Programs
Agricultural Literacy Week 2021
Ice cream is a treat we enjoy in many forms and flavors. But how often do we stop and think about how the ice cream we're eating made its way to the cone or dish we are enjoying it from? Chuck's Ice Cream Wish (Tales of the Dairy Godmother) connects the delicious treat to the work farmers are doing every day to grow, raise and produce our food. This book will take students on an explorative journey learn about dairy and to trace the food on their plate back to its source- the farmer.
With over 4,000 dairy farms and ranking fourth nationally as the largest producer of milk, dairy is vital to New York State. New York State is also the largest producer of yogurt, cottage cheese and sour cream in the nation. The dairy community in New York includes both large dairy operations and small, family run farms. It also boasts processing facilities of various types and sizes, from major global processing companies to small artisanal dairy product makers. We are excited to feature a book that displays the unique markets and diversity that encompasses many aspects of New York's dairy industry while also focusing on processing and how consumers contribute to agriculture.
Chuck's Ice Cream Wish (Tales of the Dairy Godmother) highlights the dairy industry with vivid illustrations and a humorous storyline. Students will understand the importance of agriculture as an economic driver in communities across New York and develop an awareness for where their food comes from and its journey.
2021 Agricultural Literacy Week Videos
This year New York Agriculture in the Classroom will be sharing pre-recorded and live videos of guests reading Chuck's Ice Cream Wish and sharing their stories about how they connect with agriculture. The videos will be featured here during Agricultural Literacy Week.
Educator Resource Guide
Follow this simple guide to make ice cream with your students and learn how to extend their experience with ELA and Next Generation Science Standards connections.
Making ice cream is the perfect way to inspire your student's curiosity about why we add salt to ice, and to learn about heat exchange.
Companion Lessons and Resources
If you would like to prepare your students for Agricultural Literacy Week or extend the learning afterwards in your elementary classroom, you can use the listed lessons and resources below.
