Plants Get Sick Too! was a 1-day workshop targeted for Florida K-12 teachers that took place on May 6, 2023. Fifteen teachers spanning every grade level were introduced to the field of plant pathology, including plant diseases that affect Florida agriculture and our own backyards, like citrus greening.

The workshop consisted of a series of small-group modules that included demonstrations, activities, and discussions of different types of disease-causing organisms (bacteria, fungi, nematodes, and viruses). Teachers were also led on a guided tour of 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 was hosted by the UF/IFAS Plant Pathology Department and led by faculty, postdocs, graduate students, and technical staff.

Learning Goals/Rationale:

The overall goal of this workshop was to expose K-12 teachers (and students) to the field of plant pathology. Teachers learned about the varied organisms that cause plant diseases, how to recognize common diseases, and ideas for bringing this information into the classroom.

Workshop Benefits:

Participants left the program with: