“You’re not likely to find the word ‘agriculture’ in any science museum even though many exhibits relate to agricultural content or practices,” says U-Florida, summarizing a study by assistant professor Katie Stofer of 29 science museums with an annual budget of at least $10 million and than 200,000 visitors. The study says none of the museums used “agriculture” in an exhibit title or description although Stofer says 45 percent of the 316 exhibits “probably” have an agricultural link.
“Unfortunately, we have effectively separated agriculture from the other sciences,” said Stofer in a U-Florida release. She said she will use the results of her study to urge museums to integrate agriculture into science, technology, engineering and math, or STEM. High school STEM classes are considered college prep while ag education often is a vocational class. Stofer says agriculture will be key as scientists cope with global population growth, food demand and environmental preservation.