Third grade students ventured outside the classroom for hands-on agricultural education

June 7, 2026 - 01:05

Around 170 third graders from five schools across Colfax County stepped out of the classroom and into the fields recently for the third annual Colfax County 4-H Agricultural Literacy Day. Hosted by the Colfax County Extension team, the event gave students a chance to learn where their food comes from through direct, hands-on activities.

Instead of reading from a textbook, the students rotated through several learning stations set up for the day. They got to touch different types of soil, see farm equipment up close, and interact with live animals. Volunteers and 4-H members guided the groups, explaining basic concepts about crop growth, livestock care, and the daily work that goes into running a farm.

Organizers said the goal was to connect young students with the agricultural roots of their community. For many of the children, it was their first time seeing a chicken or touching a seed that would grow into a plant. The event also aimed to spark an early interest in 4-H programs, which offer long-term learning in agriculture, science, and leadership.

Teachers noted that the outdoor setting helped students stay engaged in a way that a classroom lesson often cannot. The day wrapped up with students taking home small plants to care for, giving them a living reminder of what they learned.