Progress 06/01/21 to 05/31/24
Outputs
Target Audience:Throughout the duration of this project, the Algae Foundation looked to specifically target and engage individuals and organizations that have a direct impact on high school students participating in agricultural education. This included mass outreach to educators in the Algae Foundation's existing network of educators K-12 teachers who have participated in other AF programming. Specifically, we connected with those teaching agriculture subjects in grades 9-12 classrooms. Additionally, the Algae Foundation focused on building a strategic partnershipwith the National FFAOrganization(formerly known as Future Farmers of America) and its network of teacher ambassadors. To best serve our target audience, the Algae Foundation contracted Dr. Jakob Nalley, an algal-based industry professional with experience in the intersection of algae and agriculture, to draft a 2-week hands-on curriculum, named Cultivate, to be facilitated in high school classrooms. This curriculum was written in alignment with the Agriculture, Food, and Natural Resources (AFNR) standards that educators must meet in the classroom. After the initial draft was completed, the curriculum was sent to the Educational Development team at the National FFA Organization for evaluation and standards alignment confirmation. The FFA Educational Development team gave valuable feedback and selected 4 of their Teacher Ambassadors to pilot the program with their students. These four Teacher Ambassadors received virtual training on the new curriculum from Dr. Nalley. In addition to the virtual training, Dr. Nalley facilitated an in-person educational workshop at the National FFA Convention introducing 25+ K-12 educators to the Cultivate curriculum. In addition to reaching our target audience through the creation and implementation of in-class curriculum, the Algae Foundation also provided scholarships to 5 high school students in their pursuit of independent experiential research projects. These students' research topics ranged from the use of algae in fertilizer and animal feed to the use of algae for water purification and in hydroponic systems. Through this two-pronged approach of reaching teachers and students directly while partnering with a national organization with a direct connection to agricultural educators, the Algae Foundation successfully engaged its target audience of grade 9-12 educators and students in agricultural education. Changes/Problems:
Nothing Reported
What opportunities for training and professional development has the project provided?In the 2021-2022 and 2022-2023 reporting periods we shared that teachers in the pilot groups received training via ZOOM as they were introduced to the Cultivate curriculum. The trainings were facilitated by Dr. Jake Nalley who wrote the curriculum and is an active algae industry expert. In October 2023, Dr. Nalley facilitated a teacher workshop at the FFA National Convention along with FFA Teacher Ambassador, Shelby Ball. This workshop introduced 25+ new educators to the Cultivate curriculum. This workshop was done in person and teachers had the opportunity to work with the table-top raceways and dive into the experimental design their students would be leading in the classroom. How have the results been disseminated to communities of interest?The results of this project have been disseminated internally to the Algae Foundation Board of Directors and externally in the Algae Foundation Annual Report. All findings have also been shared with our active partner, the National FFA Organization. Additionally, results and updates have been shared in plenary lectures at the Algae Biomass Summit, the international conference on Algae Biomass, Biofuels, and Bioproducts (ABBB), Department of Energy Bioenergy Technologies Office briefing presentations, and at the Phycological Society of America's annual and regional meetings. Results were also disseminated with active partners of other Algae Foundation projects. Specifically, with members of the Algae Technology Educational Consortium (ATEC), a program in partnership with the Department of Energy Bioenergy Technologies Office (BETO) and the National Renewable Energy Lab (NREL). What do you plan to do during the next reporting period to accomplish the goals?
Nothing Reported
Impacts
What was accomplished under these goals?
At the initiation of this project, the Algae Foundation aimed to impact the educational landscape of agricultural sciences by providing a hands-on introduction to the intersection between algae and traditional agriculture. This impact was achieved in the classroom as students in grades 9-12 had the opportunity to experience a new group of organisms, algae, through expertly curated curriculum and hands-on lab activities. The introduction to algae as a novel subject benefitted our target audience of high school teachers and students by expanding their knowledge of algae's emerging role in the agriculture industry. With this knowledge, students leave the classroom having learned of new and emerging technologies that will make animpact on their continued education in agricultural sciences and even in their own communities. Create an exciting and equitable opportunity for students to experience new curricula and materials to increase the quality of academic programs in the food and agricultural sciences. In previous reporting periods, the Algae Foundation created a novel, hands-on curriculum (Cultivate) to be utilized in grades 9-12 agricultural sciences classrooms. This curriculum and all necessary lab materials are provided to educators free of charge to eliminate financial barriers to entry and ensure equitable access. Develop hands-on STEM curriculum. - The curriculum was developed and reported on during the 2021-2022reporting period. The 2023-2024 reporting period was the second time teachers deployedthe curriculum in the classroom. They reported that the curriculum was clearand easy to implement independently. They also provided valuable feedback that we will incorporate into Cultivate as we continue to enhance the curriculum year after year. Provide all materials for free. - All materials and teacher trainings were provided free of charge throughout the duration of this project. Engage 12-16 FFA chapter schools in 2 years. - During the duration of this project the Algae Foundation served 15 FFA chapter teachers via classroom implementation of the Cultivate curriculum which subsequently impacted a total of 323 high school students. An additional 25 FFA chapter teachers were served during the in-person teacher workshop at the National FFA Organization's National Convention in October 2023. Cultivate a diverse talent pool, eliminate access barriers, and provide continued support to students looking to further develop their STEM skillset. Prioritize FFA chapter schools in rural areas, low-resource schools, and schools with large minority populations. - The National FFA Organization assisted in disseminating this opportunity to schools in their network that fit the above criteria. They also prioritized teachers who have experience in piloting new curricula. Provide mentorship opportunities for students interested in continuing their education in algae-centered science and technology. - The Algae Foundation connected any students interested in learning more about algae with industry experts in the Foundation's network. This included answering individual questions or assisting in experimental design for longer-term projects. Promote agricultural literacy on an emerging sustainable crop with students in grades 9-12 while helping them develop necessary STEM skills to enter the agricultural workforce. Include videos and interviews with algae industry professionals. - The Cultivatecurriculum included video interviews with algae industry professionals and longer-form videos of algae businesses. Align AAEA curriculum with Agricultural Food and Natural Resources (AFNR) Career Pathways©. - Cultivate was written in alignment with AFNR standards. That alignment was then verified by the National FFA Organization's Educational Development team. The AFNR standards were reconfigured in March 2024, after the curriculum was first written, the National FFA Organization Educational Development team will complete a new alignment assessment by the end of 2024. Provide the opportunity for students to investigate real-world challenges to traditional agriculture and identify areas in which algae can provide solutions to complex problems. Students will apply AAEA curriculum to project-based experiential learning opportunities or student directed research projects. - In the 2022-2023 reporting period the Algae Foundation shared the scholarship opportunity that was provided to 5 students to complete independent research on the intersection of algae and agriculture sciences. Each student received $1,000 to pursue their projects. In class curriculum will include hands-on, student led, inquiry based experimental learning. The curriculum centers around student-led experimental design where students are challenged to determine how best to grow their algae crop in 3 table-top raceways. Students work in teams and choose their own variables to enhance growth - light, temperature, etc. Students monitor the pond growth over a two-week period, measuring for growth along the way.
Publications
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Progress 06/01/22 to 05/31/23
Outputs
Target Audience:The target audience for this project includesNational FFA Organization (formerly Future Farmers of America) affiliated teachers/students and non-FFA affiliated teachers/students looking to learn more about algae as a crop and its current and future role in agriculture. In this reporting period, we successfully served 5 high school students through the Cultivate Student Directed Research Grant. Some of these students were from FFA-affiliated schools and some were not. Each student received a $1,000 grant to further their independent research. Awardees and their projects are listed below. Virginia P., Texas: A comparison of Algae Sources and their Impact on Calf Growth and Behavior Mingyue Z., California: Learn with Algae Computer Game Madison E., Massachusetts: How does Eutrophication of Water, Simulated by Sodium Phosphate in Water with Nannochloropsis Culture Affect the Motor Function and Health of Hirudinea Jessica W., Michigan: Algae as Fertilizer in Hydroponic Systems Daniella K., New Jersey: Lancer Algae Fertilizer Initiative Changes/Problems:Our greatest challenge in this reporting period was a pause incommunication with the National FFA Organization which limited our reach to FFA educators. This pause was due to a personnel change at FFA that caused our collaboration to be temporarily de-prioritized. This was amended in late 2022and a new outline was created for outreach and recruitment for the remainder of the project. What opportunities for training and professional development has the project provided?
Nothing Reported
How have the results been disseminated to communities of interest?Grant winners have been announced via social media, blog post, and Algae Foundation newsletter. All recipients were minors and promotion requireddiscretion to ensure we were not revealing too much information publicly. What do you plan to do during the next reporting period to accomplish the goals?To ensure success in the next reporting period we have implemented some changes that will increase outreach and participation efforts. The cultivate in-class curriculum is now being offered in the Fall and Spring. Expanding the timeframe will promote more participation. At present, 16 teachers are signed up to participate. This is more than we planned to serve for the entirety of the grant. In October 2023 the Algae Foundation will attend the National FFA Convention in Indianapolis, IN and present a teacher workshop introducing the cultivate curriculum. The AFNR standards are being restructured, when that is complete the Cultivate curriculum will be aligned to the updated standards. With these new efforts, we hope to engage a total of 20-25 educators in the next reporting period.
Impacts
What was accomplished under these goals?
In the previous reporting period, we completed many of the goals listed above including: developing curricula, proving STEM materials for free, prioritizing FFA chapter schools, and including videos of relevant industries.In this reporting period, we specifically focused on the goals below. Provide the opportunity for students to investigate real-world challenges to traditional agriculture and identify areas in which algae can provide solutions to complex problems. Students will apply AAEA curriculum to project-based experiential learning opportunities or student directed research projects. In class curriculum will include hands-on, student led, inquiry based experimental learning. (Completed last reporting period) In January 2023, the Algae Foundation put out a call for abstracts for the Cultivate Student Directed Research Grant. This opportunity was open to high school students with a project related to algae in agriculture. As mentioned previously, we awarded 5 $1,000 grants. These students have the ability to connect with algae-industry professionals to ask questions and receive feedback on their research. In addition to research support, professional mentorship offers these students many soft skills likeprofessional communication, clear/concise writing, etc. This program will continue to support these students as they move forward with their research.
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Progress 06/01/21 to 05/31/22
Outputs
Target Audience:The target audience for this project are National FFA Organization (formerly Future Farmers of America)affiliated teachers/students and non-FFA teachers looking to introduce their students to algae as a crop through an agricultural lens. In the spring of 2021, we served: 1 FFA teacher in AL- included the curriculum in their Horticulture class serving 17 students 1 FFA teacher in AZ - included the curriculum in their AG 2 class serving 12 students 1 FFA teacher in NC - included the curriculum in their Horticulture class serving 20students 2 teachers in ME who co-led a week-long intensive on algae in agriculture serving 18students As expected, due to the project start date andcompletion timeline of the new curriculum, we have not yet served students individually via research grants/stipends. Now that over 65 students have firsthand experience and knowledge of algae, we will be able to support them in the next reporting period as they take this new topic and further develop their algal interest via individual research and projects. Changes/Problems:
Nothing Reported
What opportunities for training and professional development has the project provided?Before bringing the Cultivate curriculum into their classrooms, teachers were able to participate in a Webinar with the curriculum creator, Dr. Jakob Nalley. Dr. Nalley is the Director of Agronomy at Qualitas Health in Imperial, TX and has extensive experience with algae in the agricultural space as well as with K-12 curriculum development and implementation. Hewalked teachers through each of the 5 curriculum modules, including how to complete the lab in its entirety. Teachers reported feeling "very prepared" to execute the curriculum with their students. How have the results been disseminated to communities of interest?The Cultivate curriculum, it's deployment and resultshave been disseminated viathe Algae Foundation newsletter,the Algae Foundation's 30 Algae Technology Educational Consortium (ATEC) partner community colleges and universities located throughout the US, and with the National FFA Organization's Education Development team. What do you plan to do during the next reporting period to accomplish the goals?Increasing Cultivate Curriculum in Classrooms During the next reporting period the Algae Foundation will continue working closely with the National FFA Organization to identify 8-10 Teacher Ambassadors interested in bringing the Cultivate curriculum into their classrooms. Providing Student Support for Directed Research We believe that offering students a full academic year to research a topic, formulate a project and ultimately execute that project (with some iteration) will lead to higher success. With that in mind, starting in September, we will begin to reengage Cultivate alumni educators and the National FFA education team to determine if/when they begin to engage students in independent research. Student research is key tenet of National FFA affiliated schools, and since our first cohort of teachers are part of the National FFA network, we believe they will have many students interested in applying for this independent research award. Alumni teachers already have the microponds and necessary cultivation supplies available which may extend the research award further without having to spend funds on infrastructure. Once we solicit for applicants, and 2-3 awardees are selected, the Algae Foundation can tap into its large network of algae industry and academic leaders to pair students with a mentor that best suits the students' topic of research.
Impacts
What was accomplished under these goals?
The Algae Foundation has accomplished the bolded goals below as follows. Create an exciting and equitable opportunity for students to experience new curricula and materials to increase the quality of academic programs in the food and agricultural sciences. Develop hands-on STEM curriculum. Provide all materials for free. Engage 12-16 FFA chapter schools in 2 years. To accomplish the above goal the Algae Foundation developed the Cultivate curriculum, a 5-module, hands-on, STEM curriculum that introduces high school students to algae in agriculture. All curriculum materials including studentworksheets, teacher resources, instructional videos, lab supplies, and live algae were provided for free. ThreeFFA chapter schools piloted the curriculum serving a total of 49students. Teachers reported elevated levels ofengagement from their students compared to other lessons taught that year. We also engaged 2 non-FFA teachers who implemented the Cultivate curriculum with their students during a week-long algae in agriculture intensive. Cultivate a diverse talent pool, eliminate access barriers, and provide continued support to students looking to further develop their STEM skillset. Prioritize FFA chapter schools in rural areas, low-resource schools, and schools with large minority populations. Provide mentorship opportunities for students interested in continuing their education in algae-centered science and technology. The FFA chapter schools served this reportingperiod were identified by the National FFA Organization's Senior Education Consultant. These schools were chosen because their ag educatorsare part of the National FFA Organization's Teacher Ambassador program. FFA Teacher Ambassadors haveshown interest in bringing new and novel topics into their classrooms. These teachers represented Title 1 schools (Arizona, North Carolina), schools with total student populations of < 500 (Alabama), andrural schools (North Carolina). Due tothe time of year the Cultivate curriculum was completed anddeployed, we were not able to support individual students with research or science fair projects. Student support will begin during the next reporting period. Now that over 65 students have more algal knowledge and their interest is piqued, they are more likely to pursue further algal research. Promote agricultural literacy on an emerging sustainable crop with students in grades 9-12 while helping them develop necessary STEM skills to enter the agricultural workforce. Include videos and interviews with algae industry professionals. Align AAEA curriculum with Agricultural Food and Natural Resources (AFNR) Career Pathways©. The Cultivate curriculum included multiple lessons to introducealgae as a crop by highlighting the various applications of algae farming and highlighting specific companies using each practice. This information was presented in both narrative and interview video formats. Before deploying the curriculum to teachers, two members of the National FFA Organization's Education Development team reviewed each lessonfor Agriculture, Food and Natural Resources (AFNR) standards alignment and to ensure seamless implementation into various ag subject settings. Provide the opportunity for students to investigate real-world challenges to traditional agriculture and identify areas in which algae can provide solutions to complex problems. Students will apply AAEA curriculum to project-based experiential learning opportunities or student directed research projects. In class curriculum will include hands-on, student led, inquiry based experimental learning. As mentioned above, due to the time of year the Cultivate curriculum was deployed, we were not able to support individual students in directed research. Students who participated in the Cultivate curriculum in class did receive hands-on experience in experimental design and had the opportunity to work in groups to create a product or technologythat would solve a pressing global issue.
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