Transforming plant science education

STEM-it Up² is an example of the power and value of transdisciplinary, place-based, experiential learning.

Kristin Gehsmann, dean of the Clemson University College of Education

In a world where STEM education is increasingly vital, the STEM-it Up² program is set to transform the teaching of plant science, inspiring the next generation of green industry professionals.

STEM-it Up² is a 3-year professional development program for United States agriscience teachers, taught by a multi-institutional team of educators and graduate students.

Led by Catherine DiBenedetto, an agricultural education associate professor at Clemson University, this initiative offers virtual and hands-on professional development for 16 agriscience teachers selected nationwide. STEM-it Up² equips teachers with the knowledge to develop innovative learning modules aiming to strengthen agricultural literacy, STEM skills, and a focus on career exploration in plant science, horticulture and floriculture.

“STEM-it Up² is an immersive program exploring each stage of the fresh-cut flower industry,” DiBenedetto said. “During this program, teachers encounter all aspects of the floral distribution channel and immerse themselves in the world of floriculture.”

Connie Lujan, an agriscience teacher at Mesa Vista Middle High School in Ojocaliente, New Mexico, is one SIU² participant who is eager to prepare her students for careers in floriculture.

“Agriculture is mostly a hobby in our area,” Lujan said. “Our students have very little knowledge about farming. I would like to take what I’ve learned here back to my students to introduce them to floriculture as a possible career option.”

Lujan, who has been teaching for 40 years, was the first female agriscience teacher in New Mexico. She teaches high school classes in floriculture, food science, leadership, and welding.

“STEM-it Up² is a great way for me to get the knowledge I need to educate my students,” she said.

The program is funded by a $500,000 grant from the United States Department of Agriculture’s National Institute of Food and Agriculture. It is an extension of DiBenedetto’s STEM-it Up program, supported by the American Floral Endowment.

STEM stands for Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics. It is an educational initiative designed to provide students with critical thinking skills to make them creative problem solvers and ultimately more marketable in the workforce.

In addition to DiBenedetto, other team members include Natalie Ferand of Virginia Tech, Brian Myers of the University of Florida, Richie Roberts of Louisiana State University, and Aaron McKim of Michigan State University.

Graduate students include Rustie Robison, a Clemson University doctoral student and Kyleigh Hilburn, a University of Florida doctoral student.

STEM-it Up² program benefits

Each teacher received a technology package that included an iPad Mini to use in their lessons.

“I don’t have anything like this to work with,” said Lauren Graham, a teacher at Limestone County Career Technical Center in Athens, Alabama. “I’m excited to have this iPad Mini that I can use with my lessons so that my students will benefit.”

In addition to using iPads, the teachers learned how to work with other technology.

The teachers also visited Clemson University agriscience laboratories where they engaged in laboratory research with James Faust, professor of floriculture physiology. They also learned how to isolate Botrytis fungus. And they visited Clemson greenhouses where they learned about cut flower harvesting and processing.

In addition, the program included industry tours to highlight all aspects of the floral distribution channel. The teachers toured FloraLife Inc. in Walterboro, South Carolina; Costa Farms and Soroa Orchids in Homestead, Florida; and Jet Fresh Flowers in Miami, Florida. They also visited River Bend Blooms in Scottsville, Kentucky.

The teachers will receive continued support while they develop curricula and implement what they learned in their agriscience programs.

Kristin Gehsmann, dean of the Clemson University College of Education, praised the program for equipping teachers to introduce students to the floriculture industry.

“STEM-it Up² is an example of the power and value of transdisciplinary, place-based, experiential learning,” Gehsmann said. “When learning is engaging, relevant, and tied to real-world applications, it helps students answer the question, ‘Why am I learning this?’ and prepares them to become leaders and innovators.”

STEM-it Up² image gallery