A n innovative agricultural project developed for sixth-grade science students at a St. Lucie County, Fla., school has become a model. Begun in January 2000 at Southern Oaks Middle School in Ft. Pierce, located in the east central portion of the peninsula, the project holds promise as a major new curriculum for sixth-graders elsewhere.
Daily activities give the participants a comprehensive perspective on farm production.
They are looking for the middle school to be a feeder school for the high school, which has an ag program. In addition, more than a dozen farmers and agricultural suppliers have contributed materials. One donor provided the micro-jet irrigation system installed in the citrus grove. Outside support has been vital to the success of the project. But two adults at the school have served as mainstays, supervising and guiding the students as they participate.