The University of Minnesota Extension is presenting free workshops on "10 Plants That Changed Minnesota."

The workshops are open to anyone who teaches middle or high school students in a formal classroom, or in youth or after-school programs, says Mary Meyer, University of Minnesota professor. This includes 4-H leaders, Master Gardeners, Minnesota Master Naturalists, classroom and home-school teachers, farmer volunteers and Ag in the Classroom visitors.

Participants will learn about these plants as well as educational STEM (science, technology, math and engineering) activities designed for middle and high school students. Activities can be easily adapted for elementary school students, too, Meyer says. Activities include measuring the value of a tree, the parts of a corn plant, comparing wild rice populations in Minnesota lakes, how plant breeders produce new apples, and the nutritional value of soybeans. All activities meet Minnesota graduation standards.

NEW BOOK: This new book is available through the Minnesota Historical Society and at the Minnesota Landscape Arboretum gift shop.

The workshops are free. They include breakfast and lunch, and six hours of continuing education. All science teachers in attendance will receive the new "10 Plants That Changed Minnesota" book. All participants will receive the 70-page "10 Plants Teachers Activities Handbook." Everyone will learn many fun activities, Meyer adds.

A minimum of 10 participants is needed for each workshop. All registered participants will be notified if the workshop will not be held.

Upcoming workshops will be held in Minnesota on the following dates at the following locations.

• Oct. 19 and 20: St. Paul, St. Paul River Center
• Oct. 24, Mankato: U-M Extension Regional Office, Sakatah Room
• Nov. 10, St. Cloud: Minnesota Science Teachers Association Conference
• Nov. 14, Lamberton: U-M Research and Outreach Center
• Nov. 16, Morris: Morris Regional Extension Office, Ag Country Room

To register, visit top10plantsmn.org/for-educators.

"10 Plants That Changed Minnesota" was published in March by the Minnesota Historical Society Press. Order it online at "10 Plants That Changed Minnesota" or buy it at the Minnesota Landscape Arboretum gift shop.

For more information, contact Meyer at [email protected].

Source: U-M Extension