By: Kayla Oberstadt, AEE graduate student
Carla Jagger, AEE graduate student
Mikayla Bodey, agricultural communication minor
The National Youth Summit on Agri-Science was hosted from January 16-19, 2015. In partnership with Merck Animal Health, the National 4-H Council and National 4-H Youth Conference Center presented a dynamic extended weekend of educational activities for youth participants.
Oberstadt, Jagger, and Bodey show their Ohio pride with the Washington Monument!
Three students from The Ohio State University were engaged in leadership and teaching roles during the four-day summit hosted at the National 4-H Youth Conference Center in Chevy Chase, Maryland. Mikayla Bodey, a sophomore from St. Paris, Ohio who is pursuing a minor in Agricultural Communication and two graduate students in Agricultural and Extension Education, Carla Jagger of Mt. Gilead, Ohio, and Kayla Oberstadt of New London, Wisconsin assisted through presenting workshops and leading roundtable discussions at the summit.
Carla Jagger and Kayla Oberstadt facilitated roundtable discussions in the Ag Issues Panel. Jagger led students in discussion of Urban Agriculture and Oberstadt in Public Perceptions of Production Animal Welfare. Other Ag Issues presented included Country of Origin Labeling and The Farm Bill.
Oberstadt facilitates a discussion with youth about agricultural careers and college options.
Participants work on their models for Monsanto’s Fish Farming Challenge in a workshop led by Bodey.
Workshops presented to the students included Monsanto’s Fish Farm Challenge, led by Mikayla Bodey. Ohio State’s own Dr. Bob Horton, Extension Specialist for Educational Design and Science Education, created this experimental challenge that gives students the opportunity to design a simulated fish feeding structure. Jagger guided students in an interactive workshop investigating Hydroponics in the Home where students researched materials needed for hydroponic gardens and were able to build their own simple hydroponic platform. In the Agricultural Career Panel, Oberstadt led students in discussion about college choices and routes to Extension Education, Jagger discussed Agricultural Education, and Dr. Rick Sibbel, director of U.S. Cattle Technical Services of Merck Animal Health, engaged students about veterinary work.
Participants work on their models for Monsanto’s Fish Farming Challenge in a workshop led by Bodey.
Jagger teaches students about components used in building hydroponic structures
This summit brought together youth participants representing regions from across the country. Students in 9th-12th grade were actively involved in the hands-on learning experience led by various representatives in the agricultural industry, including students from The Ohio State University Department of Agricultural Communication, Education, and Leadership. With much to learn in their days together, participants and presenters were also able to visit the nation’s capital on a night tour of monuments as well as a trip to George Washington’s home at Mount Vernon. This educational opportunity allowed for a unique educational opportunity for OSU students to share their passion for the agricultural industry and serve as a connection to high school students to explore agricultural education!