On October 15, students in grades 3-5 will have the opportunity to explore the SCIENCE of agriculture in a fun, hands on and free way at Science of Agriculture 2013! Online registration is now open. While we work on confirming sessions for this year's event, here's a look at the sessions we offered at our 2012 event to give you an idea of what the event involves:

All About Bulbs
Did you know people eat bulbs everyday? In this session, students will learn about the life cycle of a bulb by season and have the opportunity to investigate a bulb up-close-and-personal. They will take their own bulb back to school with ideas for scientific observations and predictions. Conducted by OARDC’s Director’s Office. Location: To be determined

Bioenergy Blast
Renewable, home-grown fuels are the future of American energy. Come tour the new Quasar biodigester on our Wooster campus and see how we are using waste products to power our campus—today! The future is here—come experience it for yourself! Conducted by Quasar Bioenergy. Location: Quasar Biodigester, BioHio Research Park.

Breaking the Code
From the color of your eyes to the height of your body, tiny microscopic DNA molecules determine nearly everything about your body. Come learn how DNA works and how our researchers use DNA sequencing in their research Conducted by OARDC's Molecular and Cellular Imaging Center. Location: Selby Hall.

Creating Compost
Composting is good for farmers and good for the environment! It transforms organic waste like manure into a valuable commodity. Learn the mechanics of the composting process, visit our composting pad to see composting in progress and learn about the practical applications of composting. Conducted by OARDC’s Department of Food, Agricultural & Biological Engineering and the Ohio Composting And Manure Management program. Location: Composting Pad.

EcoBot Challenge
Take part in the 2012 4-H National Science Experiments as you explore how robots can be used to preserve and protect the environment while offering a glimpse into the future of science, technology, engineering and math. Includes hands-on experimentation and simple robot construction and design. Conducted by Wayne County Extension. 

Exploring Ecosystems
Get an up-close-and personal look at OARDC’s 88-acre Secrest Arboretum as you learn about the inter-connected nature of ecosystems! Students will expand their knowledge of science in the landscape while improving plant ID skills, learning the importance of selecting the right plant for the right place, and understanding the role of a research arboretum in helping gardeners develop landscapes with wholesome, healthy plants. Conducted by OARDC’s Secrest Arboretum. Location: Secrest Arboretum.

Larger than Life
Your students will never see things quite the same again! This session gives students the chance to get up close and personal with our electron microscopes—microscopes that are powerful enough to make and ant appear almost a mile long! This session is definitely larger than life! Conducted by OARDC's Molecular and Cellular Imaging Center. Location: Selby Hall.

Plant Drs at Work
Many diseases can infect plants and devastate our crops and our forests.  See examples of plant diseases and learn and why it's so important to keep our crops and forests healthy.  Hands-on activities will also demonstrate important uses of crops such as soybean and corn. Conducted by OARDC’s Department of Plant Pathology and USDA/ARS. Location: Selby Hall.

Plants in Space!
Students will see first-hand an automated plant production system developed for NASA's Deep Space Exploration missions. The system features automated irrigation and remote monitoring of plant growth and well-being. The system is also able to provide life-support essentials, such as food, oxygen and clean water for long-term space missions with minimal astronaut time requirements. Conducted by OARDC’s Department of Food, Agricultural and Biological Engineering. Location: To be determined.

Seeds of Science
Come learn about the science of seeds! Students will learn about the structure of seeds, examine different types of seeds, and then make their own seed-starting necklace to take home with them to observe how their seed sprouts. Conducted by Ohio State University Extension. Location: To be determined

Sensational Soil
Students learn how soil is formed and discover the properties of soil. This activity includes and introduction and three different learning stations with hands-on soil smudge, rock rubbing and creating a “Soil Sam.” Conducted by Wayne County Soil & Water Conservation District. Location: To be determined

Stream Bugs & Stream Health
Rivers and streams are homes for many animals. Different rivers and streams host different organisms.  This session gives students the chance to learn about streams and how agriculture can impact on stream health. Students will use field microscopes to observe aquatic creatures.  At the end of the session, students are able to participate in decisions about the health and future of rivers and streams. Conducted by OARDC's Sugarcreek Watershed Education Program. Location: To be determined