On October 17, students in grades 6-12 will have the opportunity to explore the SCIENCE of agriculture in a fun, hands-on and free way at Science of Agriculture 2012! Use our online registration form or download a copy to reserve your space today! Here's a glimpse at what students will be learning:

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.

College Choices 101
Wondering what to do after high school? How about a career in Ohio's largest industry? Today's agriculture and bioscience industries are about a WHOLE lot more than "just" cows and plows! Like the science behind agriculture showcased at this year's Science of Agriculture event? Find out how to turn that interest into a career that pays. Conducted by Ohio State University College of Food, Agricultural and Biological Sciences Admissions. Location: To be determined.

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 microsposes—miscroscopes that are powerful enought 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.

Lead Out Loud
Agriculture is Ohio’s largest industry. And while farmers account for less than 2 percent of our country’s population, the agricultural industry has evolved into so much more! Nationwide, the agricultural industry employs more that 24 million Americans—that’s about 17 percent of our country’s workforce. Students will learn about potential careers and opportunities in the agricultural industry. Conducted by Ohio FFA State Officer Team. Location: FIsher Auditorium.

Mendelian Genetics
Learn how Mendelian genetics are used through molecular technology to help find solutions to problems in today’s agricultural industry. Conducted by USDA’s Agriculture Research Service and OARDC’s Department of Plant Pathology. Location: Fisher Auditorium.

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.

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

Wired for Wind
As the world's demand for clean energy sources increases, so has the interest in wind power. Students will better understand the physics of wind energy and how it can be used to conserve energy and save our planet from the pollution and harm caused by burning fossil fuels. Conducted by OARDC’s Director's Office and Garden of Roses of Legend and Romance. Location: To be determined.