Texas A&M University Agronomy Society Provides Active Learning Experiences for Disadvantaged Children.

The Still Creek Boys and Girls Ranch in Bryan, Texas, is a non-profit school for children who are victims of abandonment, abuse or broken homes. Students include those living on location and those who commute to Still Creek Ranch because of the unique opportunities provided.  The school teaches responsibility through animal projects, outdoor work, as well as traditional and non-traditional classroom instruction. Because of the Still Creek Ranch’s approach and need for science teaching modules, the Texas A&M Agronomy Society reached out to the faculty and staff at the ranch. The objective of our club’s program is to use hands on learning experiences to teach Still Creek students about agriculture as an applied science. In 2010, Aggie students taught lessons on microbiology, and used the ranch’s garden to demonstrate soil preparation and seed planting. The program expanded in 2011 with additional and improved teaching modules including land management, nutrient cycling, and soil lessons. By planting seeds of knowledge in the minds of these remarkable young boys and girls, the Texas A&M University Agronomy Society is not only educating the future generation about the importance of agriculture, but is giving back to our community in a rewarding way.  Our club is delighted to have the opportunity to work with the students and teachers at Still Creek, and we will continue to implement new lessons and activities.