Earlier this year, farmers in the Dexter Community, nominated the district for consideration. After the nomination, the district developed its submission to enhance its STEM education offering through Maximizing Efficiencies in STEM teaching and Learning through Integrated Equipment.

Farmers who nominated Dexter were Darrel Pyle, Scott Wethington, Larry Brown, Erin Brown, Eric Mouser, Pam Mouser, Tom Hampton,  Jennifer Hampton, Randy Niehaus, Pearl Niehaus, Allen Rowland, Tonda Rowland, Chris Rowland, and Ron Edwards.

Our short term goals for students include increased critical thinking, decision making, and problem solving skills as well as increased workplace skills such as collaboration and teamwork. Students will also increase their skills using the scientific method for studying concepts and laws, and the engineering design process for developing new approaches and products. For example, in physics labs groups of students may apply the scientific method to discover and test the theory underlying trajectories By applying the engineering design process, students may plot trajectories of rocket launchers and use motion sensors to gauge results and guide the development of more cost effective prototypes of rockets and launchers. Other examples of learning activities include biology students preparing slides of plant samples to compare results relative to different growing conditions. In chemistry, students may study soil samples to determine the chemical content of soil treated with fertilizers and pesticides. Students will also make at least one field trip to a farm and observe differences in agriculture science practices for different crops. Finally, students will also participate in peer tutoring with younger students to extend their learning.

A group of science and math teachers reviewed each submission and selected Dexter R-­XI as a finalist.

Next, the Program’s Farmer Advisory Council , which is composed of approximately 30 farmer leaders from across the country with an interest in agriculture and education, selected Dexter R-­XI for one of the Grow Rural Education Grants. Grant applications were judged based on the merit of the application, need and community support.

The America’s Farmers Grow Rural Education program began in 2011. Since 2011, more than $11 million has been awarded to over 700 rural school districts to enhance STEM education. For a complete list of winners and to learn more about the America’s Farmers Grow Rural Education program, visit www.GrowRuralEducation.com .

About America’s Farmers

The America’s Farmers campaign highlights the importance of modern U.S. Agriculture through communications and community outreach programs that partner with farmers to impact rural America. To learn more, visit America’s Farmers at www.AmericasFarmers.com .

About the Monsanto Fund

The Monsanto Fund, the philanthropic arm of Monsanto Company, is a nonprofit organization dedicated to strengthening the communities where farmers and Monsanto Company employees live and work. Visit the Monsanto Fund at www.monsantofund.org .

Shown in the photo are from left to right: James Myers (H.S. Science), Celeste Colley (H.S. Science), Dan Pollock (H.S. Principal), Marrianne Bruce (H.S. Science), Erica Parris, Will Brehmer, Emily Mouser, Scott Wethington, Tiska Rodgers (H.S. Science), Justin Bess, Macy Graves, Allen Rowland, Malia Cook, Taylor Wealer, Bryce Simmons, Ashlynn Wyman, Derek Urhahn (H.S. AD/Asst. Principal), Logan Wyman, Tim Temples, and Macon Campbell.  Not pictured was Eric Boles (H.S. Science) and Gary Wyman (H.S. Ag)