ROOTED in Ag
ROOTED in Agriculture (
Respecting
Our
Origins in
Technology through
EDucation in Agriculture) engages students to explore agri-science through an historical lens to see the development of technology in agriculture while making connections to local cultural practices. The project is a joint collaboration with the University of Hawaii, University of Alaska, and University of Nebraska.
Reach out to learn how you can participate
https://forms.gle/4aZ2H9EAKiRLnBua7
Example Story Maps and Virtual Reality Tours This site includes links to the ARC GIS storymaps created to support the virtual reality. More details are found in the Teacher’s Guide provided with the borrowed equipment. Click on a link in the table below to view the 360 Tour or StoryMap in larger format.
FAQs
What is ROOTED in Ag?
What is ROOTED in Ag?
ROOTED is a free educational program that introduces students to agriculture and technology through the creation of virtual reality (VR) tours. Students learn about local agriculture, plan their own tours, and publish their work for public viewing.
Is it hard? It sounds too complex.
Not at all! The program is designed for all experience levels and follows 3 simple steps:
- Explore local agriculture through pre-made VR tours
- Create a storyboard and plan for your own VR tour
- Publish your educational VR tour for the public
- The teacher packet includes step-by-step instructions, and training is available at no cost
Does this program prepare students for a career in technology or agriculture? Is this a college prep course connected to the university?
While not a college credit course, ROOTED helps youth:
- Learn basic skills in VR development and storytelling
- Understand local agriculture and ag technology
- Optionally use tools like ArcGIS and narrated VR content
- This is a non-credit program delivered through the university’s Cooperative Extension programming, which provides non-formal education.
Is there an example of a VR tour or story map?
Yes! Examples are available on our website and included in the teacher packet.
Do I need a background in technology or agriculture to participate?
No background is required. We provide:
Technology
-
- All necessary equipment
- Clear, beginner-friendly instructions
- Optional training and support
Agriculture
-
- The lesson plans and educational tours are introductory and scripted to include the educational content to deliver them
- The program is mainly focused on the hands-on engagement rather than lectures and presentations
How long does the program run?
The program is flexible and can be delivered in several formats:
-
-
- 1-day: Day Camp format
- 1 week: After-school sessions format
- Multiple weeks: For full use of ag lessons, VR tours, and ArcGIS
What does it cost to join?
There is no cost. The curriculum, training, and equipment are all provided free of charge through the Cooperative Extension office.
What is expected of students and teachers?
Students:
-
-
- Create and publish a VR tour about agriculture
- Participate in a VR showcase to share their tours
Teachers:
-
-
- Guide students using the provided curriculum
- Submit program evaluations and demographic information
- Return all borrowed equipment in good condition
Is there a maximum number of students able to participate?
There’s no limit, but each site has 10-20 VR headsets available at a time. Small groups work best to share equipment effectively.
What resources are included with the program?
-
-
- Teacher packet with lesson plans
- VR equipment: headsets, router, tablet, 360 camera, cords
- Instructions for creating VR tours and ArcGIS story maps
Is teacher training included?
Yes, we offer free training for teachers.
Is the program self-run or staff-supported?
-
-
- Both options are available.
- Self-run programs receive full training and materials
- Trainer-led options are also available upon request
What if we need more time during the program?
Contact your program representative to request an extension. Extended time to complete student projects is often available but use of equipment may be limited due to availability.
Can we keep any of the program materials?
Keep: Teacher packet and instructional materials
Return: Equipment (VR headsets, cameras, tablets, router, cords, case) for others to use. Equipment may be re-borrowed if available
If we run into any issues, who can we contact?
For quick help, reach out to:
-
-
- Kelsey (Hawaii): knakao@hawaii.edu
- Sarah (Nebraska): spaisley3@unl.edu
- Marla (Alaska): mklowder@alaska.edu
We would like to acknowledge and thank our funder, the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA), National Institute of Food and Agriculture (NIFA) – Food and Agriculture Non-formal Education (FANE) Projects for their support of the ROOTED in Ag project. SF-425 2022-69018-36297
ROOTED in Agriculture (Respecting Our Origins in Technology through EDucation in Agriculture) engages students to explore agri-science through an historical lens to see the development of technology in agriculture while making connections to local cultural practices. The project is a joint collaboration with the University of Hawaii, University of Alaska, and University of Nebraska.
