Washington Agriculture in the Classroom is a school-based education program aimed at enhancing agricultural literacy in K-12 students and educators.
Washington's highest dollar crop is apples. This state produces 66% of all the apples in the nation at a farmgate value of $2.43 billion.
Milk is the second most valuable agricultural commodity, followed by wheat, potatoes, hay and cattle and calves.
33% of all US raspberries are raised in Washington.
Washington ranks 11th in the nation in terms of total agricultural cash receipts, but is second only to California in the diversity of crops grown (about 230 different ones).
Washington produces 73% of all hops in nation.
Washington produces 68% of all spearmint in nation.
Washington produces 43% of all pears in nation.
AITC offers lesson plans and materials related to social studies, science, math, language arts and geography.
Washington produces 60% of all sweet cherries in nation.
Washington produces 42% of all concord grapes in nation.
Washington potato growers have the highest yield per acre in the US, producing nearly twice as many potatoes per acre as Idaho.
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12What's New?
- Celebrate Agriculture in Washington Presentation by Robyn Meenach PowerPoint | Note (PDF)
- The newest Ag@School now available!
- NEW Ag Literacy Project — John Deere, that's Who! books are available and lesson plan!
- Ag in the Classroom Highlight
Agriculture is the world's oldest, largest, and most essential industry. Yet, in America's urban society, 90% of the population has little contact with the systems that determine our general welfare and standard of living. Washington Ag In the Classroom strives to bridge this gap.
Agricultural Literacy Curriculum Matrix
The Agricultural Literacy Curriculum Matrix is an online, searchable, and standards-based curriculum map for K-12 teachers. The Matrix contextualizes national education standards in science, social studies, and nutrition education with relevant instructional resources linked to Common Core Standards.
Ag@School Magazine
Ag Literacy Project
The Seattle Times
What is Washington Ag in the Classroom?
Washington Ag In the Classroom (WAIC) is a school-based education program aimed at enhancing agricultural literacy in K-12 students and educators. It is not a vocational agriculture program and does not promote products or political points of view. WAIC's goal is helping teachers, especially those with little knowledge of agriculture, integrate the study of this vast industry into existing curriculum.
Why Learn About Agriculture?
Today's youth are tomorrow's leaders. Agriscience, agribusiness, and production agriculture form the largest industry in America. Environmental issues such as land use, water quality, air quality, and wildlife protection are inextricably linked to agriculture. As future leaders, students must have an understanding of agriculture and how it affects their world.