Presented By: Sherifat Alabi, The Ohio State University
Co-Authors: Joy Rumble, The Ohio State University
Nicole Volk, The Ohio State University

The lack of or limited exposure to agriculture among young children has contributed to the lack of basic knowledge of the origins of the food they eat. Field trips, therefore, offer learners of all ages access to direct experiential learning opportunities. Electronic field trips (EFTs) are a viable solution, particularly in accessibility and cost-effectiveness. This presentation's objectives are to 1) share our model for EFTs and 2) report on our EFTs series' impact. Collaborating with community partners, we created a cohesive EFTs series on the tomato food system with well-defined learning objectives to enhance the food literacy of elementary learners. The teachers were equipped with lesson plans that matched the state learning standards, including demonstration kits for effective classroom facilitation. Also, a clear designation of roles, responsibilities, and expectations among partners was communicated and understood. More than 1600 students participated in the live EFTs series, and the series' recordings have garnered 274 YouTube views to date. Teachers reported high engagement and interest among students during the EFTs series. They also referenced improved learning outcomes assessed through students' pre- and post- activities. One teacher said, “I was amazed to see the difference in drawings.” In addition, teachers reported students' remarkable curiosity and involvement during the cooking demonstration, including their intentions to practice the activity at home. One teacher said, “they were confused at first if we were making ”˜real salsa' and why it didn't come in a jar.” Others emphasized EFTs' role in bridging educational disparities among resource-limited schools and learners of diverse backgrounds. A teacher said, “some of our student population rarely get to experience this.” In a generation where the comfort of processed and ready-made food is commonplace, creating opportunities for children to explore the food system can stimulate a more informed and connected younger generation to agriculture.