Agriculture in the Classroom Canada (AITC-C), along with its 10 provincial members, is excited to launch a teaching guide with interactive resources for Guardians of the Grasslands, a documentary that explores the role that cattle play in the survival of Canada’s vanishing grasslands ecosystem.

Through a funding partnership with the Canadian Cattlemen’s Foundation (CCF), Guardians of the Grasslands in the Classroom complements the 12-minute documentary through viewing and reflection questions, an online scavenger hunt, and a student-developed board game based on their investigative research. It also connects to further readings exploring the key topics of biodiversity, soil health, climate change, and land management.

“Guardians of the Grasslands in the Classroom is a curriculum-linked, purpose-driven opportunity for teachers and students to learn about and reflect on the endangered grasslands ecosystem in a way that fosters critical thinking and creativity,” said Melissa Galay, Education Specialist with AITC-C.

Most Canadians – let alone students – are not aware of the important role that cattle play in preserving and maintaining what remains of our country’s grasslands. Through the documentary and fun, interactive learning resources, students will learn how ranchers, conservationists, and others are working together towards protecting what is left the grasslands.

"By developing Guardians of the Grasslands in the Classroom as an educational resource, students across Canada will have the opportunity to learn about cattle's important role in preserving grassland ecosystems. We are proud to partner with Agriculture in the Classroom Canada to further showcase our industry's positive environmental story to youth across the country," said Bob Lowe, Chair of the Canadian Cattlemen’s Foundation.

Guardians of the Grasslands in the Classroom is targeted at Grades 7 to 11 students, and is available for free download on AITC-C’s Curriculum Connected Resource Matrix, found here.

The Guardians of the Grasslands documentary is available for public viewing here.

AITC-C is excited to release its newest curriculum-linked teaching tool, connectAG.

The interactive, online resource aims to support students’ understanding of where and how our food is produced, while also examining the challenges and opportunities producers face. The resource examines farms from all Canadian provinces and enables students to learn about agricultural commodities from many farmers, allowing them to make links to our food system.

“We are looking forward to teachers and students diving into this e-learning resource and exploring what agriculture looks like across the country,” said Melissa Galay, AITC-C’s Education Specialist. “Agriculture and food production is so unique in each province, and this resource tells part of that diverse food story through interactive elements.”

The free, bilingual resource is geared at Grades 7 to 9 and is available for Canadian teachers to bring into their classrooms, as well as for parents and students for at-home learning. The French version will be available later this week. 

connectAG is accessible on our Curriculum Connected Resource Matrix, found here.

AITC-C is joining together with Will Power to empower Canadians to view their Will as more than just a legal document, but a powerful tool to support charities and grow your legacy. 

Teaming up with fellow charities, financial advisors and legal professionals across the country, we are excited to show how supporting organizations like AITC in your Will can be an impactful way to become a champion for agriculture education. 

A Legacy Gift is a powerful way to share your commitment to agriculture education in Canada as it will provide student interactions that inspire a lifelong connection and understanding of food and where it comes from. Investing in agriculture education today will help empower consumers and inspire leaders of tomorrow!

Through this national movement, Will Power is educating Canadians on the power they have to make a difference through their Wills and is sharing information on common myths surrounding gifts in Wills and the potential tax benefits for legacy giving. 

“Many donors believe that they can’t support both their loved ones and their favourite cause with their Will. The truth is, just a small percentage of your estate left to charity can have a big impact, while still leaving the majority for loved ones.” 

If you are interested in learning how you can ‘Grow Your Legacy with AITC-C’, please visit willpower.ca/charities/aitccanada/.

Agriculture in the Classroom Canada (AITC-C), along with its 10 provincial members, is thrilled to announce that the Canadian Agriculture Hall of Fame has chosen its Executive Director, Johanne Ross, as a 2021 inductee.

Johanne has been a champion for agriculture education for more than 20 years – first as the Executive Director of AITC in Manitoba, and then by leading the development of the national organization which formalized in 2015. Johanne has tirelessly dedicated her career to advocating for agriculture education to be present in all classrooms, bridging the information gap and creating meaningful connections to agriculture and food for Canadian students and educators.

"The Board of Directors and provincial colleagues congratulate Johanne! She leads AITC Canada with enthusiasm and passion, encourages collaboration, and maintains connections with farmers and people experienced in agriculture," said Pat Tonn, Chair. "She has built a lasting legacy for agriculture education in Canada and is most deserving of induction to the Canadian Agriculture Hall of Fame."

Read the full announcement here.

Read CAHF announcement here.

Agriculture in the Classroom Canada (AITC-C), along with its 10 provincial members, has connected two million students to agriculture education experiences with Canada’s agriculture and food story, as reported in AITC-C’s 2020-2021 Annual Progress Report. With the COVID-19 shift, AITC-C continued to deliver programming virtually – allowing for a wider reach to more remote communities and schools. 

Through the strong presence of AITC-C's 10 provincial members from across Canada and its online Curriculum Connected Resource Matrix, AITC-C strives to address the knowledge gap that exists around our food system. Collectively, we provided accurate, balanced, and current agriculture information and resources to Canadian classrooms. 

"We are thrilled that so many curious students are participating in AITC-C's innovative learning opportunities,” said Johanne Ross, Executive Director of AITC-C. “Our reach continues to grow as we adapt to the changing tides in educational delivery and focus on creating student experiences and meaningful connections to agriculture and food.” 

View more information on AITC-C's 2020-2021 Annual Progress Report website: aitc-celebrates.ca.