Throughout 2023, with the help of our partners, we'll be taking a closer look at Manitoba’s foundational agriculture commodities and the people who produce the food we eat. October 16 to 20 is Special Crops Week!
Teachers, follow along on our social media for:
- Fun facts about how special crops like sunflower, flax and corn are grown, and what they can be used for
- Profile of an Applied Research Specialist who works with special crops and what they're doing to feed a hungry world
- AITC-M Connections to sunflower, flax and corn through our classroom programs and resources, and professional development opportunities for educators
Follow us!
Facebook – Agriculture in the Classroom-Manitoba
Instagram – @aitcmb
X – @aitcmb
Our Special Crops Week Partner
Thank you to Manitoba Crop Alliance for your support of Agriculture in the Classroom-Manitoba. Your generosity makes Special Crops Week possible.
Based in Carman, Manitoba Crop Alliance represents over 7,700 Manitoba farmers, who grow wheat, barley, corn, sunflower and/or flax. Manitoba Crop Alliance strives to continuously improve the competitiveness and profitability of these crops through research, agronomy, market access and development, and communications.
Agriculture literacy matters to Manitoba Crop Alliance
“Today’s students are our future leaders, voters and consumers of agricultural products. Many kids have never been exposed to a farm, so it’s important they have opportunities to learn about where their food comes from, how it’s produced, and how farmers are stewards of the land.” – Pam De Rocquigny, Manitoba Crop Alliance CEO
AITC-M Connections
Our sunflower-, flax- and corn-themed programs and resources can help bring your curriculum to life across a range of subjects. From science, technology and nutrition to history, careers and the environment, there's no limit to the ways these crops can enhance your lessons.
Manitoba Seed Kit
Grades 3 to 6: A hands-on, interactive resource that introduces your class to the diversity of crops grown right here in Manitoba – including sunflower, flax and corn!
Order your seed kit
Healthy Foods from Healthy Farms
Grades 1 to 6: Go behind the scenes of your favourite snack foods — and the people who produce them — with this video and activity set.
Explore resource
Seed Survivor
Grades 3 and 4: Explore multimedia and virtual reality games on the Seed Survivor website, which covers topics like watersheds, photosynthesis, soil and more.
Explore resource
Food Inc: An Alternate View
Grades 9 to 12: If you are showing your students the film Food Inc., here are some resources to explore different viewpoints, encourage critical thinking, foster media literacy and stimulate discussion in the classroom.
Explore resource
Eat Well: Exploring Canada's Food Guide
Grades 5 to 8: Interactive lessons, display materials and playing cards designed to help students explore Canada’s Food Guide for healthy eating – including foods from sunflower, flax and corn.
Explore resource
Foundations of Manitoba Agriculture
Grades K to 12: A series of interactive courses and information sheets that explore the different crops grown and animals raised in Manitoba, including sunflower, flax and corn.
Explore resource
Enhance Your Curriculum: Ask a Special Crops Specialist
To make learning even more exciting, we're offering a chance to win a classroom prize!
Simply use one of our special crops-focused resources in your classroom and submit a question about sunflower, flax or corn via the form below. We'll share your questions with an Applied Research Specialist, who will provide answers that we'll post on our social media channels during Special Crops Week.
Give your students a chance to learn about some of the world's most important crops. You’ll automatically be entered into the prize draw for school supplies for your classroom!
Submit Your Question!