Illinois State University Club Poster Abstract.

Illinois State University Agricultural Science Club (ASC) is passionate about the education of crop and soil sciences within our community. It is our commitment to engage and educate not only our members, but also our peers, faculty, and other members of our community through student driven outreach programs. The ASC was able to achieve these goals through several events which allowed us to educate elementary age students, our college peers, and our members. In the spring of 2017, club members went to Ag Day at Le Roy Elementary School where we set up a planting station and taught children how to plant a seed and care for the plant. ASC members also participated in Ag day on the quad on our campus where we had the opportunity to engage with our peers and professors to answer question about the agriculture industry. Our members also received a first-hand learning experience as we worked closely with our Horticulture Center and University Farm as we executed a plan to plant, nurture, and harvest popcorn as a fundraiser for the club. Finally, we will give back to our department by designing a project that uses recycled plastic caps to be made into a park bench and donated to the Department of Agriculture. Members spent months collecting, weighing, and sorting the caps to be made into the bench. This project is a way for us to thank all of our professors and faculty for everything they have done and give back to the department that we cherish so much. Through these activities, club members were able to teach others, learn for ourselves, and also give back to the community.