Discover the World of Agriculture: Plan Your Visit Today

The Northeast Rice Research and Extension Center Location: 15327 Hwy 1, Harrisburg, AR 72432

Are you ready to immerse your students (2nd – 12th grade) in the fascinating world of agriculture and rice production?

Book your visit at the NERREC to join our agriculture educator, for an unforgettable educational experience. Our state-of-the-art facility features a dedicated wing for the “Rice Discovery Experience,” designed to engage and inspire young minds through interactive lessons and hands-on activities.

Our classroom and connected greenhouse displays rice and other crops at various growth stages throughout the year. Visitors can also experience the diverse tastes, smells, and textures of rice varieties prepared in our state-of-the-art demonstration kitchen.

Book Your Visit

Exciting Lessons Await Your Students

(Lessons are adaptable for 1st - 12th grade.)

Digging Deep into Soil – Soil Science (1 hour)

Explore the world beneath our feet! Students will learn about soil composition, different soil types, and how farmers tend their soil to grow crops like rice.

This interactive lesson includes:

soil sampling
exploring a worm farm
conducting experiments on soil pH and permeability
Special presentations from soil specialists are also available

Buzz Words: Soil, natural resources, organic matter, soil texture, soil profile, non-living mineral particles, sand, silt, clay, soil sampling
Hands-on Elements: Soil exploration, soil sampling, worm farm, classroom experiments

From Our Field to Your Fork – Plant Science (1.5 hours)

Trace the journey of rice from the field to your fork. This lesson covers the growth stages of rice, farming practices, and includes a cooking demonstration where students can taste different types of rice. The program adapts to all ages and learning abilities, offering a comprehensive look at the life cycle of rice.

Buzz Words: Rice growth stages, farming practices, plant life cycle, rice cooking, brown vs white rice
Hands-on Elements: Greenhouse exploration, rice plant observation, milling process, rice tasting

Water Run-Off and Erosion (45 minutes - 1 hour)

Understand how water shapes our environment. Students will learn about rural and urban water flow, erosion prevention, and create their own erosion prevention models using water runoff simulators. This lesson encourages critical thinking and problem-solving.

Buzz Words: Water run-off, erosion, drainage systems, cover crops, pervious vs impervious surfaces, no-till farming
Hands-on Elements: Greenhouse observations, field irrigation, water runoff simulators

Technology in the Field (1 hour)

Dive into the world of precision agriculture. Students will discover how farmers use GIS mapping, drones, and other technologies to monitor and manage crops. This lesson includes assembling a model drone and using it to simulate fieldwork, offering a hands-on experience with modern farming technology.

Buzz Words: Precision agriculture, farming technology, drones, GIS mapping
Hands-on Elements: Crop field observation, greenhouse observation, drone model assembly