GILBERT, AZ — Fifth-grade students run around the Agritopia gardens with a scavenger hunt meant to help them learn about Arizona agriculture.
“We want kids to really experience harvesting, planting, tasting the food, and doing some art," Miss Hickory, one of the teachers at Agritopia, said.
Agritopia's Farmhands program is inviting classrooms to come out to their garden and engage in interactive activities.
“I learned you can’t grow plants at the same time," one student said.
From cotton to dairy and lettuce, agriculture has shaped Arizona into what it is today and continues to be a major economic driver.
It has a more than $20 billion impact on the state's economy yearly.
“Arizona is a powerhouse for agriculture, and I think it’s important for kids to know growing food and taking care of those needs is a big part of Arizona,” Miss Hickory said.
Agritopia is also looking to expand, hoping to create an indoor-outdoor classroom on the garden property, and keep expanding programs to teach more students about Valley agriculture.
To learn more about their monthly farmer's market, to donate to their educational programs, or to plan your visit, you can find their website here.
