'In My Barn' game helps young students build math skills

A new online game developed for pre-kindergarten and kindergarten students is now available on MyAmericanFarm.org, the popular agricultural gaming site. "In My Barn" is the first game for a pre-K-K audience on My American Farm.

Students use math skills to help Farmer Faye, a character in the game, care for her animals. As they play the game, students earn points which help them fill a grain storage silo.

Once students fill the silo they earn a new stamp to add to their Passport for Sustainability - the tool that helps youth keep track of their journey through the various My American Farm online games.

In My Barn is closely aligned with the PBS Kids Ready to Learn Math Framework, which supports STEM (science, technology, engineering and math) learning. The game also meets national standards for mathematics instruction.

"We're excited to launch this new STEM-related game and activities on My American Farm," said Dan Durheim, executive director of the American Farm Bureau Foundation for Agriculture.

He added, "A solid understanding of core subjects such as science and mathematics lays the groundwork for students to grow in their understanding of where food, fiber and renewable fuels come from."

The My American Farm educational gaming resource is a special project of the American Farm Bureau Foundation for Agriculture. The site and resources are made possible through the support of title sponsor, Pioneer Hi-Bred, a DuPont business.

To take advantage of free My American Farm resources, games and activities, visit www.myamericanfarm.org.