Northwest Iowa — A 36-foot interactive agriculture classroom on wheels will roll into O’Brien and Sioux County schools April 13-17, 2026, giving elementary and middle school students a hands-on look at how plants grow and where their food comes from.
The Iowa Agriculture Literacy Foundation 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 the foundation has partnered with Nutrien to bring the mobile classroom to Iowa schools.
The agriculture literacy-themed mobile classroom is wrapping up visiting 45 schools in 13 Iowa counties. They started in mid-February.
Kelly Foss, Iowa Agriculture Literacy Executive Director says that agriculture provides real-world context for science and other core subjects students are learning in the classroom. She says that 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.
Monday, April 13
Hartley Melvin Sanborn Elementary, Hartley
Tuesday, April 14
Orange City Christian, Orange City
Wednesday, April 15
Boyden Hull Schools, Boyden
Thursday, April 16
East Elementary, Sheldon
KIWA Staff Photo
