It is the goal of 4th grade teacher Bev Grueber of North Bend Central Public School in North Bend, Nebraska, to demonstrate how agriculture links technology, health and economics. She brought these subjects together for her students with her Salsa Garden Project. This project met numerous State Standards in writing, science, social studies and math.

Students first interviewed senior citizens about farm life, gardens, preservation methods and tips for raising plants in a garden. The students were involved in each step from planting, taking care of the garden, harvesting the crops and ending with canning salsa. The students returned to visit with their new friends - senior citizens at the retirement center - to share a jar of homemade or school-made salsa.

The project developed stewardship of the land as the students took ownership of the garden plot. Each gained self worth in their responsibilities of caring for the garden and the importance of community service by sharing food and time with the senior citizens.

Another project to involve the students with agriculture included the Trucker Buddy Program. A truck driver sent weekly postcards while traveling across many states to deliver irrigation pipe. Students learned how irrigation is used in other states and they compared different seasons and crops across the United States. The students were given a virtual tour of farms in other states which led to a pen pal program with Colorado students. Their parents' occupations were charted as to their reliance on the agricultural industry in the state.