August marks the peak of the growing season, with gardens and farms full of produce and preparations for harvest underway. It’s a great time to connect kids with where their food comes from, explore sustainable farming, and appreciate the hard work of farmers. Below are August’s national agriculture, food, and environment-related observances with activities and learning ideas for families and educators.
National Month Themes
National Goat Cheese Month
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Recognizes goat dairy products and the unique animals behind them.
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Activities and Learning Ideas:
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Compare goat milk and cow milk, including taste, nutrition, and processing.
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Watch a video or read a book about goat farming.
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Make a simple goat cheese snack and discuss the steps in cheesemaking.
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National Peach Month
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Celebrates the juicy summer fruit and its place in U.S. agriculture.
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Activities and Learning Ideas:
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Study where peaches are grown and how they are harvested.
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Compare clingstone vs. freestone peach varieties.
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Make a peach salsa or smoothie and practice knife safety and prep skills.
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National Water Quality Month
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Emphasizes the importance of clean water for agriculture and ecosystems.
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Activities and Learning Ideas:
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Create a mini watershed model to show how water flows and gets polluted.
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Learn how farmers manage runoff and protect water sources.
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Conduct a water clarity experiment with soil, water, and natural filters.
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National Week Themes
National Farmers Market Week (Typically First Full Week of August)
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Highlights the value of local food systems and direct farm-to-consumer connections.
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Activities and Learning Ideas:
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Visit a local farmers' market and talk to the farmers.
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Budget and plan a meal using items from the market.
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Interview a vendor and learn about their growing practices.
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National Pollinator Week (Note: Officially in June, but often celebrated locally in August)
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A second opportunity in the season to explore the role of pollinators.
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Activities and Learning Ideas:
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Observe pollinators on flowering plants and record their visits.
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Create seed balls with wildflowers and toss them in a garden space.
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Learn how pollination affects fruits like peaches, melons, and cucumbers.
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National Days
National Farmers Day (Observed by many on August 1 or October 12)
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A chance to recognize and thank farmers for their essential work.
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Activities and Learning Ideas:
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Write a thank-you note or create a poster for a local farmer.
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Research what crops are grown in your region and who grows them.
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Watch a farm tour video and reflect on a day in the life of a farmer.
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National Watermelon Day (August 3)
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Celebrates one of summer’s most iconic and refreshing fruits.
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Activities and Learning Ideas:
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Explore how watermelon is grown and the parts of the plant.
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Conduct a watermelon seed-spitting contest and graph the results.
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Compare different types of melons and their flavor profiles.
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National Zucchini Day / Sneak Some Zucchini on Your Neighbor’s Porch Day (August 8)
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Encourages community sharing during peak zucchini season.
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Activities and Learning Ideas:
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Make zucchini bread or chips as a food science activity.
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Learn about plant overproduction and how gardeners preserve extras.
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Design and decorate a garden basket to gift fresh veggies.
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National Rice Pudding Day (August 9)
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A great way to explore rice as a crop and ingredient.
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Activities and Learning Ideas:
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Learn about rice farming in the U.S. and globally.
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Cook rice pudding and measure ingredient conversions.
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Explore water use and flooding techniques in rice production.
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National Honey Bee Day (Third Saturday in August)
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Highlights the essential work of bees in agriculture.
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Activities and Learning Ideas:
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Taste-test different types of honey and chart their colors and flavors.
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Learn about the anatomy and jobs of bees in a hive.
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Build a simple bee hotel or plant bee-friendly flowers.
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National Potato Day (August 19)
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A chance to explore root vegetables and food systems.
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Activities and Learning Ideas:
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Grow potatoes in a container and examine the tubers.
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Research how potatoes are stored and shipped.
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Create a potato-themed recipe using multiple forms (baked, mashed, roasted).
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National Eat Outside Day (August 31)
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A fun way to end the month with a garden-to-table meal.
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Activities and Learning Ideas:
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Prepare a picnic using garden or farmers market produce.
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Build a meal around what’s in season.
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Reflect on what you've learned this summer about food and farming.
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Wrapping Up
August is bursting with farm-fresh produce, opportunities to give thanks to farmers, and warm days for outdoor learning. Whether you're celebrating zucchini or sampling goat cheese, it’s a perfect month to experience the richness of food, farming, and the environment. Let us know how you’re celebrating agriculture this August!