young students’ connection to agriculture and our food. This presentation is the foundation in agricultural literacy, and is the first building block in our comprehensive third grade curriculum.

This 1-hour lesson includes:

  • Intro to SEEAG

  • The Food Supply Chain

  • Nutrition & the Origins of our Food

  • Understanding Plant Parts

  • Field Trip Preparation

FARM LAB FIELD TRIP

(To be conducted following the completion of our “Intro to SEEAG” program)

SEEAG’s Farm Lab provides students with a hands-on learning experience by immersing them in a working farm. Educators guide students through four stations equipped with STEM-integrated learning objectives that create a realistic understanding of the agricultural industry. This excursion provides insight into current farming practices and opens students’ eyes to the science behind their food.

This 3.5-hour trip includes:

  1. Plant & Insect Science: Educates students about the various components of plants, demonstrates how to plant and care for a seedling, and teaches them about the distinction between pest and beneficial insects and their roles on a farm.

  2. Soil Science: In this portion, we teach what makes a healthy soil. We give students the opportunity to use their senses to distinguish between healthy and unhealthy soil. Lastly, we give the students an opportunity to create their own soil Play-Doh, what we call texturing to estimate how much water a soil can hold for growing plants.

  3. Water Science: Introduces the importance of water in a farm ecosystem, identifies the main stages of the water cycle, and explains the significance of groundwater extraction, irrigation, and water conservation.

  4. The Food Supply Chain: Provides students with an overview of the many people and professions involved in the process of bringing food from farms to their tables.

NUTRITION & WELLNESS PRESENTATION

(Recommended to take place after your “Intro to SEEAG” & “Farm Lab” Program)

This presentation is designed for students to learn about the important role locally grown fruits and vegetables play in their health and well-being, a perfect way to cap off learning about the journey of our food. Participation is highly recommended to enhance the students’ comprehensive experience in learning about the journey of our food.

Check out Youth Wellness Initiative webpage for more information and resources.

Bring the Farm Lab Fun home with these curated resources!

THE JOURNEY OF OUR FOOD PASSPORT

PHOTOSYNTHESIS

VENTURA COUNTY FARMERS MARKETS

RECOMMENDED READING

SUPERB SOIL

WORD SEARCH

HELPING OUT THE
LITTLE GUYS