New high school curriculum highlights essential role of agriculture in shaping Iowa and the nation

As part of America 250 celebrations across the state, the Iowa Department of Education has launched a new agricultural curriculum (8.28 MB) .pdf to help students better understand the historical and contemporary connections of Iowa agriculture in shaping America’s legacy.

Developed by agricultural educator and 2025 Iowa Teacher of the Year Melanie Bloom during her year of service, the five-lesson curriculum for middle and high school students commemorates America’s 250th birthday and Iowa’s contributions to the country through agriculture. Supported by Iowa Secretary of Agriculture Mike Naig, the curriculum can be used by any Iowa educator to bolster inquiry, historical understanding, agricultural literacy and career-connected learning aligned to Iowa Academic Standards, which outline and define what students should know and be able to do at specified grade levels by subject area.

“As we continue to celebrate America’s 250th birthday, Iowa agriculture and its integral role in American history can’t be overstated,” said Tina Wahlert, administrator for the Department’s Division of PK-12 Learning. “This new curriculum that was developed by one of Iowa’s expert agriculture teachers is a valuable resource that can help schools strengthen and expand their agriculture education programs and coursework. By supporting agriculture education through high-quality instruction, hands-on work-based learning experiences and other innovative learning opportunities, we can help students make connections to their local communities, potential career pathways and Iowa’s rich history.”

The curriculum introduces students to significant events in Iowa’s agriculture history and includes lessons covering Iowa’s landscape and native vegetation and wildlife, Indigenous and modern agricultural practices, land surveys and legal descriptions of the land, the 1980s farm crisis and its impact on agricultural policy and management as well as current issues facing modern day agriculture. The curriculum includes resources and references to historical artifacts generously shared by Conservation Districts of Iowa, Living History Farms, Iowa FFA Association, NASA’s Space Academy for Educators, Seed Savers out of Decorah, State Historical Society of Iowa, and author and photographer Drake Hokanson, among many other students and educators of agriculture across the state.

“From rural communities to urban centers, Iowa, the nation and the world depends on agriculture,” said 2025 Iowa Teacher of the Year Melanie Bloom. “Agriculture has shaped Iowa’s identity, economy and landscape for generations. This project-based curriculum provides middle school and high school students with opportunities to explore Iowa’s rich landscape and make connections with science, history, agriculture and ag-related industries. With this curriculum, students across the state will better understand the significant role of Iowa agriculture and how it impacts the nation.”

America 250 commemorates the 250th anniversary of the signing of the Declaration of Independence, marking America’s Semiquincentennial. This milestone is an opportunity to explore the nation’s founding principles and Iowa's role in American history. It fosters shared experiences that spark imagination, showcases the rich tapestry of our American stories, inspires service in our communities and honors the enduring strength of our country.

More information on America 250 Iowa programs, projects and resources for educators, including the new Iowa Agricultural Heritage curriculum, can be found on the Department’s America 250 webpage. Learn more about Melanie Bloom’s year of service as Iowa’s 2025 Teacher of the Year.

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