Apples: Then and Now Tour
Discover how apples are grown today, and how they were grown eighty years ago. This tour highlights how time and technology have changed farm life in the past century. It focuses on the history of the farm and apple production, as well as, current developments.
Tour Includes:
Learn about the seasons of an apple orchard.
See large refrigerator where apples are stored.
Watch apple sorting machine.
View cider press and sample some cider.
Observation bee hive.
Discussion of different apple varieties.
Pick small bag of apples.
Kid's Play Area or Agrimaze
2011 Agrimaze Theme: Johnny Appleseed
Dates: September 14-30, 2011
Ages: Kindergarten - 2nd Grade
Time: One hour guided tour + play/maze time
Cost: $4.00/child and adult*
*one teacher is free for every fifteen students. All other adults/siblings are $4.00.
Key Educational Concepts Covered:
The diversification and specialization of farming.
How technology has changed the way we farm.
How weather effects farming.
The different seasons of an apple tree.
Refrigeration help keeps apples fresh.
What is apple cider?
Honey bees and pollination.
Differences between different types of apples.
See below for additional curriculum resources to use before or after your tour.
Indiana Academic Standards:
Science: K.4.1, 1.4.1, 1.4.2, 1.4.4, 2.4.1, 2.4.3. Social Studies: K.1.1, K.3.5, 1.1.1, 1.3.6, 1.4.4, 2.4.3, 2.4.5
A minimum of 15 paying individuals or $60 is required to schedule a tour.
Reservation Information
Additional Elementary Tours
Additional Curriculum Resources
Lesson Plans:
A is for Apples: An introduction to apples.
Apples: Bare to Pick: Seasons of an apple tree
Apples: Kinds to Products, Grocery store apple knowledge
Apple: Seed to Tree: Johnny Appleseed
Tracking Technology Although geared for older students, this lesson plan provides a good overview on the history of farming.
Enrichment Activities:
Apple Ag Mag: Fun overview of apples.
Apple Bingo
Apple Chronology: an activity about the seasons of an apple tree.
Apple Sorting: An apple sorting activity.
Apple Observations: A chart for observing three apple types.
Apple Crossword: An overview of apple concepts.
Apple Info Sheet: A breakdown of apple consumption in the USA.
Nutrition Breakdown of an Apple.
Apple Nutrition: Use this chart to help your students learn about the nutritional content of apples.
What's Happening in the Orchard: A good description of each season in the orchard.
Kid's Activity Guide about Apples
Suggested Books:
How do Apples Grow? by Betsy Maestro
The Apple Tree by Lynley Dodd
The Story of Johnny Appleseed by Aliki
Apples by Gail Gibbons
Apples by Ken Robinson
Life Cycle of an Apple by Angela Royston
Apple Cider Making Days by Ann Purmell
Apples by Jacqueline Famer
The Seasons of Arnold's Apple Tree by Gail Gibbons
Apple Fractions by Jerry Pallotta
The Ecosystems of an Apple Tree by Elaine Pascoe
Growing Seasons by Elsie Lee Splear (overview of the turn of century farm)
A note on our book choices: we find that not all children's books on apples are accurate. The above books are the best and more accurate for this age group of all the ones we have read.
Many of these lesson plans were developed by Ag in the Classroom or Farm Bureau organizations across the country. You can find more Ag in the Classroom resources on their national website.
