This unique professional development workshop involves learning about the corn industry while experiencing how to use Breakout boxes in the classroom. Discover how the use of a breakout box can challenge and teach students in a new way. Modeled after Breakoutedu.com, workshop participants will be using the breakout boxes to learn about the history of corn while also “unlocking” new knowledge about how the Kansas Corn Commission is investing in teachers. Each school who hosts our inquiry ambassadors will receive breakout boxes to use in the classrooms and will be one of the first to receive our corn-based activities using breakout boxes.

The Kansas Corn Commission and the Kansas Soybean Commission provide inquiry-based training opportunities for teachers to incorporate “systems thinking” methods using corn and soybeans as focus points. Those chosen for the workshops receive stipends, classroom supplies and continuing education credits.

Tier 1: Soybean Summer Science Institute

Funded by the Kansas Soybean Commission teachers are selected to participate in a three-week workshop located in Manhattan. The teachers work with peers to develop a science unit around soybeans that addresses Next Generation Science Standards. More importantly, teachers will learn how to teach “systems thinking” using a soybean seed. For more information visit mysoybean.org.http://mysoybean.org.

Tier 2: Corn Ear to Ear Mentors

Graduates of the Soybean Science Institute can apply for the Ear to Ear Mentors program, a one-week summer course where selected teachers receive advanced training to bring inquiry-based learning to their schools, beyond their own classrooms. Teachers gain knowledge about corn and how they can use the crop as a model for teaching science. They also will learn how to train peer teachers on inquiry instructional methods using corn.