The Iowa Agriculture Literacy Foundation (IALF) has recently announced the receipt of a $4,000 Bayer Fund grant. According to Executive Director, Will Fett, this money will be used to support 24 teachers in the development course Step Up the Science of Water Quality, which outlines the best practices of water quality management by landowners. “We are excited to have educators learn directly from top notch researchers at Iowa State University,” Fett says. “We want to focus on solutions of improving and managing water quality with a science-first approach.” The professional development program is in partnership with the National Agriculture in the Classroom Organization and provides educators with the tools and experience needed to implement science research and practices regarding water quality into their classroom. During one day of the workshop, participants will discuss water quality and issues as they learn about research and variable testing in a laboratory environment. On the second day, they will tour farms and research sites. “Throughout the years, the grants given through Bayer Fund have helped strengthen our communities across the United States,” says Bayer Fund President, Al Mitchell. “We’re proud to be able to provide support to develop programs that help combat challenges such as food insecurity, STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering and Math) education and support services to patients and families managing an illness or disease. In 2020, the Bayer Fund awarded over $17 million to more than 3,400 charitable and nonprofit organizations.
