The Irrigation Association has announced the debut of its first elementary school lesson plan. Focusing on grades three through five, the curriculum's activities take the student on a journey through the history and benefits of irrigation, including both agriculture and landscape.

"This is an exciting initiative of the IA," said Deborah Hamlin, CAE, FASAE, CEO of the IA. "Elementary school students need to understand that there is this great thing called 'irrigation,' and it puts food on our tables and keeps our communities green and healthy."

The IA collaborated with Young Minds Inspired (YMI) to develop the program, relying on the IA for irrigation-related information and YMI for translating irrigation facts and benefits to rewarding and educational activities for elementary school students. During the initial rollout, the IA distributed the materials to more than 10,000 schools in four states: California, Florida, Texas and Nebraska.

To view and download the curriculum, please visit www.irrigation.org.