Educators encouraged to sign up for free program that brings interactive ag learning experience to PreK-12 students
Students across Colorado have the opportunity to learn about the profound impact that agriculture icon Dr. John Matsushima has had on modern farming and ranching practices through the new book “Cattle, Corn and Courage,” written by Rachel Gabel and illustrated by Liz Banman Munsterteiger. Colorado Agriculture in the Classroom’s (CoATIC) annual Literacy Project is offering classrooms statewide a free kit filled with interactive activities and corresponding educational resources to teach preK-12 students about Colorado agriculture.
For 2025, two class kits will be available – one for elementary level students and one for middle/high school students. The kits will include a variety of interactive activities such as a beef tasting experience and lesson in beef nutrition; a whole dent corn and steam-flaked corn sensory activity; a corn seed germination experiment; and access to videos and a virtual field trip to History Colorado Center in Denver. These diverse educational projects align with academic standards thereby making it easier for teachers to incorporate them into busy curriculum schedules.
“Through our 2025 Literacy Project and ‘Cattle, Corn and Courage’ book, we hope to introduce a new generation of students to Dr. Matsushima’s deep impact in ag science so they will gain an appreciation for the myriad of ways agriculture is integral to the fabric of our state,” says Jennifer Scharpe, executive director for CoAITC.
Dr. Matsushima, a 103-year-old Colorado native, is the son of Japanese immigrants and was raised on a family farm in Platteville, Colo. Dr. Matsushima spent more than six decades at Colorado State University as a student, professor and researcher. He battled bigotry and poverty on his path to becoming a legendary scientist in beef cattle nutrition whose innovations have influenced the global food system.
Hannah Bouchard, an educator from Platte Valley Elementary, is an enthusiastic supporter of the annual project. “Thank you for continuing to provide this important program. Our students love it, and I look forward to receiving the resources every year. It helps young minds better understand the critical role that agriculture plays in Colorado.”
Due to previous demand for CoAITC Literacy Kits, educators are encouraged to sign up for the kits here as supplies are limited.
Through partnerships and funding from corporations, foundations, and individuals, all CoAITC programs and resources are provided for free or at minimal cost. Those interested in donating can do so here.
About Colorado Agriculture in the Classroom (CoAITC)
Colorado Agriculture in the Classroom (also known as Colorado Foundation for Agriculture) is a 501(c)3 nonprofit organization and is the lead agricultural literacy organization in the state, serving the full spectrum of prekindergarten through 12th grade formal and informal education across Colorado. Its mission is connecting Colorado educators and students to their food, fiber, fuel, and natural resources. CoAITC annually provides resources and programs to 325,000 educators and students in urban, suburban, and rural communities, most of which are free. To learn more or to make a tax-deductible gift, visit CoAgClassroom.org.
