Educating Youth and Alumni about Crop Sciences at the University of Illinois. (A00-schmidt335999-poster)
Authors:
S.R. Schmidt* - Univ. of Illinois K. McClelland - Univ. of Illinois P.S. Brandau - Univ. of Illinois
Abstract:
The Field and Furrow Undergraduate Crop Sciences Club at the University of Illinois actively
participates each year in the Ag Open House sponsored by the College of Agricultural, Consumer, and Environmental Sciences (ACES). Elementary to high school age children from Central Illinois attend the Open House for a brief introduction to various aspects of the College. In March 2003, members spent two days at a Club booth answering questions about the Club, the College, and Crop Sciences.
Members provided coloring books and pencils to children, and discussed the Club and its activities using a large information display. The highlight of the booth was the full-size “E-diesel” truck, which runs on corn-based E-diesel instead of gas. The truck display allowed members to discuss the importance of Illinois corn production and list some of the various ways this valuable crop can be used. In addition to the many youth that attend this event, Club and College alumni, who are often current Illinois
Agri-Professionals, return for Ag Open House to receive updates about the Club. Members have an opportunity to network with people and promote the Club. The entire process of organizing, setting up, and promoting this booth provided valuable experience for each Club participant. Pictures were also taken of the event and used for outreach on the Club website.
Speaker Information: Shaun Schmidt, Univ. of Illinois, AE 120 Turner Hall, Urbana, IL 61801; Phone:
217/244-5953; E-mail: [email protected]
Session Information: Sunday, November 2, 2003, 12:00 PM-2:30 PM Presentation Start: 12:00 PM (Poster Board Number: 10)
