www.stma.org July 2015 | SportsTurf 31
information presented in each lesson. Activities are provided
to allow students to delve more deeply into the information.
Activities include hands-on labs, demonstrations, and projects.
Many of the activities take place outdoors. Therefore, the best
time for the curriculum to be implemented in the classroom is
in late spring (April-June) or early fall (late August-October)
when both warm and cool season turfgrass areas are actively
growing (rate of growth is dependent on climatic location).
Lessons conclude with a review of the material and question
and answer sessions between students and the teacher.
ONLINE CURRICULUM
The online curriculum is aimed toward individual and crew
training. The material appeals to various learning styles
including visual, auditory, and hands-on. Students are engaged
in the content through the use of interactive activities, self assess-
ment quizzes, videos, critical thinking exercises, and high quality
photos, diagrams, and illustrations. The lessons are easy to follow
and complete in short time settings. The course is ideal for entire
crew training sessions.
STMA encourages agriculture education instructors and
turfgrass professionals across the country to consider this
curriculum. The curriculum is designed for students to learn
and succeed and advance the professionalism in the turfgrass
industry. Please visit STMA's website (http://www.stma.org/
curriculum) or contact Kristen Althouse, STMA's Education
Manager, for any additional information (kalthouse@stma.
org). ■
ST
"I used the Turfgrass curriculum in my horticulture class this year which turned out
to be great! The curriculum is easy to follow and includes handouts, PowerPoints,
and labs for the teacher and student. Students loved the lessons where they could
relate the material to career and real world applications. This curriculum enhances any
horticulture class within career and technical education."
— Nolan Payne, Miami-Yoder School District