At Minnesota Agriculture in the Classroom Foundation, some of the most meaningful moments happen when a lesson grows beyond a single activity and becomes something bigger. That is exactly what this Classroom to Community spotlight shows.
Led by MAITC Resource Specialist Sarah Kuschel, this story reflects the kind of learning we hope to inspire. Taking resources into schools is rewarding, but as Sarah shared, the true success comes when the transition happens and the educator begins leading the lesson and activity. In this case, a pumpkin lesson she had brought to the school several times had grown to the point where she was there as assistant and support staff, while the educator led the experience.
Classroom to Community in Action
This spotlight shows students learning by doing. Through the lesson, students acted as scientists and mathematicians by making predictions and using tools to test them. They worked in small groups, explored the inside of a pumpkin, carved classroom jack-o-lanterns, read Pumpkin Circle: The Story of a Garden by George Levenson, and even enjoyed pumpkin seeds as an afternoon snack.
The learning did not stop in the classroom. After years of pumpkin lessons, the wider community joined in by hosting a biggest pumpkin contest at the local feed store. Even more exciting, second- and third-place winners in that contest were students who had grown their pumpkins after attending the field trip the previous spring. That kind of connection is what makes Classroom to Community such a strong reflection of MAITC’s mission.
How Classroom to Community Reflects MAITC’s Mission
This feature is about more than one seasonal lesson. It shows what happens when agricultural literacy sticks. Students are engaged. Educators build confidence. Communities begin to participate. That is the kind of ripple effect MAITC works to create.
This spotlight also points readers to related MAITC resources, including Pumpkins, Not Just for Halloween and The Case of the Missing Pumpkin, which help extend learning through agriculture, science, and life cycle exploration.
Why Classroom to Community Matters
Classroom to Community is a strong reminder that agricultural literacy is not limited to one classroom, one season, or one lesson. When students connect hands-on learning with the world around them, the impact grows. We are proud to celebrate Sarah Kuschel’s work and the way this lesson creates lasting connections among students, educators, and the community.
increase agriculture literacy in Minnesota.