Competency Framework Story

Farm-based STEAM education refers to a teaching approach that integrates science,
technology, engineering, arts, and mathematics (STEAM) with agricultural and farming practices. It involves using agricultural environments as a context for teaching and learning, allowing students to explore real-world issues and develop a deeper understanding of the interconnectedness of the natural world.

This approach to education provides students with hands-on experience in farming
and agriculture while developing critical thinking, problem-solving, and creativity skills. Students engage in activities that require them to use the concepts and principles of science, technology, engineering, art, and mathematics to understand and solve problems related to agriculture and farming.

Through farm-based STEAM education, students can learn about sustainable farming
practices, food production, and the importance of natural resources. It can also foster
an appreciation for the environment and foster the development of a more sustainable future.

Overall, farm-based STEAM education offers a unique and engaging approach to
learning that can help students develop a range of skills and knowledge while also
providing a deeper understanding of the agricultural practices essential to our society.

Farm-based STEAM education can be implemented in a variety of educational settings, including traditional classrooms, outdoor classrooms, and agricultural education centers. This approach to education emphasizes the importance of experiential learning and encourages students to explore the natural world around them.

One of the key components of farm-based STEAM training is the use of farming
technologies such as sensors, drones, and precision farming tools. Students can learn
about the use of these technologies in farming and agriculture and how they can be
used to increase efficiency and productivity while minimizing environmental impact.

Another important aspect of farm-based STEAM education is the promotion of
sustainability. Students can learn about sustainable farming practices, including
organic farming, conservation farming, and integrated pest management. They can
also learn about the importance of biodiversity and how to conserve and conserve
natural resources.

Farm-based STEAM education can also help foster entrepreneurship and innovation.
Students can learn about the commercial aspects of agriculture and explore the
development of new and innovative farming techniques and technologies.

Overall, farm-based STEAM education provides students with a unique and valuable
learning experience that can help them develop a range of skills and knowledge
related to farming, agriculture, and the natural world. It can also help promote
sustainability, entrepreneurship and innovation and prepare students for a variety of
careers in the agricultural industry.

Farm-based STEAM training can be conducted in both classroom and outdoor settings, with a focus on hands-on learning and experimentation. Some ways it can be accomplished include:

1. Classroom activities: Classroom activities can include lectures, discussions, and hands-on activities. Teachers can use resources like Agriculture in the Classroom curriculum, which provides lesson plans and activities that integrate agricultural concepts with STEAM topics.

2. Outdoor activities: Outdoor activities can take place on a school farm or garden, or at a nearby farm or agricultural research facility. These activities may include field trips, farm visits, and hands-on projects such as planting and harvesting crops, testing soil samples, and building and testing agricultural technologies

3. Project-based learning: Project-based learning is an effective way to integrate the concepts of STEAM and agriculture. Students can work on projects such as designing and building hydroponic systems, creating robotic farming tools, and developing sustainable farming practices.

4. Collaboration with farmers and researchers: Collaboration with local farmers and researchers can provide opportunities for students to learn from experts in the field. They can visit farms, research facilities, and laboratories to learn about the latest agricultural research and technology.

In the School to Farm project, we first wanted to determine a competency framework for teacher and farmer training. With these learning outcomes, training will be organized for teachers and farmers.

We carried out the following stages in the Competency framework work:

1- First, literature studies on farm education in all partner countries were examined. A folder was created with partners and 32 articles were reviewed.

2- Delphi questions were created, and a Google form was created for teachers and farmers and sent to partners. The partners applied them by translating them into their own languages.

3- 120 teachers and 14 farmers were reached. Answers were evaluated. 8 outcomes were determined for teachers and 5 outcomes were determined for farmers. Also, ideas for STEAM integration are given.