A 36 -foot interactive agriculture classroom on wheels will roll into Oskaloosa and Ottumwa elementary schools February 16-18, 2026, giving local third graders a hands-on look at how plants grow and where their food comes from.
The Iowa Agriculture Literacy Foundation (IALF) is hosting the Seed Survivor Mobile Classroom, a free, curriculum-based learning experience that teaches elementary students about plant science and the importance of agriculture through immersive, hands-on activities.
Students will rotate through engaging stations featuring:
- Interactive displays about growing healthy plants
- Multimedia and virtual reality learning games
- Lessons connecting agriculture to food and daily life
- Seed planting stations
In 2026, Iowa is one of only three states selected to offer the Nutrien Seed Survivor Mobile Classroom. Each year, the program engages nearly 100,000 students across North America. This marks the second year IALF has partnered with Nutrien to bring the mobile classroom to Iowa schools.
Over nine weeks, February 16–April17, 2026, the agriculture literacy themed mobile classroom will visit 45 schools in 12 Iowa counties, including:
- Wapello, Mahaska, Marion (weeks of Feb. 16 and Feb. 23)
- Jasper (week of March 2)
- Polk (week of March 9)
- Crawford and Carroll (week of March 16)
- Sac and Calhoun (week of March 23)
- Buena Vista (week of March 30)
- Clay (week of April 6)
- O’Brien (week of April 13)
“Agriculture provides real-world context for science and other core subjects students are learning in the classroom,” said Kelly Foss, Iowa Agriculture Literacy Executive Director. “When students step inside the Seed Survivor classroom, science comes to life. They see how Iowa agriculture impacts their daily lives while building curiosity about plant science and future careers.”
Schedule of Events (Week 1)
Monday, February 16
8:15 a.m. to 2:45 p.m.
Oskaloosa Elementary, Oskaloosa
Tuesday, February 17
8:30 a.m. to 2:50 p.m.
Fahrney Elementary, Ottumwa
Wednesday, February 18
8:30 a.m. to 2:20 p.m.
Fahrney Elementary, Ottumwa
