Harlan FFA members conduct Sprouting Cyclones Program for local elementary students
HARLAN — Harlan FFA members recently helped improve agricultural literacy among Harlan Community School preschool through fourth grade students through the chapter’s annual Sprouting Cyclones Program.
Formerly known as the Food for America Program, Sprouting Cyclones is an educational initiative that teaches young students about agriculture while giving FFA members an opportunity to connect with their community.
Twenty-one Harlan FFA members planned and presented lessons as part of the program: Jackson Ahrenholtz, Bella Bissen, Braelin Behrens, Jacob Bissen, Phoenix Brewer, Carly Christensen, Josie Daniels, Charlee Doerr, Brylee Dotzler, Caleb Ernst, Lane Larsen, Leif Larsen, Easton Lynch, Sienna Michels, Logan Schaben, Will Schmitz, Hailey Strom, Ashley Tunender, McKenna Vanden Berg, McKenna Wohlhutter and Kienna Wilwerding.
FFA members visited 15 class-rooms during April and May, including preschool classes taught by Cairney and Kitt; kindergarten classes taught by Breyfogle, Brace/Boggess, Hoffmann, Newcomb and Powers; first-grade classes taught by Curren, Hucka and Schwery; Nielsen’s second-grade class; third-grade classes taught by Jacobsen, Petsche and Stork; and Crees’ fourth-grade class. Classroom visits were scheduled based on teacher interest in the program and time availability.
Lessons for preschool through second grade focused on plant needs, agricultural product distribution and the contents of soil. Third- and fourth-grade students learned about food processing, natural resources and the origins of products found in grocery stores.
The Sprouting Cyclones Program has been a Harlan FFA service project for several years. Both FFA members and elementary students have expressed that they enjoy interacting with one another and taking part in a break from the normal classroom routine. Elementary teachers also said they appreciate the opportunity for younger and older students to work together and noted that the Sprouting Cyclones curriculum reinforces topics already
