Microsoft and FFA help students use smart sensors and AI to learn about the future of farming and technology
Microsoft (MSFT) and the National FFA Organization announced the nationwide expansion of FarmBeats for Students, an educational program that will be available to FFA chapters in 185 middle and high schools across all 50 states. The program provides free classroom kits containing smart sensors and curriculum to teach precision agriculture through data science and AI.
The initiative allows students to build environmental sensor systems and use AI to monitor soil moisture and nutrient deficiencies in real-time. Teachers and students outside the FFA can purchase kits for $35, while educators can access free training through the Microsoft Educator Learn Center. The program aligns with AI for K-12 guidelines, Agriculture standards, Computer Science standards, and Common Core math requirements.
Microsoft (MSFT) e la National FFA Organization hanno annunciato l'espansione a livello nazionale di FarmBeats for Students, un programma educativo disponibile per i capitoli FFA in 185 scuole medie e superiori in tutti i 50 stati. Il programma offre kit gratuiti per le classi contenenti sensori intelligenti e un curriculum per insegnare l'agricoltura di precisione attraverso la scienza dei dati e l'intelligenza artificiale.
L'iniziativa permette agli studenti di costruire sistemi di sensori ambientali e di utilizzare l'IA per monitorare in tempo reale l'umidità del suolo e le carenze nutrizionali. Insegnanti e studenti al di fuori della FFA possono acquistare i kit a 35 dollari, mentre gli educatori possono accedere gratuitamente alla formazione tramite il Microsoft Educator Learn Center. Il programma è in linea con le linee guida AI per K-12, gli standard agricoli, gli standard di informatica e i requisiti matematici del Common Core.
Microsoft (MSFT) y la National FFA Organization anunciaron la expansión a nivel nacional de FarmBeats for Students, un programa educativo que estará disponible para los capítulos de FFA en 185 escuelas secundarias y preparatorias en los 50 estados. El programa ofrece kits gratuitos para aulas que incluyen sensores inteligentes y un currículo para enseñar agricultura de precisión mediante ciencia de datos e inteligencia artificial.
La iniciativa permite a los estudiantes construir sistemas de sensores ambientales y usar IA para monitorear en tiempo real la humedad del suelo y las deficiencias de nutrientes. Los maestros y estudiantes fuera de FFA pueden comprar los kits por 35 dólares, mientras que los educadores pueden acceder a capacitación gratuita a través del Microsoft Educator Learn Center. El programa está alineado con las directrices de IA para K-12, estándares agrícolas, estándares de ciencias de la computación y requisitos matemáticos del Common Core.
마이크로소프트(MSFT)와 내셔널 FFA 조직이 FarmBeats for Students의 전국 확대를 발표했습니다. 이 교육 프로그램은 50개 주 전역의 185개 중고등학교 FFA 지부에서 이용할 수 있습니다. 이 프로그램은 정밀 농업을 데이터 과학과 AI를 통해 가르치기 위한 스마트 센서와 교육과정이 포함된 무료 교실 키트를 제공합니다.
이 이니셔티브를 통해 학생들은 환경 센서 시스템을 구축하고 AI를 사용하여 토양 수분과 영양 결핍을 실시간으로 모니터링할 수 있습니다. FFA 외부의 교사와 학생들은 키트를 35달러에 구매할 수 있으며, 교육자들은 Microsoft Educator Learn Center를 통해 무료 교육을 받을 수 있습니다. 이 프로그램은 K-12용 AI 지침, 농업 표준, 컴퓨터 과학 표준, 그리고 Common Core 수학 요구 사항과 일치합니다.
Microsoft (MSFT) et la National FFA Organization ont annoncé l'expansion nationale de FarmBeats for Students, un programme éducatif qui sera disponible pour les sections FFA dans 185 collèges et lycées répartis dans les 50 États. Le programme fournit des kits gratuits pour les classes contenant des capteurs intelligents et un programme d'études pour enseigner l'agriculture de précision via la science des données et l'IA.
Cette initiative permet aux étudiants de construire des systèmes de capteurs environnementaux et d'utiliser l'IA pour surveiller en temps réel l'humidité du sol et les carences en nutriments. Les enseignants et étudiants hors FFA peuvent acheter les kits pour 35 dollars, tandis que les éducateurs peuvent accéder à une formation gratuite via le Microsoft Educator Learn Center. Le programme est conforme aux directives IA pour le K-12, aux normes agricoles, aux normes en informatique et aux exigences mathématiques du Common Core.
Microsoft (MSFT) und die National FFA Organization haben die landesweite Ausweitung von FarmBeats for Students angekündigt, einem Bildungsprogramm, das FFA-Kapiteln an 185 Mittel- und Highschools in allen 50 Bundesstaaten zur Verfügung steht. Das Programm stellt kostenlose Klassensatz-Kits mit intelligenten Sensoren und Lehrplänen bereit, um Präzisionslandwirtschaft durch Datenwissenschaft und KI zu vermitteln.
Die Initiative ermöglicht es Schülern, Umweltsensorsysteme zu bauen und KI zu nutzen, um Bodenfeuchtigkeit und Nährstoffmangel in Echtzeit zu überwachen. Lehrer und Schüler außerhalb der FFA können Kits für 35 US-Dollar erwerben, während Pädagogen kostenlosen Zugang zu Schulungen über das Microsoft Educator Learn Center erhalten. Das Programm entspricht den AI-Richtlinien für K-12, den Landwirtschaftsstandards, den Informatikstandards und den Common Core-Mathematikanforderungen.
- Strategic partnership with National FFA Organization expands Microsoft's educational presence in agriculture sector
- Program creates early exposure to Microsoft's technology ecosystem in agriculture
- Low-cost implementation ($35 per kit) enables broad market penetration in education sector
- None.
Partnership expands FarmBeats for Students program to all 50 states to help grow next generation of farmers
More and more farmers are adopting advanced technology, including automating systems such as tractors and harvesters and using drones and data analysis to intervene early against pests and disease, to maximize crop yield, optimize resource usage, and adjust to changing weather patterns. Gaining hands-on experience with machine automation, data science and AI will help American agricultural students remain competitive in the global market.
Using the FarmBeats for Students kits and free curriculum, students build environmental sensor systems and use AI to monitor soil moisture and detect nutrient deficiencies — allowing them to understand what is happening with their plants and make data-driven decisions in real time. Students can adapt the kit to challenges unique to their region — such as drought, frost and pests — providing them with practical experience in tackling real-world issues in their hometowns.
"Microsoft is committed to ensuring students and teachers have the tools they need to succeed in today's tech-driven world, and that includes giving students hands-on experience with precision farming, data science and AI," said Mary Snapp, Microsoft vice president, Strategic Initiatives. "By teaming up with FFA to bring FarmBeats for Students to students across the country, we hope to inspire the next generation of agriculture leaders and equip them with the skills to tackle any and all challenges as they guide us into the future."
"Our partnership with Microsoft exemplifies the power of collaboration in addressing industry needs while fostering personal and professional growth among students," said Christine White, chief program officer, National FFA Organization. "Supporting agricultural education and leadership development is crucial for shaping the next generation of innovators and problem solvers. Programs like this equip students with technical knowledge, confidence and adaptability to thrive in diverse and evolving industries. Investing in these young minds today sets the stage for a more sustainable, innovative and resilient agricultural future."
In addition, teachers, students or parents interested in FarmBeats for Students can purchase a kit for
Any educator interested in implementing the FarmBeats for Students program can now access a new, free comprehensive course on the Microsoft Educator Learn Center, providing training on precision agriculture, data science and AI, allowing teachers to earn professional development hours and badges.
FarmBeats for Students was co-developed by Microsoft, FFA and agriculture educators. The program aligns with the AI for K-12 initiative guidelines; Agriculture, Food and Natural Resources career standards; Computer Science Teachers Association standards; and Common Core math standards.
For more information about FarmBeats for Students, visit aka.ms/FBFS.
About National FFA Organization
The National FFA Organization is a school-based national youth leadership development organization of more than 1,027,200 student members as part of 9,235 local FFA chapters in all 50 states,
About Microsoft
Microsoft (Nasdaq "MSFT" @microsoft) creates platforms and tools powered by AI to deliver innovative solutions that meet the evolving needs of our customers. The technology company is committed to making AI available broadly and doing so responsibly, with a mission to empower every person and every organization on the planet to achieve more.
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SOURCE Microsoft Corp.
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