Modern Farming14 Nov 2025

From Soil to STEM: Transforming the Classroom with Kevin O’Gorman

In this episode, we talk with Kevin O’Gorman, a hands-on science educator whose love for agriculture and the natural world began on his family’s retired apple orchard in upstate New York. With a degree in Animal Science (Fisheries, Aquaculture & Wildlife Management) and more than a decade in the classroom, Kevin has built a unique “hands-in-the-dirt” teaching style that brings science to life for K–5 students.

Kevin shares how UF/IFAS Extension programs and mentor teachers inspired him to integrate horticulture, gardening, and environmental studies into daily lessons. From his popular “Bug of the Week” feature—teaching pest ID, beneficial insects, and ecosystem diversity—to designing a classroom culture where every student (and even their families) has a role in the garden, Kevin emphasizes learning with purpose.

Listeners will hear why he believes:

--Tactile, outdoor learning helps students thrive

--Purpose-driven lessons create better engagement

--Failure is an essential part of discovery

--Understanding the “why” behind science empowers young learners

--Gardens build community and connect students to the environment

Kevin’s passion for experiential science, sustainability, and student curiosity shines through as he shares how garden-based learning can grow stronger thinkers, problem-solvers, and future environmental stewards.

Denne episoden er hentet fra en åpen RSS-feed og er ikke publisert av Podme. Den kan derfor inneholde annonser.

Episoder(83)

FROM THE RANCH TO RECRUITMENT WITH KIKI HUBBARD

What inspires the next generation of agricultural leaders? 🌱In this episode of the Modern Farming Podcast, we're joined by Kiki Hubbard, Regional Director of Recruitment for the Kansas State Universi...

17 Jul 43min

🎙️Agriculture Leadership at FFA State Convention

This week, we're bringing you a special episode from the Florida FFA State Convention! Guest host Maralee Thompson, Miss University of Florida, sat down with FFA members from across the state to hear ...

10 Jul 19min

Telling Agriculture's Story with Frank Giles

How does agriculture stay connected in a fast-changing world? It starts with the people dedicated to telling its story.In this episode, we sit down with Frank Giles, Editor-in-Chief at AgNet Media, to...

3 Jul 25min

When Learning Feels Like a Game with Joshua Forsman

What if the future of education looks more like game night?In this episode of Modern Farming, we sit down with Joshua, a lifelong board game enthusiast whose passion for play led him to help transform...

26 Jun 35min

Cultivating S.T.E.M. Innovation with Francie Black

This week, we sit down with Francie Black, a technology entrepreneur, educator, and innovator with more than 20 years of experience spanning product training, project management, software development,...

19 Jun 24min

Growing Champions with Joanna Joseph of EVO Academy

This week, we sat down with Joanna Joseph of EVO Academy to discuss an exciting partnership with the Green Jean Foundation that is bringing agricultural education into the classroom.Joanna shares how ...

12 Jun 14min

Turning Waste Into Opportunity With Zack Farr

This week on Modern Farming, we sit down with Zack Farr, Founder and CEO of Biotech Applied Research (BAR), to discuss how innovation is transforming agricultural and environmental challenges into opp...

5 Jun 21min

Smart Water, Smarter Farming with Sonya Lee

This week on the podcast, we’re joined by Sonya Lee, president of Ag-Tronix, to talk about her work in agriculture and the new age of irrigation technology. From precision water management to fully au...

29 Mai 23min