JoinPLI #8
National Conference in Indianapolis • November 4, 2026
Half-Day Workshop
Cultivating the Future: Food and Agriculture as the Foundation for Science Learning and STEM Careers
Wednesday, November 4 • 12:00 PM - 3:00 PM
Check-in and lunch: 11:00 AM - 11:45 AM
All participants will receive complimentary lunch.
About the Session
What if everyday food and agriculture could become the foundation for meaningful science learning? In this interactive featured session, discover how the Illinois AgBio Storylines use familiar phenomena to engage learners in biology, chemistry, environmental science, engineering, and sustainability through three-dimensional science learning. Experience multiple storylines while exploring instructional routines, curriculum resources, and implementation strategies that support meaningful science learning across K–12 settings. Whether you're teaching students, coaching educators, or leading curriculum implementation, you'll leave with adaptable resources and practical ideas for using food and agriculture to make science more relevant, accessible, and connected to students' lives and future STEM careers.
Takeaways
Educators will leave with classroom-ready instructional resources, implementation strategies, and practical ideas for integrating food and agriculture into science instruction that inspires curiosity and prepares students for future STEM careers.
Registration for this Institute is generously sponsored by:
Presenter
Chris Embry Mohr
Chris Embry Mohr is a dedicated science and agriculture educator at Olympia High School in Stanford, Illinois, with 32 years of experience committed to merging Career and Technical Education with science curriculum. Driven by a passion for increasing agricultural literacy, Mohr has contributed extensively to the field, serving on the Next Generation Science Standards (NGSS) Life Science Writing Team and leading the development of innovative unit storylines that use agricultural phenomena to engage students. In addition to writing curricular resources, managing grants, and providing professional development for educators, Mohr serves as the State Secretary for the Illinois Science Teaching Association and leads the Agricultural Biology Committee for the Illinois Association of Vocational Agriculture Teachers. A highly decorated educator, Mohr’s distinguished career includes numerous accolades, most notably receiving the national Robert E. Yager Excellence in Science Teaching and the Excellence in Agricultural Science Education Awards.