A trip to the farm...

 I recently moved to Queens and I noticed that down the block from me is now the Queens County Farm Museum. I always see a lot of school buses there during the day and I decided to look into what sort of events to farm has to offer for students. As it turns out, numerous elementary schools throughout Long Island and Queens venture to this farm as field trips. The farm’s history dates back to 1697. It is the last remaining working historical farm in New York City. The Queens County Farm Museum also is New York City’s largest area of undisturbed remaining farmland. They are open daily throughout the year and offer guided tours of the farmhouse. Children learn the importance of agriculture, take a tour of a greenhouse, and learn about different animals and much more through hands on workshops. The farm always has activities going on ranging from craft fairs to carnivals. Not only can schools take their students there, but it is a well-known place for families to go as well. Beginning in October, the farm offers pumpkin picking, hay rides, a corn maze and even pumpkin painting. Depending on the season, they also sell fresh fruits, vegetables, milk and eggs. The farm has all different sorts of animals which you are able to feed. Some of the animals include: Cotswold sheep, Heritage pigs and piglets, laying hens, dairy cows, goats and bees.

Vocabulary:

Venture:  verb. To take a trip to go on an exciting activity.

Historical:  adjective. Having significant history or value.

Undisturbed:  adjective. Something that is in original state and not bothered.

Agriculture:  noun. The occupation of raising crops, breeding, feeding and raising livestock and farming.

Greenhouse:  noun. An area indoors where plants and vegetables are kept and grown within specific temperatures.

Heritage Pigs:  noun. A breed of pig that has been around for centuries that settlers needed to survive in earlier times in our county. They are healthier and heartier than breeds today.

Vocabulary Exercise:

Fill in the blanks:

A room or area indoors used to grow different types of plants is called __________________.

Farmers are a type of people who maintain

____________________ are animals with a history.

The Queens County Farm Museum is the only farm in New York City with historical and __________________ farm land.

The Farm is ___________________ because it has been undisturbed and running since 1697.

Many people _____________________ from far away to visit the farm.

Grammar Point

• A verb tense helps to indicate a point in time.  Verbs in the present tense are also known as the present simple. We usually use this tense when we are describing actions, events or states that are not limited by time.
• Make a list of as many verbs in the present simple tense as you can. Think of 3 more verbs in the present simple tense that could replace some of those verbs.

 Links:

• To learn more about the Queens County Farm Museum visit their website:

http://www.queensfarm.org/index.html

• To see exactly what the farm has to offer for children educationally see the link below:

http://www.queensfarm.org/programs-children.html