Microsoft and National FFA Organization Expand FarmBeats to Students Across the Country
Microsoft Corp. and the National FFA Organization announced national expansion of FarmBeats for Students, an innovative educational initiative that will teach precision agriculture with smart sensors, data science, and AI.
This growth will take FarmBeats kits to classrooms nationwide, including 185 middle schools and high schools, where FFA students and teachers will get the kits for free.
FarmBeats for Students kits come with plug-and-play sensor systems and curriculum resources, specifically designed for classrooms that might not have technical backgrounds.
The project is intended to equip students with practical experience of modern agricultural technology, thus equipping them with the competence necessary to remain competitive in the fast-changing global food market.
Promoting Practical Agric Skills
As the farm sector embraces new technologies such as automated tractors, drones, and data analysis tools for managing soil health, pest management, and optimizing resource utilization, FarmBeats for Students exposes the students to such technologies early.
The students can create environmental sensor systems with the kits and use AI for real-time decision-making on monitoring soil moisture as well as checking for nutrient deprivation.
The curriculum fosters flexibility, enabling the students to apply their projects according to regional challenges like drought, frost, and insects. Students achieve priceless hands-on experience tackling challenges essential for agriculture's future by solving challenges applicable in the real world as relevant to their local communities.
A Commitment to Education and Innovation
Mary Snapp, Microsoft vice president, Strategic Initiatives, said, "Microsoft is committed to ensuring students and teachers have the tools they need to succeed in today's tech-driven world, and that includes giving students hands-on experience with precision farming, data science and AI.”
She added, "By teaming up with FFA to bring FarmBeats for Students to students across the country, we hope to inspire the next generation of agriculture leaders and equip them with the skills to tackle any and all challenges as they guide us into the future."
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Accessibility for Educators and Parents
Along with the free school kits, FarmBeats for Students kits can be bought by teachers, students, or parents for $35, and free training is provided through Microsoft Learn.
Teachers also have access to a new, full-course study of precision agriculture, data science, and AI through the Microsoft Educator Learn Center. The free course offers professional development and certification for teachers.
FarmBeats for Students is aligned with national education standards, such as the AI for K-12 initiative and the Agriculture, Food, and Natural Resources career standards, to provide students with a relevant and effective educational experience.
