Real World STEM Learning Takes Root in Agriculture
On April 30, 2025, 37 enthusiastic seventh graders from Sebeka Public School stepped outside the classroom and into the world of STEM careers in agriculture, thanks to an immersive Farm Camp Minnesota experience. With stops at Ten Finns Creamery and RDO Farms near Park Rapids, students got a firsthand look at how science, technology, engineering, and math fuel the food system that feeds their community. Ten Finns is the dairy provider for Sebeka’s school meals, giving students a direct connection between what they eat and where it comes from.
Laying the Groundwork: Lessons Before the Field Trip
Prior to the trip, students prepared with a series of engaging, curriculum-aligned lessons provided by Minnesota Agriculture in the Classroom. They explored milk processing, farm robotics, and food safety with activities like:
- From Cow to Carton: Milk’s Journey to the Consumer – focusing on homogenization, pasteurization, and fortification
- Robots Wanted! – investigating how farms reduce manual labor through automation
- Microbes – They're Everywhere! – using potatoes to explore food safety and microorganisms
These lessons built foundational knowledge and piqued student interest before they ever stepped foot on a farm.
Learning on Location: From Dairy Barns to French Fry Labs
With support from the Minnesota Agriculture in the Classroom Foundation and a Transportation Grant, students explored agriculture in action. At Ten Finns Creamery, they toured a modern dairy operation, watched cows being milked, and even got to pet baby calves. One student said, “Getting to see all the machines they use to process the milk” was a highlight.
Next, at RDO Farms, the focus shifted to potatoes. Students toured the fields and the French fry lab, where they learned how potatoes go from soil to school lunch trays. “I was surprised by how many potatoes are produced off of one farm,” a student shared.
Student Reflections and Career Connections
This hands-on experience wasn’t just fun—it was eye-opening. Before the trip, only 27.3 percent of students could name five agricultural careers beyond farming. After Farm Camp, that number jumped to 57.1 percent. From agronomy and engineering to food safety and dairy science, students saw how STEM intersects with agriculture every day.
As one student noted, “Being a farmer or someone in agriculture kind of inspires me because you help people in the process.”
Educator Appreciation
Sebeka teacher Nikki summed up the day best:
“We all had a wonderful day and are so appreciative for the opportunity. Thanks again for all of your help setting up this amazing trip!”
Why Farm Camp Minnesota Matters
Farm Camp Minnesota bridges classroom learning with real-world experience, helping students connect with the food system in meaningful ways. By linking STEM careers in agriculture to engaging field trips and thoughtfully developed lessons, Farm Camp cultivates curiosity, career awareness, and appreciation for Minnesota’s ag industry.
As one student wisely said, “Kids learn better with interactions. Such as animals or food.”