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For the second year in a row, the agricultural science COSI On Wheels Outreach Program, sponsored exclusively by Ohio Farm Bureau, has sold out.

This innovative COSI program brings agriculture to more than 60,000 students, parents and teachers a year. COSI, Ohio’s premier science education organization, brings fun, first-hand experiences to schools with the COSI On Wheels program. The program consists of a high-energy assembly presentation followed by a series of 30 to 45 minute, hands-on sessions accommodating up to 60 students per session throughout the remainder of the school day. Seven different programs are available currently.

According to COSI, the Agriculture Adventures program is being requested at a faster rate than their other outreach programs. Thirty schools are already on a waiting list for next year’s schedule.

The hands-on sessions build upon the topics introduced in the assembly. Adult volunteers are needed at each school to guide the students with the eight to 10 hands-on activities. Schools are asked to provide 15 to 20 adult volunteers when they schedule a COSI program.

COSI provides one enthusiastic COSI demonstrator, a training session for adult volunteers, and all materials for the entire school day. The hosting school is responsible for scheduling the program, paying the $800 daily fee, providing room and tables for the assembly and hands-on sessions, and engaging 15 to 20 adult volunteers and two people to help unload and set-up the day before.

Traveling throughout Ohio and adjoining states, the program visits four elementary schools each week. In addition, there are limited opportunities on the schedule to have the program during the summer at county fairs or other special events.

There are plenty of opportunities for Farm Bureau volunteers to assist schools hosting the program. Members are encouraged to call their local schools to see if assistance is needed with set-up before the program or to volunteer the day of the program. The COSI schedule is posted on the Ohio Farm Bureau Web site, www.ofbf.org under Teacher Resources, or members may call county Farm Bureau offices.