135+ SAE Project Ideas for Middle School Students in 2026

Middle school is a great time to explore your interests and try new things. Curious about plants, food, or technology? You can turn that curiosity into a real project.

A Supervised Agricultural Experience (SAE) is a student project that lets you learn by doing. You take what you learn in class, use your leadership skills from FFA, and apply them to a hands-on project.

These projects are low pressure and meant for learning, not making a profit. Most students complete 10–50 hours, which helps you build good habits, look strong on your resume, and get ready for bigger high school projects.

This guide will give you easy project ideas, simple planning tips, record-keeping tools, and advice to help you get started and succeed.

Understanding Middle School SAE Rules

SAEs are different kinds of projects:

Exploratory: Try new things.
Research: Test and learn.
Improvement: Make something better.
Placement: Help at a farm, garden, or business.
Entrepreneurship: Start a small project or business.
Experimental: Try ideas and see what works.

Middle school students usually do Exploratory, Research, Improvement, or small Placement/Entrepreneurship projects. They are easy to start and fun to do.

You can do your SAE at school, at home, or in the community. Hours you log now can count for high school later.

Safety is important. Always ask parents, follow school rules, and have an adult nearby for tricky tasks. Pick things that are safe for your age.

SAE Project Ideas for Middle School

Looking for hands on projects that are fun, practical, and perfect for middle school? This list of SAE ideas helps every student find a path that fits their interests.

Plant and Soil Science

1. Container Herb Garden

Choose herbs like mint, basil, or coriander
Record weekly height and leaf count
Observe how sunlight affects flavor and growth

2. Soil Type Comparison

Use sandy soil, clay soil, and garden soil
Plant the same seed in each type
Measure germination time and plant height

3. Microgreens Project

Use fast growers like radish or mustard
Track harvest time
Compare growth in sunlight vs window light

4. Flower Growth Study

Grow one flower variety
Record bloom color, size, and time
Track how watering frequency affects blooms

5. Houseplant Propagation

Use cuttings from money plant or coleus
Track rooting time in water and soil
Compare growth speed in both methods

6. Mini Greenhouse

Build using plastic bottles
Track plant temperature inside vs room temperature
Record humidity changes

7. Fertilizer Comparison

Use organic fertilizer and store fertilizer
Plant the same crop
Compare leaf size and growth rate

8. Tomato or Pepper in Pots

Observe flowering and fruit stages
Track nutrient requirements
Record daily sunlight exposure

9. Small Hydroponic Setup

Use a bottle or bucket system
Monitor water nutrients
Record growth compared to soil plants

10. Soil pH Tracking

Test soil samples from yard
Record pH value changes
Compare plant health across soil types

Environmental and Natural Resources

1. Home Compost System

Collect kitchen waste
Track temperature and smell changes
Measure compost progress every week

2. Vermicompost Bin

Add soil and worms
Track worm activity and compost quality
Measure moisture levels

3. Rainwater Collection Study

Place containers in different spots
Measure water collected after each rain
Compare clean vs polluted collection areas

4. Air Quality Observation

Use simple paper tests
Record dust collected near roads and quiet areas
Track pollution patterns

5. Classroom Recycling Program

Track weekly recycled materials
Create charts for plastic, paper, and metal
Suggest improvements to reduce waste

6. Pollinator Friendly Garden

Plant flowers that attract bees and butterflies
Track species visiting plants
Record visit frequency

7. Neighborhood Cleanup

Map areas with most trash
Sort trash by category
Suggest improvements for cleanliness

8. Home Water Usage Study

Track daily water used for dishes, showers, etc
Suggest reduction methods
Measure improvement after changes

9. Recycled Bird Bath

Use plastic containers or tiles
Record bird species visiting
Clean and maintain weekly

10. Temperature and Humidity Tracking

Place sensors around garden
Track differences between shade and sunlight
Record patterns in mornings and evenings

3. Agriscience Research

1. Sunlight vs Artificial Light

Grow same plant under both
Record height and leaf size weekly
Track color differences

2. Temperature Effect on Plants

Place pots in warm and cool areas
Track germination time
Compare growth rate

3. Natural Pest Control

Use neem spray vs no spray
Track pest activity
Record leaf damage differences

4. Fast vs Slow Germinating Seeds

Choose two seed types
Record time to sprout
Compare overall growth in two weeks

5. Music Impact on Plants

Play soft music for one group
Keep other group silent
Track height and leaf count

6. Moisture Level Study

Water one plant more, one less
Track soil moisture with sensors
Compare plant color and size

7. Best Watering Schedule

Test daily, alternate days, and weekly water
Record which method gives healthiest growth
Track soil dryness

8. Biodegradable vs Plastic Pots

Plant same seeds in both
Watch pot breakdown rate
Compare root development

9. Light Color Study

Use red, blue, and white lights
Track growth rate
Compare leaf color

10. Planting Depth Experiment

Plant seeds at three depths
Track germination success
Record plant strength over time

Food Science and Nutrition

1. Fruit Ripening Test

Store fruit in fridge, room, and sunlight
Track color, smell, and ripeness
Record which method is fastest

2. Herb Drying Comparison

Air dry, sun dry, and oven dry
Compare texture and smell
Track drying time

3. Homemade vs Store Snack

Make simple snack at home
Compare calories, taste, and ingredients
Survey family or classmates

4. Flavored Salt or Sugar Blends

Try different herbs
Track best flavor combinations
Create recipe notes

5. Natural Sweetener Test

Use honey, jaggery, and sugar
Compare taste in tea or snacks
Record sweetness level

6. Bread Rising Temperature Study

Place dough in warm and cold areas
Track rising time
Compare final texture

7. Homemade Yogurt Study

Track milk type and thickness
Compare fermentation times
Adjust temperature to test results

8. Vegetable Preservation Methods

Pickling, drying, refrigeration
Track spoilage time
Compare taste and color

9. Shelf Life Comparison

Prepare homemade snacks
Track freshness over days
Compare with packaged snacks

10. Healthy School Lunch Planning

Create weekly meal plan
Track nutrition values
Collect feedback from classmates

Agricultural Technology

1. Drip Irrigation System

Build using tubes and bottles
Track water flow rate
Compare soil moisture vs regular watering

2. Automated Plant Light

Use a timer or simple coding kit
Track plant growth under steady lighting
Test light duration

3. Moisture Sensor Project

Build or buy a basic sensor
Test soil conditions
Create logs of watering needs

4. Solar Garden Light

Build small solar powered light
Track charging times
Record brightness duration

5. Simple Weather Station

Track rain, temperature, humidity
Compare morning and evening data
Record weekly patterns

6. Automated Watering System

Program pump to water plants
Track water usage
Compare plant health before and after automation

7. Sunlight Tracking Sensor

Record sunlight hours
Test shaded vs open areas
Suggest best plant locations

8. LED Grow Light

Build small LED setup
Track growth differences
Record leaf color changes

9. Plant Database Project

Identify plants with mobile apps
Create plant profile cards
Add photos and care guides

10. Mini Wind Powered Fan

Build simple turbine
Test speed in breeze vs strong wind
Record rotation time

Agribusiness and Entrepreneurship

1. Potted Plant Sales

Grow herbs or small succulents
Create simple price tags
Track cost of soil, pots, and profit earned

2. Handmade Plant Labels

Use wood sticks, stones, or recycled plastic
Paint or write plant names
Sell in small bundles

3. Custom Seed Packets

Save seeds from home garden
Design packet covers
Track how many packets you sell

4. Plant Care Service

Water plants for neighbors when they travel
Charge a small fee
Keep a schedule and care log

5. Compost Bag Sales

Produce compost using kitchen waste
Pack in small paper bags
Explain nutrients to buyers

6. Online Mini Nursery Page

List plants available for sale
Take clear photos
Track favorite items clicked by buyers

7. Recycled Pot Planters

Make pots using bottles, cans, or jars
Decorate them with paint
Sell at school events

8. Gardening Starter Kits

Include seeds, soil, and labels
Create simple care instruction cards
Track customer feedback

9. Handmade Garden Decor

Create painted stones or small signs
Use recycled materials
Record production time and cost

10. Seasonal Flower Sales

Grow marigold, sunflower, or zinnia
Harvest at peak bloom
Sell small flower bunches

Community Service and Outreach

1. School Garden Support

Water, weed, and maintain plants
Track weekly tasks
Take photos of improvement

2. Seed Sharing Box

Collect seeds in packets
Label types clearly
Track how many students use the box

3. Plant Care Guides

Create simple one page guides
Use easy illustrations
Share with younger classes

4. Community Landscape Help

Plant flowers in a public area
Track hours spent
Document before and after photos

5. Recycling Awareness Project

Create posters
Host a small talk at school
Track reduction in waste over a month

6. Water Saving Poster Campaign

Make posters for classrooms
Include tips like shorter showers
Track positive comments or feedback

7. Plant Donation Drive

Collect plants from friends and neighbors
Donate to community spaces
Track number of donations

8. Elder Garden Assistance

Help older neighbors with simple tasks
Track hours and tasks completed
Take notes on plant care methods you learn

9. Nature Book Corner

Collect garden and plant books
Create a small library shelf
Track student borrowing habits

10. Seed Planting Workshop

Teach younger students how to plant seeds
Prepare soil and cups in advance
Track attendance and learning outcome

Agricultural Communications

1. Garden Blog

Post simple tips and photos
Track weekly visitors
Write short progress updates

2. Plant Care Videos

Make quick how to clips
Focus on watering, sunlight, and pruning
Track likes or comments

3. Growth Photo Journal

Take weekly photos
Record changes in leaf number and height
Create a digital slideshow

4. Gardener Interviews

Ask local gardeners about methods
Record answers in a notebook
Share a summary with your class

5. How To Guides

Create step by step planting instructions
Use simple pictures
Share printed copies in class

6. Agriculture Newsletter

Include updates from the school garden
Add plant tips
Distribute monthly

7. Environmental Posters

Create posters about reducing waste
Use bold drawings
Display in hallways

8. Plant Facts Social Page

Share one interesting plant fact daily
Add photos or illustrations
Track follower count

9. Nature Podcast

Record short episodes
Talk about plants, insects, seasons
Track listen count

10. Seasonal Planting Booklet

List plants that grow in each season
Add small drawings
Distribute to classmates

Home and Personal Living

1. Kitchen Garden Management

Grow tomatoes, mint, or spinach
Track daily sunlight and water schedule
Record first harvest date

2. Indoor Plant Shelf

Build or arrange a small shelf
Track temperature and light
Note which plant grows best indoors

3. Daily Plant Care Routine

Water and check leaves
Track pests or yellow leaves
Keep a checklist

4. Kitchen Waste Composting

Separate wet and dry waste
Track daily waste amount
Record compost results after weeks

5. Home Energy Tracking

Track daily electricity usage
List ways to reduce usage
Measure improvement after changes

6. Water Saving Plan

Create a family water schedule
Track daily use in showers and taps
Record savings after one month

7. Pantry Storage Improvement

Organize vegetables and grains
Track which foods stay fresh longer
Suggest storage changes

8. Herb Growing for Cooking

Grow coriander, mint, or basil
Record weekly harvest
Add herbs to home meals

9. Small Spice Garden

Grow ginger, chilies, or lemongrass
Track growth stages
Record harvest uses

10. Healthy Weekly Meal Plan

Prepare simple meal chart
Track calories and nutrition
Record feedback from family

Engineering and Construction

1. Raised Garden Beds

Build using wood or bricks
Measure dimensions
Track plant growth inside raised bed

2. Small Greenhouse

Use plastic sheets and frames
Track inside temperature
Compare plant growth inside vs outside

3. Recycled Bird Feeder

Make using bottles or cans
Track bird visits daily
Record bird species

4. Vertical Bottle Garden

Stack bottles on a wall or frame
Track water usage
Record sunlight needs

5. Plant Stand

Create a wooden or metal stand
Measure stability
Track which plants fit best

6. Climbing Plant Trellis

Build using sticks or poles
Test strength with growing vines
Record size and durability

7. Germination Chamber

Create humidity controlled box
Track germination rate
Record temperature

8. Tool Organizer

Make simple storage from wood
Sort tools by size
Track improvements in organization

9. Mini Plant Bench

Build a small workbench for planting
Track how often it is used
Record tool and seed storage space

10. Wooden Compost Bin

Build bin using planks
Track compost temperature
Record decomposition stages

Wildlife and Ecology

1. Bird Species Record

Observe birds every morning
Track species and colors
Create a photo chart if possible

2. Butterfly Puddling Station

Build using sand and water
Track butterfly visits
Record species and size

3. Backyard Habitat

Add rocks, water, and plants
Track which insects or animals visit
Record seasonal changes

4. Insect Population Study

Observe garden insects
Track species and numbers
Record which plants attract them

5. Pollinator Tracking

Observe bees, butterflies, and wasps
Track visit time and frequency
Compare morning vs afternoon visits

6. Bee House Construction

Build small tube based bee house
Track occupancy
Record bee activity

7. Seasonal Wildlife Observation

Observe changes in winter, summer, and monsoon
Note common animals each season
Track behavior changes

8. Pitfall Trap Study

Set simple cups in soil
Track captured insects
Release safely after recording

9. Log Habitat Creation

Place logs in a quiet area
Track insects or fungi
Record moisture and temperature

10. Food Chain Documentation

Identify plants, insects, birds, and predators
Draw simple food chain charts
Track seasonal differences

Forestry and Outdoor Skills

1. Tree Identification

Identify common trees
Record leaf shapes
Map their locations

2. Tree Height Measurement

Use stick or shadow method
Track results for several trees
Compare heights

3. Leaf Collection Book

Collect fallen leaves
Press and dry them
Label names and species

4. Shade and Sunlight Study

Measure sunlight under trees
Track temperature differences
Record best spots for shade

5. Sapling Planting

Plant saplings in community
Track survival
Record growth every month

6. Forest Floor Study

Observe soil, leaves, insects
Track moisture and decay
Record biodiversity

7. Tree Trunk Measurement

Measure bark width or circumference
Track growth every month
Compare species

8. Bark Pattern Study

Take bark rubbings
Observe texture differences
Create a classification chart

9. Woods Biodiversity Study

Identify birds, insects, plants
Track numbers
Create a zone map

10. Tree Variety Map

Draw a simple map
Mark tree species
Record tree ages and size

Renewable Energy and Sustainability

1. Solar Powered Device

Build simple solar light or fan
Track charging time
Record performance indoors and outdoors

2. Mini Wind Turbine

Build using cardboard and sticks
Track rotation speed
Test in different winds

3. Insulation Test

Test cloth, paper, foam
Track temperature changes
Record best insulating material

4. Sunlight Hour Study

Track sunlight in morning, afternoon, evening
Mark best garden zones
Create a sunlight map

5. Home Recycling Study

Track weekly waste
Sort by type
Suggest improvement ideas

6. Climate Change Posters

Create posters with clear messages
Add facts about saving energy
Display at school

7. Carbon Footprint Tracking

Record daily travel, electricity, and waste
Calculate approximate footprint
Suggest reduction steps

8. LED vs Regular Bulb Study

Track brightness and heat
Compare electricity usage
Record cost savings

9. Solar Oven

Build using foil and cardboard
Test heating of simple foods
Track temperature inside oven

10. Compost Heat Experiment

Measure temperature in compost pile
Track heat changes over days
Record decay speed

Creative and Design Projects

1. Garden Planner Design

Draw planting zones
Track crop rotation
Update monthly

2. Plant Themed Artwork

Sketch plants or leaves
Use color pencils or watercolors
Create a small art portfolio

3. Seed Journal

Record seed types
Add drawings and notes
Track growth progress

4. Recycled Bottle Art

Use old bottles to create decor
Paint and design patterns
Display or sell at events

5. Creative Plant Labels

Use clay, stones, or paper
Add drawings
Test durability outdoors

6. Healthy Eating Posters

Create posters showing healthy meals
Add fruits and vegetables
Display in school cafeteria

7. Plant Based Dye Testing

Use spinach, beetroot, or turmeric
Test on fabric strips
Compare color strength

8. Nature Photography Prints

Take photos of plants and insects
Print and label them
Create a photo wall or album

9. Garden Accessory Design

Design mats, pots, or tiny fences
Use simple craft materials
Track cost and creativity

10. Painted Pots

Paint clay or plastic pots
Add patterns or nature themes
Use them in school garden

Step-by-Step: How to Start Your Middle School SAE This Week

Starting an SAE doesn’t have to be confusing. Follow these steps, and you’ll have your project up and running in just a few days.

Talk to your advisor

Bring your project ideas and any questions. Your advisor can help you pick the right project and make sure it’s safe and doable.

Choose 1–2 small ideas

Keep it simple and specific so you can finish tasks without getting overwhelmed.

Fill out a simple SAE agreement

Write down your project title, goals, timeline, materials, and any safety notes.

Set up a free AET account

With help from your parent and advisor, create your account to track hours, skills, and photos.

Take “before” photos and write your first journal entry

Document where you start so you can compare later and see your progress.

Quick launch checklist for the first 7 days

Finalize your plan
Gather materials and tools
Set up your workspace
Start logging hours and taking photos
Note any questions or ideas in your journal

Following these steps makes it easy to start your SAE this week and keeps everything organized from day one.

Project Planning Templates and Examples

If you learn best by seeing real examples, these easy planning tools will help you build a clear, solid SAE plan.

Simple One-Page Pitch Template

A quick way to plan your project:

Project title: Give your project a name.
Goal: What you want to achieve.
3 milestones: Key steps to track progress.
Budget estimate: How much it might cost.
Time per week: How many hours you’ll spend.
What you will learn: Skills or knowledge you hope to gain.

Detailed SAE Project Plan Template

For bigger projects, you can include:

Project title
SAE type (Exploratory, Research, Improvement, etc.)
SMART goal: Specific, Measurable, Achievable, Relevant, Time-bound
Objectives: Smaller steps to reach your goal
Timeline: When you’ll complete each step
Budget and revenue forecast: Costs and possible income
Equipment list: Tools or materials you’ll need
Safety plan: How you’ll stay safe
Evidence to collect: Photos, logs, or data
Skills to document: What you learned along the way

Example: Six-Month Microgreens Business

Goal: Grow and sell 200 trays of microgreens in six months
Trays per week: 8–10
Cost per tray: $2
Break-even point: 50 trays
Marketing plan: Sell at school events and local farmers market
Timeline: Week 1–2: set up trays; Week 3–6: grow first batch; Week 7–24: harvest, sell, and track progress

This simple planning helps you stay organized and see your project from start to finish.

Middle School Record Keeping Made Easy

Why Records Matter

Keeping records helps you:

Track hours and progress
See what you’ve learned
Show your work for awards
Plan better for future projects

Quick Weekly Journal

Spend 5 minutes each week to jot down:

What you did
Hours spent
Any challenges or wins

Daily Activity Log

Record each session with:

Date
Hours
Task
Tools used
Skills learned
Photo reference

Simple Cash & Expense Tracking

Use a shoebox, envelope, or notebook to track money in and out. Later, enter it into AET.

Hours Tracking Sheet

Keep a simple table to total your hours each week.

Sample AET Entry

“Jan 15 – 1 hour – Planted 5 microgreen trays – used soil and trays – learned to label trays – photo attached.”

Tips for Getting an “A”

Be consistent and log every session
Take photos as proof
Write short, clear notes
Focus on skills and progress, not long paragraphs

Keeping it simple makes record-keeping quick, easy, and useful for awards.

Money, Safety, and Getting Parent Buy-In

Low-Cost Projects ($0–$50)

Windowsill herb garden
Microgreens trays
Simple baking or snack projects
Container or patio gardens
DIY bird feeders or pollinator boxes

How to Explain Your Project to Parents

Try something like:

“I want to do a small project for school that teaches me planning, science, and responsibility. I’ll track my hours, learn skills, and it might even make a little money. You’ll help me stay safe and on track.”

Basic Safety Rules

Always wear gloves, goggles, or aprons when needed
Ask for adult help with tools or ovens
Keep plants, soil, and food clean
Follow all school and community rules

Permission & Facility Forms

Get parent signatures and any school approval forms before starting. This keeps everything safe and official.

Low-Cost Equipment Strategies

Use school maker spaces or community centers
Borrow tools or materials from friends or family
Ask alumni or local farmers for donations

Keeping costs low and safety high makes SAE projects easy and fun for middle school students.

Troubleshooting and Problem Solving

Plant Growth Issues

If your plants aren’t growing well, check:

Light: are they getting enough?
Water: not too much, not too little
Nutrients: is the soil healthy?
Pests: any bugs or signs of disease

Low Engagement

If you’re losing interest:

Break the project into small, easy goals
Work with a friend or classmate
Turn it into a fun challenge or contest

Equipment Problems

If tools or equipment fail:

Keep a maintenance log
Have backups ready
Ask a mentor or teacher for help

Data or Research Issues

If your measurements seem off:

Repeat the experiment
Check that tools are calibrated
Document any mistakes or changes

Troubleshooting is just part of learning. Small fixes keep your project moving forward and make you a better problem solver.

Connecting Projects to Learning, Recognition, and Awards

Using Your SAE in School Competitions

Many middle school SAEs can be entered into class competitions, ag fairs, STEM showcases, or FFA events.

Even small projects like herb gardens or simple research tests can qualify. Judges usually look for effort, clear records, and what you learned, not how big the project is.

Projects That Fit Middle-School-Friendly Proficiency Areas

Some areas work especially well for younger students, such as:

Exploratory
Food science
Environmental science
Agriscience research
Small-scale horticulture
Ag communications

If your project teaches a skill or solves a problem, it probably fits one of these areas.

Leadership and Teamwork Evidence

You can show leadership in simple ways:

Teaching a friend how to do part of your project
Helping run a small garden team at school
Sharing your work in class
Planning a mini project for your FFA chapter

Small moments add up, and they look great in your AET records.

Simple Portfolio or One-Page Presentation for Judging

A good one-page entry includes:

Project title and goal
Three strong photos
A short description of what you did
One challenge and how you solved it
A quick list of skills you learned

Keep it clean, neat, and easy to read. Judges love clear, honest stories.

Turning Middle School SAEs into High School Success

How Your Hours, Photos, and Skills Carry Into High School

Everything you do now can move straight into your high school AET account. Your hours, your photos, your expenses, and the skills you learned all stay with you.

This gives you a head start while other freshmen are just beginning. By the time you enter high school, you already know how to track work, take project photos, and write short reflections.

How Small Middle School Projects Grow Into Big Awards

A tiny project today can grow into something impressive later. For example:

A small herb garden can become a full greenhouse project in high school.
A simple composting project can turn into environmental science research.
A one tray microgreens setup can grow into a steady school market business.
A few hours of career shadowing can turn into a placement job at a local nursery.

Many state winners started with projects that were small, simple, and inexpensive. What matters most is steady growth and clear records.

Tips for Building a Strong 6-Year Resume Before Grade 9

You can build a great FFA resume long before high school:

Stick with one project and grow it a little each year.
Save every photo, journal entry, and activity log.
Try at least one small leadership or communication task each semester.
Enter at least one school or chapter competition each year.
Ask your advisor to help you set one new skill goal every project cycle.

If you build these habits now, your high school SAE will already be miles ahead when you start ninth grade.

Real Middle School Success Stories

Story 1: The Windowsill Microgreens Business

Grade: 7

Timeline: 6 months

Budget: About ₹1,000 for trays, seeds, and a spray bottle

A seventh grader started with two trays of microgreens on a sunny window. At first, the goal was just to learn how fast different seeds grew.

Within a month, classmates and teachers started asking to buy small packs. The student slowly expanded to six trays and delivered microgreens every Friday.

Skills learned: basic budgeting, marketing, food safety, plant care, customer communication.

Photos to include: setup on the window, tray growth stages, final harvest, simple sales display.

Main takeaway: You do not need land or a huge budget to start a real entrepreneurship SAE. Small can still be successful.

Story 2: The Garden TikTok Project

Grade: 6

Timeline: 3 months

Budget: Almost zero, used leftover pots and soil

A sixth grader began posting short TikTok videos showing how to grow plants from kitchen scraps. Videos stayed simple and friendly, and the account slowly built a small local following.

People from the community began sending questions, and even the school shared a few posts.

Skills learned: communication, content creation, plant propagation, community engagement, digital responsibility.

Photos to include: before and after plant growth, behind-the-scenes shots, screenshots of posts or comments.

Main takeaway: An SAE can mix agriculture with technology. Sharing what you learn can inspire others and build confidence.

Story 3: The Career Shadowing Explorer

Grade: 8

Timeline: 5 months

Budget: Zero, only needed parent permission and advisor support

An eighth grader wanted to learn what agricultural careers actually looked like. With the advisor’s help, the student interviewed and shadowed 12 professionals including a florist, a vet assistant, a greenhouse manager, a food safety inspector, and a soil lab technician.

The student kept short reflection notes after each visit. One mentor even connected the student to an early college outreach program.

Skills learned: communication, professionalism, time management, observation, note-taking.

Photos to include: visiting locations, working with mentors, simple screenshots of reflection notes.

Main takeaway: Exploratory SAEs open doors. You never know which small visit will lead to a big opportunity later.

Resources Just for Middle Schoolers

Free AET Templates and Downloads

Most AET accounts for middle school come with ready-made forms that make record keeping easy. Students can use simple hour logs, budget sheets, and reflection templates. These help you track your work without feeling overwhelmed.

Easy Garden Plans and Printable PDFs

Many schools and extension offices offer kid-friendly garden plans. These include small container gardens, herb windowsill layouts, and raised-bed designs. Students can print these and follow step-by-step guides to set up their first project with confidence.

Safe and Kid-Friendly YouTube Channels and Courses

There are plenty of trustworthy channels that teach gardening, basic science experiments, cooking, and simple engineering skills. These videos are short, easy to follow, and great for sparking ideas for new SAE projects.

FFA Discovery Degree Checklist

Middle schoolers working toward their Discovery Degree can use the checklist to keep track of requirements. It explains what counts as an SAE activity, what needs to be recorded, and how to complete reflections and forms for chapter recognition.

Local Partner Ideas

Students can connect with local groups that enjoy supporting young learners. This includes agriculture extension agents, nurseries and garden centers, community makerspaces, and food labs or kitchens. These partners can offer advice, tools, short demonstrations, or even a project visit to help students learn more.

Conclusion and 30-day challenge

You are never too young to start building real skills. Every project you try, every photo you take, and every hour you record brings you a step closer to becoming more confident, capable, and creative. Middle school is the perfect time to explore, experiment, and discover what you enjoy.

Your 30-Day Challenge

Choose one project idea. Keep it small and manageable.
Over the next 30 days:

Log at least 10 hours of work
Take 20 photos to show your progress
Share what you learned with your advisor

That is all you need to get your SAE moving in the right direction.

Talk to your Ag teacher tomorrow. Tell them the project you want to start. With their guidance and your effort, your first SAE can become something you are proud of.