By Scout Nelson
First- to third-grade educators across North Dakota are invited to apply for butterfly pollinator kits, provided by the North Dakota Department of Agriculture (NDDA) and the North Dakota Ag in the Classroom Program. The kits are designed to help young students learn about butterflies and their importance as pollinators.
Agriculture Commissioner Doug Goehring encouraged educators to take part in this educational opportunity. “Teachers and students will explore the world of butterflies. Butterflies are one of the top pollinators, and without them, our food supply would be much different,” he said.
Each kit includes age-appropriate lesson plans from the National Ag in the Classroom Matrix, a butterfly-growing kit, and a National Geographic butterflies book. These resources are aimed at helping educators blend agriculture and science education while promoting environmental awareness among students.
Through these hands-on lessons, students will observe the fascinating transformation of butterflies from caterpillars to adults, gaining insight into their life cycle and their essential role in food production. The program encourages curiosity, environmental responsibility, and a deeper understanding of pollination’s role in agriculture.
Educators have until April 1, 2026, to incorporate the kits and lesson plans into their classroom curriculum. Follow-up surveys will be distributed in late April 2026 to gather feedback.
There are a limited number of kits available on a first-come, first-served basis, with one kit allotted per classroom. Applications are open until November 14, 2025, at ndda.nd.gov/AITCresources.
For further questions, educators may contact Heather Lang, Agriculture Business Development Coordinator, at hlang@nd.gov or by calling 701-328-2308.
Photo Credit: istock-herreid
Categories: North Dakota, Education