Work Based Learning

Hamilton Community Schools 8th graders stepped into the world of agriculture in a hands-on, immersive way during the district’s annual AgScience Day—an experience designed to connect classroom learning with real-world opportunities in one of West Michigan’s most vital industries.

Students spent the day split between the Critter Barn and Cultivate Church, rotating through interactive stations and learning directly from local professionals who live and work in the agriculture field every day.

At Critter Barn, students learned how to milk goats and identify different types of seeds like corn, soybeans, oats, wheat, and alfalfa, gaining a deeper understanding of the processes behind everyday products. They also explored livestock care, discovering how animals serve different purposes on a farm—from egg production to wool and beyond.

One station gave students the chance to hold baby chicks, a clear favorite among many. Another revealed surprising details, like how the color of a chicken’s earlobes can indicate the color of the eggs they lay. Students also explored bee colonies, learning about the roles of drones, queens, and worker bees, and even discovered how sheep’s wool contributes to products like lotions and chapstick.

“I guess just learning about farms and stuff,” one student shared. “Because I know nothing about them.”

That sentiment—curiosity turning into understanding—was exactly the goal.

Meanwhile, at Cultivate Church, students continued their learning by engaging with professionals from across the agriculture industry. Eighth grader Hannah A. helped capture the day by interviewing her classmates and sharing what they were learning in real time.

From crop science and animal nutrition to transportation and agribusiness, students explored the many pathways agriculture offers. Industry partners emphasized not only the importance of agriculture in the local community, but also the growing need for future workers in the field.

“We live in an agricultural community,” said Josh of Keystone Cooperative. “There’s fields everywhere, and it’s important that people know what’s going on in them—and why it matters.”

That message resonated throughout the day.

Students learned that agriculture is far more than farming—it’s science, technology, business, and innovation. Whether studying soil nutrients like sulfur, understanding feed differences for various animals, or exploring logistics and supply chains, each station highlighted the wide range of high-wage, high-demand careers available right here in West Michigan.

AgScience Day wouldn’t be possible without the incredible support of community partners, including Critter Barn, Heasley Seeds, Keystone Cooperative, Hoeve Farms, Brink Transportation, Morren Brothers AgServices, Zoet Poultry, Hogquest Farms, Picklestreet Veterinary Services, Earl’s Meats, and Caledonia Farmers Elevator.

Together, they provided more than just information—they created an experience.

An experience where students asked questions, made connections, and maybe, for the first time, saw themselves in a future they hadn’t considered before.