THE HANDS-ON SESSIONS
For the remainder of the school day, smaller groups of children come back to the gymnasium to experience the 10 different hands-on stations that have been set-up. Groups of 60-80 students explore the stations for a 30-45 minute session. Sessions continue until all students have participated in the hands-on activities.
| For more information on each hands-on activity please click on the titles below.Put Your Muscles to Work:Inherit The Farm:Product Pandemonium:got milk?:Soil Testing:Get Growing:Farmland Preservation:A Picture of a Healthy Me:Animal Farm:Let's get "RFID" of it: |
VOLUNTEERS WANTED...and NEEDED
Volunteers are the key to making this day a success for your school. These volunteers, who are the most critical part of this outreach program, assist with the hands-on sessions. It is important for them to be present in order provide a quality hands-on experience for the students. These volunteers need no background, only ENTHUSIASM and ENERGY for a great day.
When recruiting volunteers, remember:
ALWAYS RECRUIT MORE VOLUNTEERS THAN YOU NEED. 15 volunteers per hands on session is a minimum; the program can utilize 18 to 20 providing more one on one learning for the students. Remember it is inevitable last minute sickness and emergencies will prevent people from being present.
ESTABLISH A RECRUITING TIMETABLE. It is best to begin your search for volunteers weeks prior to the program. Phone calls work best.
BE FLEXIBLE IN YOUR SCHEDULING. Scheduling 15 to 20 volunteers for the whole day may be difficult. Having groups work only in the morning or afternoon is perfectly fine. However, all volunteers must attend the facilitaor's volunteer orientation. Each volunteer should attend the assembly program to get an overview of the program's content and science concept.
NO EXPERIENCE NECESSARY. The volunteer's main job is to have FUN! Many people think they must be experts to lead an activity. The facilitator is there to help them to understand the process. It is meant as a learning experience for all: students, teachers AND volunteers.
LET THEM KNOW THEY ARE APPRECIATED. The Agriculture Adventures: KENTUCKY program could not happen without those fabulous volunteers. The volunteers are donating their time and a great deal of effort. While the OMSH facilitator will have the students thank them for their hard work, some more tangible is often a nice gesture. Providing coffee in the morning or ordering out for lunch are great ways to say thank you. Many schools have tried potluck lunches with great results.
For more information concerning volunteers check the FAQ page.
When recruiting volunteers, remember:
ALWAYS RECRUIT MORE VOLUNTEERS THAN YOU NEED. 15 volunteers per hands on session is a minimum; the program can utilize 18 to 20 providing more one on one learning for the students. Remember it is inevitable last minute sickness and emergencies will prevent people from being present.
ESTABLISH A RECRUITING TIMETABLE. It is best to begin your search for volunteers weeks prior to the program. Phone calls work best.
BE FLEXIBLE IN YOUR SCHEDULING. Scheduling 15 to 20 volunteers for the whole day may be difficult. Having groups work only in the morning or afternoon is perfectly fine. However, all volunteers must attend the facilitaor's volunteer orientation. Each volunteer should attend the assembly program to get an overview of the program's content and science concept.
NO EXPERIENCE NECESSARY. The volunteer's main job is to have FUN! Many people think they must be experts to lead an activity. The facilitator is there to help them to understand the process. It is meant as a learning experience for all: students, teachers AND volunteers.
LET THEM KNOW THEY ARE APPRECIATED. The Agriculture Adventures: KENTUCKY program could not happen without those fabulous volunteers. The volunteers are donating their time and a great deal of effort. While the OMSH facilitator will have the students thank them for their hard work, some more tangible is often a nice gesture. Providing coffee in the morning or ordering out for lunch are great ways to say thank you. Many schools have tried potluck lunches with great results.
For more information concerning volunteers check the FAQ page.
