Cultivating Curiosity: A Week of STEM Learning Across Two Counties

Students from Lompoc High School Touring Babe Farms

Two STEM Labs in Action

It was a wonderfully busy week for SEEAG’s STEM Career Pathways in Agriculture Program, with programming taking place in both Ventura County and Santa Barbara County.

Our STEM educators were hard at work with students at Lompoc High School and Westlake High School, leading two engaging laboratory experiences. In one classroom, students stepped into the role of soil scientists, analyzing different soil samples, testing moisture levels, and measuring electrical conductivity to better understand soil health and its impact on crop production. In another, students built hydroponic systems from the ground up, exploring innovative growing methods and the future of controlled-environment agriculture.

Later in the week, learning extended beyond the classroom and into the field with two incredible farm visits.

Special First Visit to Babe Farms

We were thrilled to bring students to Babe Farms, one of our newest partner farms. High school students enrolled in a Culinary Arts in Agriculture course experienced a truly unique and immersive field trip. Throughout the tour, students hopped on and off a bus to explore fields of turnips, radishes, lettuces, carrots, bok choy, and more. At each stop, they learned about growing practices, daily operations, harvesting, and distribution, along with a few fresh taste tests along the way.

The impact of the experience was clear. One student shared:

“I love this. I love being outside. I love the calming presence of the farm. I love the operations behind farming. This field trip has made me want to explore careers in agriculture a lot more.”

Moments like these are exactly why we do this work. We are so grateful to Babe Farms for welcoming our students and creating such a meaningful first visit.

Grafting at Brokaw Nursery

Meanwhile, students from Westlake High School visited Brokaw Nursery for an equally engaging experience. Students learned about avocado production, rootstocks, varietal trials, and the science behind grafting.

One of the highlights of the day was a hands-on grafting demonstration. Nearly every student had the opportunity to watch a Brokaw team member carefully graft a plant—and then try it themselves, guided step-by-step through the cutting and placement process. This rare experience gave students a deeper appreciation for the skill, precision, and science behind nursery production.

As we continue to expand the STEM Career Pathways in Agriculture Program across Ventura and Santa Barbara Counties, weeks like this remind us of the power of experiential learning and meaningful industry partnerships. When students step into fields, test soil, build systems, and speak directly with agricultural professionals, agriculture becomes more than a subject, it becomes a possibility. We are proud to create experiences that spark curiosity, build confidence, and open doors to future careers in agriculture.