Fostering agricultural awareness, deepening our understanding of the food system, and seamlessly integrating food and agricultural literacy across the curriculum
QUICK INFO
Available for credit | EDCP 329
Course date: July 21 – 25, 2025
Time: 8:30 a.m. – 3:30.p.m. PT
Format: In person
Location: 3440 Mount Lehman Rd, Abbotsford, BC
Registration opens: Feb 26, 2025
Registration deadline: May 31, 2025
Instructor: Joseph Massie
Academic Contact: Dr. Johnna Montgomerie
Immerse Yourself in the Story of Food and Agriculture at Summer Institute
Agriculture takes center stage in this dynamic Summer Institute course. Designed for teachers passionate about sharing the real story of food and farming, this course invites you to explore the world of agriculture. Under the expert guidance of Joe Massie, you’ll experience a jam-packed week of farm tours across the beautiful Fraser Valley, hands on in the kitchen culinary arts lessons with Chef Randle, engaging presentations from industry specialists, and lunch everyday prepared with delicious BC-grown food. This unique learning opportunity is brought to you in partnership with BC Agriculture in the Classroom Foundation.
In today’s fast-paced world, food is often taken for granted. Many students lack a clear understanding of where their food comes from, how it’s produced, and the challenges behind it. This course aims to change that by providing teachers with the knowledge and tools to inspire their students and spark meaningful conversations about food systems. BC Agriculture in the Classroom Foundation works alongside farmers, educators, and agricultural experts to bring the story of local food to life in BC classrooms.
Why Agricultural Literacy Matters
Agricultural literacy is not just about farming—it’s about connecting students to the land, the environment, and their health. This course is aligned with three key educational movements:
- Place-based education – Learn how to bring the world of agriculture into your classroom through hands-on experiences.
- Environmental/Ecological education – Explore the role of agriculture in the environment and sustainable practices.
- Health literacy and healthy school initiatives – Understand the impact of food choices on health and well-being.
The course also emphasizes systems thinking and sustainability—critical concepts that help students make connections between food production, consumption, and the broader world.You’ll discover practical ways to integrate these important topics into your teaching across all grade levels and subjects.
Join Us in Telling the Story of BC’s Food
This is more than just a course—it’s a chance to become part of an exciting movement to bring BC’s rich agricultural story into the hearts and minds of the next generation. Are you ready to inspire your students with the true story of food?
Description
Immerse Yourself in the Story of Food and Agriculture at Summer Institute
Agriculture takes center stage in this dynamic Summer Institute course. Designed for teachers passionate about sharing the real story of food and farming, this course invites you to explore the world of agriculture. Under the expert guidance of Joe Massie, you’ll experience a jam-packed week of farm tours across the beautiful Fraser Valley, hands on in the kitchen culinary arts lessons with Chef Randle, engaging presentations from industry specialists, and lunch everyday prepared with delicious BC-grown food. This unique learning opportunity is brought to you in partnership with BC Agriculture in the Classroom Foundation.
Instructor
Joseph Massie
Born and raised in Chilliwack, BC, Joe Massie has been heavily involved in Agriculture for his entire life. He spent his childhood working and playing on a dairy farm and later, on a beef cattle hobby farm. He has owned and raised animals and plants for as long as he can remember. During his youth Joe was employed by a local greenhouse and worked in the floriculture industry for 8 years. He decided to enter the teaching profession and has worked hard to obtain his Bachelor’s Degree in Science and Education, as well as his Master’s in Education Technology.
Joe currently runs the Agriculture program at Sardis Secondary School in Chilliwack, which includes a working greenhouse and a new Agriculture Learning Centre that includes school gardens, research projects and community supported agriculture gardens. His department works closely with many community members to educate students on real-world Agriculture issues and opportunities.
Dates/Location
Course date: July 21– 25, 2025
Time: 8:30 a.m. – 3:30 p.m.
Format: In person
Location: 3440 Mount Lehman Rd, Abbotsford, BC
Registration
Current UBC students
Current UBC students, can register for credit courses using their Campus Wide Login (CWL),
through the Student Service Centre
- EDCP 329 | Agriculture in the Classroom
- Undergraduate Course (3.0 credits)
- Many summer programs fill quickly, early registration is strongly recommended.
Visiting & Unclassified Students
Visiting & Unclassified Students, information can be found here
Contact
Mailing Address
Department of Curriculum & Pedagogy
Faculty of Education
University of British Columbia
Scarfe Building 2125 Main Mall
Vancouver BC V6T 1Z4 Canada
Important Numbers
Apply for graduate programs:
Gina Hiu Lam Wong
604.822.5367
Email: edcp.grad@ubc.ca
Apply for undergraduate programs:
Contact the Teacher Education Office
