Developing Individuals, Growing Stewards

Helping Youth Understand the Widespread Impact and Importance of Agriculture. 

Developing Individuals, Growing Stewards (DIGS) is a curriculum developed by Colorado State University’s 4-H STEM AmeriCorps program and faculty in CSU’s Agricultural Education Program. Designed for 3rd-5th graders, the curriculum covers a wide range of topics across eight units with a total of twenty-four lessons. Each lesson contains Colorado Academic Standards, 4-H life skills, background information on the subject material, vocabulary lists, career connections, and more.

A New Way to Introduce Agriculture in the Classroom.

A group of elementary students doing a science experiement.

A Free Curriculum for Teachers, Parents and more.

Anyone can teach DIGS.  Whatever your role – if you’re looking to build afterschool programs or a homeschooling parent or classroom teacher looking for a cohesive lesson plan to teach Colorado agriculture – DIGS is your solution.

DIGS was piloted last summer through a two-week summer camp encompassing all twenty-four lessons in the curriculum (download the camp schedule here).  The action-packed days were filled with interactive activities covering a range of topics, from plant health to genetics to basic nutrition. The instructors included a CSU Extension 4-H Agent, a CSU graduate student, and an AmeriCorps member with no previous background in agriculture. By the end of the two-week camp, seventy-one percent of participants increased their knowledge of Colorado agriculture and their appreciation of STEM.

 

Download the DIGS Curriculum today.

Complete the form below to download the complete DIGS curriculum.

Colorado State University Extension is an equal opportunity provider. Colorado State University does not discriminate on the basis of disability and is committed to providing reasonable accommodations. CSU’s Office of Engagement and Extension ensures meaningful access and equal opportunities to participate to individuals whose first language is not English.

Colorado State University Extension es un proveedor que ofrece igualdad de oportunidades.  Colorado State University no discrimina por motivos de discapacidad y se compromete a proporcionar adaptaciones razonables. Office of Engagement and Extension de CSU garantiza acceso significativo e igualdad de oportunidades para participar a las personas quienes su primer idioma no es el inglés.