ADVANCING EDUCATION ACROSS LPS THROUGH FOOD, ENERGY, AND WATER SYSTEMS (FEWS)
History
Lincoln Public Schools and CASNR have a long history of collaborating to create enriching, hands-on programming related to agriculture, life sciences and natural resources.
Several IANR faculty, staff, and students have partnered with LPS over the years to create and offer a number of exciting education programs to LPS students and educators. Nearly 20 years ago, LPS, CASNR and the Lincoln Children’s Zoo joined together to launch the Our Zoo to You program, in which animals from the Lincoln Children’s Zoo lived in LPS elementary classrooms for six weeks and were incorporated into reading, writing, science and math curriculum. Other successful programs, including Bug Bash and the Summer Soybean Institute, have followed.
All have allowed LPS students to use design thinking and scientific inquiry and have prepared them to meet the challenges of a changing world.
PARTNERSHIP OBJECTIVES
MAXIMIZING LOCAL RESOURCES
This strategic partnership between UNL’s College of Agricultural Sciences and Natural Resources (CASNR) and Lincoln Public Schools (LPS) aims to enhance critical thinking for all LPS students, enabling them to address complex local and global challenges related to the Systems at the nexus of Food, Energy, and Water (FEWS)
CAREER EXPLORATION AND LIFELONG LEARNING
Ensure all LPS students have access to experiential learning regarding local and state resources, including food production and sustainable systems, that are relevant to their daily lives and future prospects.
INFUSE FEWS INTO STUDENT & TEACHER EXPERIENCES
Leverage CASNR’s extensive resources, including access to industry professionals, cutting-edge research, and hands-on experiences with emerging technologies, to equip students with the skills and knowledge necessary for impactful careers in FEWS. Implement a continuum of educational experiences, ranging from classroom curriculum enhancements and industry connections to field experiences and advanced coursework.
STUDENT EXPERIENTIAL PROGRESSION
KINDERGARTEN TO 12TH GRADE
Fosters an understanding and appreciation of the integral role of FEWS in daily life, with a specific emphasis on the significance of agriculture in Nebraska.
6TH TO 12TH GRADE
Expands upon the K-5 foundation, preparing and inspiring students to explore diverse career pathways within the FEWS sector.
9TH TO 12TH GRADE
Empowers students to analyze the economic drivers and global interconnections of FEWS, emphasizing their impact on communities and industries within Nebraska, the United States, and internationally.
QUESTIONS?
Bailey Feit | CASNR Education and Career Pathways Coordinator | bailey.feit@unl.edu (402) 432-1665 | Food Industry Complex 123A, Lincoln, NE 68583-0924