Plants Get Sick Too!
WHEN: May 17, 2025 (9:00 – 4:00 pm)
LOCATION: University of Florida Main Campus, Gainesville, FL
See full application questionnaire
Attention Middle and High School Teachers!
Are you teaching content about plants but not their diseases? Are you covering infectious diseases or other microbes in your classes but not plant pathogens? Many people are not aware that plants get sick too! This is a topic is literally right outside the door of many Floridians. ‘Plants get sick too!’ is a 1-day workshop targeted to middle and high school teachers. We will introduce you to the field of plant pathology, including plant diseases that affect Florida agriculture and our own backyards. The workshop will be given through a series of small-group modules that will include demonstrations, activities, and discussions of different types of disease-causing organisms, including bacteria, fungi, and viruses. You will learn about plant disease diagnosis and tour the UF/IFAS Plant Diagnostic Center, which receives thousands of plant samples per year for diagnosis of the causal organism and recommendation for treatment. The workshop is hosted by the UF/IFAS Plant Pathology Department and will be led by faculty, postdocs, graduate students, and technical staff. We received very positive feedback on past workshops, including comments such as, “So much fun!! Great presentations, information, and tours. Each area was different and engaging.”, and “Very enjoyable program. Several activities are usable with my classes.”
Workshop Benefits:
- Enhance Your Knowledge: Learn about the field of plant pathology.
- Learn about the varied organisms that cause diseases in plants how to recognize those diseases.
- Networking: Connect with other educators and scientists and explore career development opportunities.
- Inspire Your Students: Gain new insights and resources to make science exciting and relevant for your students.
Workshop Eligibility:
- Must be a public-school middle or high school teacher in the upcoming school year within the state of Florida.
- Teachers who teach at schools that receive Title I funds are especially encouraged to apply.
- Must be able to attend and actively participate in the one-day workshop in its entirety (from 9:00 – 4:00 pm).
- Must be enthusiastic to learn!
Participant Support:
Participants will receive a $100 stipend upon successful completion of the PD.
Application Process:
The application deadline to apply is April 15, 2025. Space is limited to 30 middle and high school teachers. All applicants will be notified of the status of their application (selected or not) by April 25, 2025. Teachers must confirm attendance by May 1, 2025.
Learn More:
See recent publication on the workshop outcomes.
