7th Grade Farm Show Field Trip
by Morgan
On January 9th, 2024, for the 15th year in a row, students in 7th grade from the Ephrata Middle School, got the privilege to travel to the Farm Show. The trip consisted of taking a bus to the Pennsylvania Farm Show Complex and Expo Center in Harrisburg. During their time, students are in groups of 3-5 with a guardian, and walk around the complex, exploring area. Some of the events that took place, and the groups could have seen were: The Rabbit Hopping Demonstration, Horse Pulling Contest, Protecting Yourself from Tick Bites, Grow Nuts Presentation, and Ham and Eggs Ag Magic Show. Those were just of the few, many things that the groups could have visited during their time. They also get to eat lunch there. Students have the choice to bring their own money and purchase food at the Farm Show, or they had the option to bring their own packed lunch. With whatever extra money the students brought, they were allowed to purchase whatever souvenir that they wanted with their money.
I am now an 8th grade student from Ephrata Middle School, but from what I recall, my experience with the Farm Show last year was a blast! Fortunately, I got put into a group with my friends and while we were at the Farm Show we went to see many exciting events. Those events included: Pig Show, Butter Sculpture Contest, Hot Sauce Tasting, and many more. An activity that sticks out to me the most is when my group and I did the calf birth simulation. It was a strange, yet fascinating experience to learn about. I brought money to the Farm show and with that money I bought a pink cowgirl hat. I decided to buy lunch there and picked mac and cheese, a milkshake, and fries for my food. While I was at the farm show, I learned a lot about agriculture and animals that I did not know before. At the end of the day, I left with a better understanding about all the work that goes into growing crops and raising animals, and much more.
Let’s ask 7th grade teacher, Mr. Haupt, who is the organizer of the whole field trip and see his take on the Farm Show!
How long have you been going to the Farm Show?
“15 years”
What do you do at the Farm Show?
“Walk and experience Pennsylvania Agriculture through exhibits, vendors, shows, presentations, and food.”
How does each teacher connect what they learned from the Farm Show into their classes? Lesson Plans?
“Each teacher (more specifically, subjects) has a lesson plan that applies to their subject area, and these are presented prior to attending the Farm Show. That way students are aware of the importance of agriculture, and its application to everyday life, before they arrive.”
--Mr. Haupt
As you can see, going to the annual Farm Show was yet again, another success, just like every other year! It gave many students a better understanding about agriculture and its application to everyday life. The Farm Show was a very thrilling experience for all and hopefully students from the younger grades look forward to the annual 7th grade field trip.
I am now an 8th grade student from Ephrata Middle School, but from what I recall, my experience with the Farm Show last year was a blast! Fortunately, I got put into a group with my friends and while we were at the Farm Show we went to see many exciting events. Those events included: Pig Show, Butter Sculpture Contest, Hot Sauce Tasting, and many more. An activity that sticks out to me the most is when my group and I did the calf birth simulation. It was a strange, yet fascinating experience to learn about. I brought money to the Farm show and with that money I bought a pink cowgirl hat. I decided to buy lunch there and picked mac and cheese, a milkshake, and fries for my food. While I was at the farm show, I learned a lot about agriculture and animals that I did not know before. At the end of the day, I left with a better understanding about all the work that goes into growing crops and raising animals, and much more.
Let’s ask 7th grade teacher, Mr. Haupt, who is the organizer of the whole field trip and see his take on the Farm Show!
How long have you been going to the Farm Show?
“15 years”
What do you do at the Farm Show?
“Walk and experience Pennsylvania Agriculture through exhibits, vendors, shows, presentations, and food.”
How does each teacher connect what they learned from the Farm Show into their classes? Lesson Plans?
“Each teacher (more specifically, subjects) has a lesson plan that applies to their subject area, and these are presented prior to attending the Farm Show. That way students are aware of the importance of agriculture, and its application to everyday life, before they arrive.”
--Mr. Haupt
As you can see, going to the annual Farm Show was yet again, another success, just like every other year! It gave many students a better understanding about agriculture and its application to everyday life. The Farm Show was a very thrilling experience for all and hopefully students from the younger grades look forward to the annual 7th grade field trip.