West Des Moines, Iowa (Feb. 12, 2026) – 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

Media Opportunity
Reporters and photographers are invited to capture students planting seeds, using virtual reality headsets, and exploring the 36-foot mobile classroom. Onsite interviews with students and program representatives can be scheduled in advance. 

Mobile Classroom photo for download


About the Iowa Agriculture Literacy Foundation
IALF serves as a central resource for all K-12 educators, inspiring the teaching of science, math, social studies, language arts, nutrition, and career and technical education through the lens of agriculture. The mission is to educate Iowans, with a focus on youth, regarding the breadth and global significance of agriculture. IALF believes it is important for all Iowans to understand the essential role agriculture has in their lives. Through Agriculture in the Classroom (AITC) efforts, IALF serves as the state representative for the National AITC Organization and collaborates with the Iowa AITC network including County AITC programs engaging with teachers and students across Iowa’s 99 counties.  

IALF’s statewide initiatives are supported by agricultural stakeholders, including the Iowa Farm Bureau Federation, Iowa Corn Growers Association, Iowa Soybean Association, Iowa Pork Producers Association, Iowa Beef Industry Council, Iowa Turkey Federation, Corteva Agriscience, GROWMARK, Nutrien, Iowa Department of Agriculture and Land Stewardship,  National Agriculture in the Classroom, and others dedicated to strengthening agriculture literacy among Iowa’s educators and students. For more information visit IALF online at www.IowaAgLiteracy.org, on Facebook, and X.