Second-grade teachers can now sign up for the Oklahoma Farm Bureau Foundation for Agriculture’s third-annual Watermelon Challenge.
During the challenge, students learn about growing food and the hard work farmers and ranchers undertake to grow food. Students will grow their very own watermelon seed from start to melon for a chance to win prizes.
Schools participating in the challenge will receive 30 watermelon seed packets, an activity book and resources for lessons. After lessons with their teacher, students and their families are encouraged to plant the watermelon seeds at home.
Watermelon seeds can be planted late-April to mid-May, but the soil temperature must be 70 degrees for the seeds to germinate. To find soil temperatures in your area, visit the Oklahoma Mesonet system.
Oklahoma’s state vegetable requires a long growing season of 80 days. After students harvest the melon, they will need to submit a photo of themselves holding it to complete the challenge.
Teachers can sign up their second-grade classroom before May 12 by emailing Holly Carroll at holly.carroll@aggiving.org with their school address and contact information. The packets will be sent upon receiving registration information.
OKFB Foundation for Agriculture will select three winners who will each receive a $100 prize. Submissions should be emailed to Holly Carroll at holly.carroll@aggiving.org by Sept. 15 to be considered.
