CROSS DISCIPLINE feature
CROSS-DISCIPLINE LEARNING Loyd Star Attendance Center Develops Agriculture and Biotechnology Academy By Suzanne Tribble
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he Loyd Star Attendance Center in Brookhaven was looking for a way to spark student interest in their agriculture program. In order to do this, they, along with the Lincoln County School District and Copiah-Lincoln Community College, created the first Agricultural and Biotechnology Academy in Mississippi. Biotechnology is the science of using cellular and molecular biotechnological processes to enhance animal and human life to combat diseases, improve the environment, research energy use, and improve manufacturing processes. Modern agricultural biotechnology includes genetic engineering as well. The Agriculture and Biotechnology Academy is intended to help students concentrate their studies in areas such as agricultural feedstock and chemicals, bioscience-related distribution, drugs and pharmaceuticals, medical devices and equipment, and research, testing, and medical laboratories. This academy works as a cross-discipline team, with courses in math, science, history, computer literacy, and social studies included in students’ daily schedules. Integrated projects for each class are completed with each instructor in his or her particular class to reinforce learning. Also included in the curriculum are field trips, internships, and mentoring opportunities along with advanced technology in the classroom. Lesson plans cover cell biology, genetics, research, and biotechnology in plants, animals, medicine, food, and the environment. Students with a background in agricultural biotechnology are prepared for careers and postsecondary work in chemical engineering, agricultural engineering, environmental engineering, and microbiology. Brookhaven instructor Billy Sumrall said that many of his students come from small farms and communities and sometimes do not see the potential that agriculture has of being a higher-level occupation. Bringing new technology into the classroom and involving the students in real-life experiences is one way to boost their awareness. According
to Sumrall, the program helps students see agriculture in a new light. “The students get to work with community leaders and see working agricultural businesses in action,” he added. Having been an instructor at the Loyd Star CTC for the past six years, Sumrall has been preparing for expanding the agriculture program all along. The 1938 building in which they are housed has been renovated and now includes a small animal laboratory and a greenhouse, among other additions, and they have plans for even more structural upgrades. Last year, there were 42 agriculture students at Loyd Star. This year, with the addition of the Agricultural and Biotechnology Academy, the program has grown to 100 students. As growth continues, Sumrall hopes that next year they will have 150 or more students. The school has even hired an additional instructor: Billy Sumrall’s son, Seth Sumrall, was an agriculture instructor in another school district. He is now team teaching with his father. The two teach Introduction to Agriculture at the same time every day. In an attempt to bring more awareness about agriculture and the Ag and Bio Academy, the Sumrall team is developing interest at the local elementary and middle schools, including teaching an eighth-grade course and starting a junior FFA chapter at the elementary school. Although the program is low on funds, they hope to involve the junior FFA in exhibiting rabbits because they understand the importance of reaching out to younger students in the hopes that they will one day join the Ag and Bio Academy. Eventually, Sumrall would like 90% of Loyd Star students to be enrolled in an agriculture course. With around 35% enrolled now, they are well on their way to this goal. Sumrall noted that “this program is bringing new technology into south Mississippi in a field that is common to a lot of people.”
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