Wyoming Agriculture in the Classroom (WAIC) is excited to announce the launch of its brand new Wyo Wonders curriculum for the 2023 school year. Wyo Wonders is a free elementary curriculum focused on helping students understand Wyoming’s core heritage industries of agriculture, minerals and energy, outdoor recreation, and tourism.
Wyo Wonders continues the legacy of stewardship-based education for Wyoming students that WAIC’s previous curriculum, the Wyoming Stewardship Project has previously fulfilled. The curriculum was written by teachers for teachers, equipping them with Wyoming-specific tools and resources for their classrooms. By completing the curriculum, students not only learn Wyoming’s history, but study Wyoming’s core industries, how they are connected, and the importance of those industries today as they employ critical thinking skills and begin to envision their future careers in their home state.
Executive Director Andrew Joannides stated, “I am so excited to share this new curriculum with educators, students, our supporters, and folks all around the great state of Wyoming! When I first saw it, it took me back to my childhood when my mom would take me to children’s museums. It feels exploratory, it is creative and inviting. We want this freshly branded curriculum to be memorable for the children who have access to it. As we all know, Wyoming is full of wonderful things. It is inspiring to know that our children can learn this starting in elementary school!”
Wyo Wonders is supported by WAIC, and their team of Education Advocates provides workshops for educators, along with as-needed support throughout the school year. Since the beginning of June, educators attending WAIC’s summer workshops have gotten their first look at the Wyo Wonders curriculum. One participant from the Sheridan workshop commented, “I love the new name and look! I think it will draw in a lot more attention and curiosity.” Others have commented on the kid-friendly new name and fun imagery for the lessons.
Wyo Wonders lessons and resources will be ready for the fall semester at www.wyowonders.org. This free curriculum is powered by Wyoming Agriculture in the Classroom. To learn more about the program, and how you can support it within your community, please reach out to Andrew Joannides, Executive Director at 307-369-1749.