By Scout Nelson
Farm to School learning opportunities are now available to eligible schools in North Dakota. Agriculture Commissioner Doug Goehring announced that applications were being accepted by K-5 teachers for two STEM learning opportunities. These kits are offered through the North United States Department of Agriculture Patrick Leahy Farm to School Grant Award.
“The North Dakota Department of Agriculture is seeking state K-5 teachers interested in bringing these STEM learning opportunities into their classrooms,” Goehring said. “Students will learn where their food comes from and how it grows, through science, nutrition and agriculture education, a central tenet to the Farm to School program.”
The program will offer two types of classroom kits. The kindergarten through second grade kits will focus on root growth. These kits include a root viewer planter that helps students see how roots grow under the soil. The third through fifth grade kits will focus on photosynthesis. These kits include small desktop greenhouses that allow students to observe plant growth in a controlled setting.
There are 50 kits available for grades K-2 and 45 kits available for grades 3-5. Kits are provided on a first-come first-served basis. Eligibility is limited to K-5 teachers at traditional schools in North Dakota. Homeschools are not eligible for this opportunity.
Teachers who wish applying for one of the kits may go to www.ndda.nd.gov/stem-grow-kits for full details and to fill out an application. Applications must be submitted by 5 p.m. on February 27, 2026. Selected applicants will be notified by March 2, 2026.
Questions may be directed to Local Foods Marketing Specialist Jenna Nieters at jnieters@nd.gov or 701-328-2659.
Teachers will have until May 8, 2026, to use the kits in their classrooms. After completing the project, teachers must fill out a final survey. The survey collects feedback for federal reporting purposes and helps improve future programs.
This Farm to School effort supports agriculture education and helps students better understand food systems, plant science, and nutrition through hands-on learning experiences.
Photo Credit: gettyimages-poike
Categories: North Dakota, Education