Professional Development

High School

The Kansas Corn Commission invests in the future by providing summer workshops, free curriculum and lab supplies for science teachers so teachers can bring lessons based on biotechnology and ethanol to the classroom. All of our curriculum and trainings are written and lead by teachers for teachers. Teachers who attend a workshop should have confidence that what they learn will be applicable in the classroom while being able to walk away having all of the resources and materials to teach the new labs to their students.

Seed to STEM Workshop

Each summer Kansas Corn STEM hosts two workshops for high school teachers. During the workshop each teacher will practice labs that can be used in the classroom to help students learn the role agriculture plays in science. Labs focus on corn, biotechnology, ethanol, soil and water.

“We are excited to announce the 2023 summer workshop dates! We hope you apply.” -Maizey, Kansas Corn STEM Bitmoji

High School 1.0 Track

During the 1.0 track teachers are introduced to the industry with labs focused on corn, biotechnology and ethanol. The workshop includes a farm and field visit, an industry dinner and a field trip to an ethanol plant. The $500 worth of free lab resources are supplies that can be used for the labs that the teachers practiced during the workshop. Teachers who complete the full two days will become eligible for additional supplies and continued support from Kansas Corn STEM. Graduate credit will also be available at a cost to the participant. Please review the sample schedule to see the list of labs included in the workshop training.

April 1st Application Deadline
Workshop Dates:
Salina- June 12-13
Topeka- June 15-16

Sample Workshop Schedule High School Lessons 1.0 Workshop Application

High School 2.0 Track

Teachers who have completed the High School 1.0 track are invited back to complete the 2.0 track. Each participant will practice new labs, attend an industry dinner and collaborate with other teachers about their experiences using Seed to STEM labs in the classroom. New topics will be discussed include soil and water. Each teacher will receive $500 worth of free lab resources. Graduate credit will also be available at a cost to the participant. Only 16 teachers will be selected and the 2.0 track is only offered once each year.

March 1st Application Deadline
Workshop Dates:
Salina- June 12-13

Draft Workshop Schedule High School Lessons 2.0 Workshop Application

Thank you for everything- this was simply the best workshop I have ever been to in 26 years in education.
- Scott, Seed to STEM Participant

Thank you so much for this training and the work you guys put into it. This was one of the best trainings I have been to.
- Kyle, Seed to STEM Participant

You guys are the best kept secret!
- Anonymous, Seed to STEM Participant

There truly is an amazing amount of science involved in corn farming today, especially in regard to biotechnology and ethanol. We want to get high school teachers and their students energized about the role science plays in agriculture. Through workshops, classroom resources and this website, we are investing in science education in schools.
- Greg Krissek, Kansas Corn CEO