Agriculture in the Classroom Canada (AITC‑C) is proud to celebrate the ingenuity and problem‑solving power of students across the country through Mission Explorium, a national program that invited Grades 6–8 learners to step into the role of agriculture & food problem solvers. This year, more than 5300 students registered from coast to coast to coast, engaging in hands‑on, inquiry‑based learning that brought agriculture, sustainability, and innovation to life.

Launched in February and concluding in May, Mission Explorium challenged students to design a sustainable community on a deserted island. Through a series of quests, students applied critical thinking, creativity, and agricultural literacy to tackle real‑world issues such as food production, resource management, and community resilience. Their work demonstrated the essential role young people play in shaping the future of Canada’s food system.

AITC‑C is thrilled to announce that the 2026 National Winner of Mission Explorium is the Grade 6 Class of Nicole Lovell from Templeton Academy located in Meadows, Newfoundland.

This class impressed a panel of agriculture and education experts with their innovative design approach, creative storytelling, and thoughtful integration of sustainable food and community systems. Their submission showcased a deep understanding of what it means to be true agriculture and food problem solvers.

The winning class will receive an indoor garden generously donated by Plantaform, supporting continued hands‑on learning in food production and sustainability.

See their creativity in action and watch their island community come alive in the winning Mission Explorium video here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-dYTEGEagug

Before advancing to the national round, classes competed within their regions. AITC‑C proudly recognizes the 2026 Regional Winners, each of whom demonstrated outstanding creativity, collaboration, and agricultural understanding:

·       Region 1: Class of Robertson – Halifax, NS (Grade 6)

·       Region 2: Class of Lovell – Meadows, NL (Grade 6)

·       Region 3: Class of Grandfield – Nipawin, SK (Grade 7)

·       Region 4: Class of Chaszewski – Portage La Prairie, MB (Grade 6/7/8)

·       Region 5: Class of McCadden – Dartmouth, NS (Grade 7/8)

·       Region 6: Class of Bahuguna – Mississauga, ON (Grade 6)

·       Region 7: Class of Ferraris – Saint‑Colomban, QC (Grade 6)

·       Region 8: Class of Pelchat – Truro, NS (Grade 8)

·       Region 9: Class of Pelletier – Preissac, QC (Grade 6)

·       Region 10: Class of Vincent‑Racicot – Eastman, QC (Grade 6)

·       Region 11: Class of Desilets – La Broquerie, MB (Grade 6)

Source: Agriculture in the Classroom May 15, 2026 news release