To introduce the unit, kindergartners in Bellefonte Elementary School teacher Lea McCartney’s class spoke with Dustin Gearhart, a farmer from the Mount Union area, about the crops and livestock he raises.

“This experience was a great introduction to agriculture and the process of farming to many of our students,” said McCartney. “Farming is a very important part of our community, and having an understanding of where our food and resources come from is valuable to have students know.”

In the unit, students explored the essential question, “What happens on a farm?” while working toward learning goals related to vocabulary development and engaging in conversations about farm life.

To bring the lesson to life and deepen their understanding, students spoke with Gearhart, a 2020 Penn State Animal Science graduate, who happens to also be McCartney’s partner about his career.

PHOTOS PROVIDED Photos from Dustin Gearheart’s slideshow presentation about farming are shown. Gearheart works on a 350-acre farm in the Mount Union area.

Over video call, he shared a slideshow with the class featuring the animals and equipment he uses regularly and answered students’ questions about farming.

During the presentation, students got to see examples of the livestock found on farms like beef cattle, sheep, goats, pigs and chickens. Gearhart also showed pictures and videos of himself operating farm equipment like tractors, a combine and baler, and walked students through the process of planting and harvesting crops like hay, corn and soybeans.

McCartney said the class enjoyed the learning experience and the opportunity to hear directly from a working farmer about his job.

“The students enjoyed the presentation and were able to create more detailed drawings and have more in-depth conversations about what happens on a farm afterwards,” McCartney said. “They especially loved seeing videos of the lambs running around and baler tossing hay into a wagon.”

PHOTOS PROVIDED Photos from Dustin Gearheart’s slideshow presentation about farming are shown. Gearheart works on a 350-acre farm in the Mount Union area.