# data[].attributes.body
lifecycle (stages 1-6 from calf to market)
farming industry (different uses)

# data[].attributes.body
marketing/distribution (compare/contrast countries/breeds)
breedes/usage (status/security)

# data[].attributes.body
predicting
problem/solution

# data[].attributes.body
types of literature (fiction/nonfiction)
compare/contrast

# data[].attributes.body
animal care

# data[].attributes.body
life cycle (compare/contrast with butterfly lifecycle)

# data[].attributes.body
careers/community workers (jobs related to raising pigs)
geography (where are pigs raised/located)

# data[].attributes.body
reading for a purpose (write a research project)

# data[].attributes.body
fractions/percents (% of pig for certain cuts; % pig used)

# data[].attributes.body
nutrition (compare caloric intake of types of protein)

# data[].attributes.body
map skills (top 10 sheep producing states; label and identify; research geography/climate; connect regions physical characteristics with why they are favorable for sheep production)

# data[].attributes.body
story structure (map parts of story-intro characters/setting; conflict/crisis; resolution)
write your own story following story structure

# data[].attributes.body
graphing (bar graph)

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.readable_text
Ah, chickens: the gateway drug to many a barnyard menagerie. Simple to tend with generous returns, their appeal extends beyond rural farmyards, reaching up to urban rooftops and across suburban backyards. These days more people know about chickens than don't, and with so many of us having already fallen for these feathered friends, upon seeing this title I couldn't help a slight inward groan - another book about chickens? And so begins a tale of eating crow, er, chicken, for this review.

"Chickenology: The Ultimate Encyclopedia" is not another book about chickens, it is the book about chickens. Beautifully illustrated and deeply informative, it has a magical quality that few books can boast: a wide appeal across age groups. As a mother to two on either end of an 8-year age gap, this is a rare and to be celebrated find. Younger children will be thrilled to flip through the vibrantly colored pages filled edge to edge with all things chicken, while older children can happily dive into chicken ancestry, history, tracking, hatching and so much more. With images labeled to the hilt - from anatomy to feathers to combs and more - "Chickenology" would also make an excellent addition to any homeschooler or nature journaler's library. And, full disclosure: it's not just for kids. "Chickenology" held this seasoned chicken keeper's rapt attention from cover to cover, delivering new and interesting tidbits along the way.

Having spent the past decade mothering and chickening, it takes a special book to enter our collection of children's books already flush with farm-centric titles that - while lovely - are often guilty of recycling the same idea or information over and over again. "Chickenology," with its pages chockfull of information and engaging imagery, is a treasure of a book for the entire family, one I'm glad to make room for on the bookshelf.

- Julie Letowski, Washington, Maine

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.description
Ah, chickens: the gateway drug to many a barnyard menagerie. Simple to tend with generous returns, their appeal extends beyond rural farmyards, reaching up to urban rooftops and across suburban backyards. These days more people know about chickens than don't, and with so many of us having already fallen for these feathered friends, upon seeing this title I couldn't help a slight inward groan - another book about chickens?

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.readable_text
Moo! If you teach about farms, food webs, or animals in your elementary classroom, then you'll definitely want to check out some of the free resources available from The Dairy Alliance. Here's a sneak peek of what you'll find:

Video: Meet Riley Mason, sixth-generation farmer

This virtual field trip introduces your students to a real dairy farmer. They'll meet his adorable new calves and learn how huge fans keep a barn full of cows cool on hot days. Farmer Riley even shares how he gives cow pedicures! Students' favorite part will definitely be the close-up look at the super-cool robots that milk the farm's 160 cows. This is real-life STEM in action, and your students may discover a career path they hadn't considered!

Video: Sustainability and Recycling on a Dairy Farm

This video shares how much of the dairy farm can be recycled in order to make the most of the materials needed and money used.

Lesson plan: Makin' Cows Smile

The Discover Dairy website has several lesson plans for elementary school, including lessons on how farms work, how milk gets to the store, and how clean water plays a role in dairy farming.

This free printable shows how milk gets to you and is also available in Spanish.

If you're studying healthy eating or celebrating ways to care for the environment, you'll love this ready-to-go bulletin board. It packs fascinating information about family dairy farms and milk. Round out your display with these Dairy Fun Facts. (Students will especially love the one that reminds us that all types of milk have the same amount of protein, vitamins, and minerals-chocolate and strawberry included!)

Video: Dairy and the planet

A kid-friendly look at how dairy impacts the planet.

Find even more resources on The Dairy Alliance Dairy in Schools page. Click here to find out if you live in The Dairy Alliance region and are eligible to request free printed classroom materials such as this Dairy Good bulletin board kit.

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.title
Take Your Students on a Dairy Farm Virtual Field Trip

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.description
Moo! If you teach about farms, food webs, or animals in your elementary classroom, then you'll definitely want to check out some of the free resources available from The Dairy Alliance. Here's a sneak peek of what you'll find: This virtual field trip introduces your students to a real dairy farmer.

# data[].attributes.body
Virtual Field Trip - sheep farm. Neat because you can also drag the screen for a 360 degree view while the video is playing.

# data[].attributes.attachment_caption
Also available in digital format through Rosen Publishing

# data[].attributes.body
Great link to a lot of different virtual field trips sponsored by Washington Youth Garden. There is even a field journal you can download to use as you go on your "field trips."

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.title
DC Virtual Farm Field Trip - Washington Youth Garden

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.description
You can edit the text in this area, and change where the contact form on the right submits to, by entering edit mode using the modes on the bottom right.

# data[].attributes.body
Summary of the book:

The different ways milk and dairy products are produced in the United States, as well as the pros and cons for consumers, the environment, and the cows involved are described in this provocative book. Readers learn that factory-farming practices can produce mass amounts of milk cheaply, but they can also lead to sick cows, a polluted environment, and milk that may not be healthy to drink. Topics covered in this informed narrative include the pasteurization process, the rise of organic milk, the return of raw milk, the making of ripened cheese and processed cheese, the cost of intensive dairy farming, the toll on the environment, and ways teens can become savvy consumers.

# data[].attributes.body
https://extension.umd.edu/sites/extension.umd.edu/files/publications/KGWG%20Virtual%20Field%20Trip%20Lessons.pdf

# data[].attributes.body
Summary

Fresh vegetables and fruits are among the best foods a person can eat. They have many substances the body needs, such as vitamins, minerals, and fiber. Fruits and vegetables protect against a number of diseases and are relatively low in calories, low in sodium, and have no cholesterol. But according to the Center for Science in the Public Interest, produce accounted for twice as many cases of sickness between 1990 and 2005 than any other type of food-more than 34,000. Readers explore how something good for your health can also make people ill, including how growers, processors, shippers, and sellers keep fruit and vegetables safe––or not––in this insightful and straightforward narrative. Readers also learn about steps they can take to know where the food they eat comes from, how to support locally grown fruit and vegetables, how to read labels, and how to safely handle their produce once it is in their home.

# data[].attributes.body
Summary

Discover what life is like on five different types of farms. Written from the perspective of young people, this series describes the experiences found living, working, and playing on a farm. So head out to the farm to understand how animals and plants grow, and how farm kids help make it all happen.What's the difference between a bull and a steer? How are calves born? Adam Smith could tell you. He lives on a beef cattle farm and describes in vivid detail what makes working and playing on a cattle farm so much fun.

# data[].attributes.body
Summary

Companion to Storey's best-selling The Backyard Homestead, this book delves deeper into raising animals for meat, milk, eggs, cheese, and other dairy products.

# data[].attributes.body
The facility is Canadian but still gives the kids an idea of how it works and it's interactive.

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.title
360 Virtual Reality Egg Grading and Processing Tour

# data[].attributes.body
She is milking the cow, but could segue from dairy to beef. Also can be used as an SEL lesson - what to do when you hurt someone's feelings or even how to handle your own feelings when you feel insulted.

# data[].attributes.body
Summary
A NCSS/CBC Notable Social Studies Trade Book
Here is a true story of how the great nations of America and England almost went to war in 1859 over a pig--but learned to share instead.
In 1859, the British and Americans coexist on the small island of San Juan, located off the coast of the Pacific Northwest. They are on fairly good terms--until one fateful morning when an innocent hog owned by a British man has the misfortune to eat some potatoes on an American farmer's land. In a moment of rash anger, Lyman Cutlar shoots Charles Griffin's pig, inadvertently almost bringing the two nations to war. Tensions flare, armies gather, cannons are rolled out . . . all because of a pig!

# data[].attributes.body
Summary

What are the different types of wool? How was wool used in Medieval Times? What is the future of wool? To uncover the hidden facts behind everyday things, explore the secrets of True Stories. True Stories reveals the surprising truth about a range of subjects.

# data[].attributes.body
Summary

In pictures and rhythmic text, a mother relates to her daughter all the steps involved in making her a snug, wooly sweater, starting at the very beginning with feeding the sheep.

# data[].attributes.body
Summary

A Scottish sheep's unusual diet causes him to produce multicolored wool, which changes his life and the fortunes of his owners.

can learn about different types of sheep in parts of the world, diet (can it really produce different colored wool?), and wool production.

# data[].attributes.headline
Vaughan Family of Harford County Dairy Life

# data[].attributes.subject
Vaughan Family of Harford County Dairy Life

# data[].attributes.body
Doris Grossnickle

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.title
Profile of a Dairy Farm | Maryland Farm & Harvest

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.title
Farmers Breed Chickens with Colorful Eggs! | Maryland Farm & Harvest

# data[].attributes.headline
SEL:  Cooperation and Teamwork; doing your own part

# data[].attributes.subject
SEL:  Cooperation and Teamwork; doing your own part

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.title
The Little Red Hen #ReadAlong StoryBook Video For Kids Ages 2-7

# data[].attributes.body
https://youtu.be/kJ98sUYRTyg

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.title
Chicken in the City (Nouns): Grammar Tale

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.description
Students learn all about nouns within the context of a fun mini-book story. Includes before, during, and after reading tips; a whole-group reproducible; guided and independent practice tips, and more.

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.readable_text
Use of Cookies

We use cookies on our website to give you the most relevant experience by remembering your preferences and repeat visits. By clicking "Accept", you consent to the use of ALL the cookies. ACCEPT REJECT Read More

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.description
Investigating plants and seeds is a perfect spring activity. With a few simple materials your class can create their very own classroom greenhouse. As an added bonus, this greenhouse keeps spills inside and the classroom a little cleaner! The greenhouse is quite simply made from a clear storage container with a clear lid.

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.description
Students will explore genes and heredity in the context of beef cattle.

# data[].attributes.attachment_caption
Great lessons to go with the book at this website https://agclassroom.org/matrix/resource/537/

# data[].attributes.attachment_caption
Comparing Sheep and Goats.  This is really good because a lot of people get them confused with each other. This is a free download. 

# data[].attributes.body
https://extension.umd.edu/programs/4-h-youth-development/curricula/agsploration

# data[].attributes.attachment_caption
This lesson compares a cows digestive system with a pigs and ours.

# data[].attributes.body
https://extension.umd.edu/programs/4-h-youth-development/curricula/agsploration

# data[].attributes.body
This is a nice video talking about the difference of fruits and veggies.

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.title
What's the Difference Between Fruits and Vegetables?

# data[].attributes.body
This is a great lesson plan and has a chart that the kids can use at home to try and eat a rainbow of fruit & veggies at home!

# data[].attributes.attachment_caption
This is a great lesson on how much of the pig we actually eat. 

# data[].attributes.body
https://extension.umd.edu/programs/4-h-youth-development/curricula/agsploration

# data[].attributes.attachment_caption
This lesson talks about how plants need sun to grow.

# data[].attributes.body
https://extension.umd.edu/programs/4-h-youth-development/curricula/agsploration

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.readable_text
Our Vision

Happier, healthier kids learning in the garden and connecting to nature.

We believe gardening improves kids' lives, their communities, and the planet. Gardening engages every child's innate wonder and care for the natural world, offers them opportunities to participate in hands-on learning, and teaches them where their food comes from.

Our Mission

KidsGardening creates opportunities for kids to play, learn, and grow through gardening, engaging their natural curiosity and wonder.

We want every child to experience the unique transformation that occurs when they spend time caring for a garden, be it outside, in a classroom, or in a cup on the kitchen windowsill. For almost 40 years, KidsGardening has served as a premier support provider for youth garden programs nationwide.

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.description
Happier, healthier kids learning in the garden and connecting to nature. We believe gardening improves kids' lives, their communities, and the planet. Gardening engages every child's innate wonder and care for the natural world, offers them opportunities to participate in hands-on learning, and teaches them where their food comes from.

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.title
Ed Said | "Whole Grains are the Way to Go" | MPB

# data[].attributes.body
Video- Eat Your Rainbow! There are also great books available. EPIC is a free online book source.

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.title
Instantly access over 40,000 of the best books & videos for kids on Epic

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.description
Get unlimited access to 40,000 of the best books, audiobooks, videos, & more for kids 12 and under. Try it free.

# data[].attributes.body
Explains where top beef production cows originated from and their characteristics.

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.readable_text
Beef Facts

Worldwide there are more than 250 breeds of cattle. Over 60 of these breeds are present in the United States. However, a relatively small number of breeds (less than 20) are utilized for commercial beef production.

Beef Cattle Breeds

Â Â
Angus:

Imported from Scotland in 1873.

A low maintenance breed known for calving ease and maternal characteristics.

Natural marbling for tender and tasty beef.

Can be black or red in color although black is dominant color.

Â Â
Beefmaster:

Developed in Texas in 1930â€™s (Brahman-Hereford-Shorthorn cross).

Heat, drought and insect resistant.

Developed to thrive in the harsh climate of South Texas.

Brownish-red is the most common color.

Â Â Â EMS Smooth Cavalier
Brahman:

Imported from India in 1854.

Characterized by a large hump over the top of the shoulder and neck.

Brahman have an abundance of loose skin which contributes to its ability to withstand hot weather.

Vary in color from light gray or red to almost black. A majority of the breed are light to medium gray.

Brangus:

Developed in 1932 in United States.

High performers on pasture and in the feed lot.

Proven resistant to heat and high humidity.

Cows are good mothers.

Brangus cattle are black or red, polled, with a sleek coat.

Â Â Â MC Something SpecialÂ

Imported from France in 1936

Tremendous muscling and conformity.

Long bodied and good milkers.

Known for ease of calving and cross breeding.

The typical Charolais is white in color.

Hereford:

Imported from England in 1817.

Known for their grazing ability.

Many females live and produce calves beyond 15 years of age.

Hereford cattle are dark red , with a white face, crest, dewlap and underline.

Limousin:

Imported from France in 1971.

Cows demonstrate high fertility, good milking ability and ease of calving.

Limousin has built a reputation for being known as â€œThe Carcass Breedâ€.

Can be golden-red or black in color.

Â Â Texas Longhorn:

Developed in Spain and brought to Mexico in 1493. Driven to Texas in 1690.

Eats a wider range of grasses and weeds than most other cattle.

Produces a very lean beef.

Possesses a natural immunity to diseases and parasites.

The most spectacularly colored cattle - so varied that no two are alike.Â

Â Â Â J.R. SemanÂ

Beef Cattle Terms

Bovine â€" A ruminant mammal belonging to the genus Bos which includes cattle.

Bull â€" A male capable of reproduction.

Cow â€" Mature female that has produced a calf.

Calf â€" Young male or female less than one year of age.

Steer â€" Male that has been castrated before maturity, especially raised for beef.

Heifer â€" Young female over one year old that has not had a calf.

Did You Knowâ€¦
The hide from one beef animal can be made into:

20 footballs or

12 basketballs or

18 soccerballs or

12 baseball gloves or

18 volleyballs or

144 baseballs

BeefmasterÂ bull image courtesy ofÂ Emmons Ranch (2009 National Bull Championships Grand Champion Bull)

BrangusÂ bull image courtesy ofÂ Mound Creek Ranch Â

Texas LonghornÂ bull image courtesy ofÂ Bar L Cattle Co

Sources: Texas Farm Bureau via txfb.org and TheCattleSite.com

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.description
Worldwide there are more than 250 breeds of cattle. Over 60 of these breeds are present in the United States. However, a relatively small number of breeds (less than 20) are utilized for commercial beef production. Â Â Angus: Imported from Scotland in 1873. A low maintenance breed known for calving ease and maternal characteristics.

# data[].attributes.attachment_caption
30+ Pigs Facts For Kids: Learn All About The Smartest Farmyard Animal 

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.readable_text
Published on Dec 10, 2020

Updated on Feb 08, 2022

Who is your favorite famous pig?

From Pumba and Babe, to Wilbur the beloved piglet in 'Charlotte's Web', this farmyard creature has been stealing our hearts for decades. But are pigs really so sweet?

Well, piglets are undeniably adorable, and there's not doubt that pigs are one of the most intelligent and sociable creatures in the world, but check out our interesting pig facts for kids and see for yourself... they might not be as sweet as the movies made out!

If you are interested in learning some cool facts about pigs and maybe some amazing pig trivia too, then this list of amazing facts about pigs for kids, is here to help, we have also included some super cute piglet facts for kids too!

If you would like to carry on learning about some more animals after you've had your fill of fun facts about pigs for kids, why not check out Bear facts and Chihuahua facts?

Interesting Facts About Pigs

Pigs are often mistaken for being mucky sweaty animals, but that could not be further from the truth! Check out our amazing pig facts and see what you think.

1. You'll often see them rolling around in the mud, but pigs are actually exceptionally clean animals. They even designate a spot far away from their living and feeding areas as their toilet, how sanitary!

2. Pigs love a good roll in the mud because it keeps them cool! Pigs have hardly any sweat glands, so they have to lower their outer body temperature somehow and this is how they cool off, plus it probably is pretty fun.

3. Pigs are also sometimes called 'hogs' or 'swine'. Female pigs are known as 'sows' while male pigs are called 'boars'.

4. All pigs share a common ancestor, the Eurasian wild boar.

5. As pigs began to be domesticated and bred more for meat, they are now quite different in appearance to the wild boar. An escaped domestic pig, however, will take on more 'wild pig' characteristics and their offspring are harder to tell apart through the generations.

6. The wild pig is one of the most destructive and invasive species in the United States today! They are very resilient and can survive in harsh conditions, so controlling their numbers has proved a challenge.

7. In the wild, pigs will root around and eat all sorts from leaves and fruit, to small reptiles and rodents! Yep, pigs are omnivores, meaning they will eat plants and meat. Basically they just aren't particularly fussy and see most food as fair game!

8. Although they will eat meat, pigs don't hunt. They will simply eat whatever they come across, these guys are eating machines and they just love trying new food.

9. Pigs really have been known to eat anything, and we mean anything. The only thing they can't digest is teeth, yikes!

10. The average fully grown pig can weigh between 300 and 700 pounds. However the world record for the heaviest pig has not been beaten since 1933. Big Bill from Tennessee weighed in at 2,552 pounds. Now that is a big pig.

11. Pigs have pretty bad eyesight, but an amazing sense of smell. A pig's sense of smell is around 2000 times more sensitive than ours!

12. A pig's squeal can be reach 115 decibels, that's three whole decibels higher than the sound of a supersonic airliner.

13. Pigs are one of the smartest of all domesticated animals, even smarter than dogs!

14. Right now, there are around two billion pigs on the planet! They can be found on every continent except Antarctica.

15. On the Chinese zodiac, the pig is seen to represent, fortune, honesty, happiness and virility.

16. Have you ever heard of the Tamworth Two? This brother and sister pair of pigs escaped while on their way to the slaughterhouse, and went on the run for over a week! They were eventually captured but due to national outcry, were sent to live out their days at a sanctuary.

17. A domestic pig can live for up to 20 years, they make faithful pets and have also been know to make pretty great guard animals!
‍

Cute Facts About Pigs

Despite some of the facts above, pigs still remain very cute animals in our opinion! There is still more to learn about pigs, check out these fun pig facts.

18. 1 March is National Pig Day! Yes, there is a whole day dedicated to celebrating our porky pals.

19. Pigs love to relax, they enjoy massages, listening to music, getting a nice back scratch and playing with their favorite toys.

20. Pigs are really sociable and can form amazingly strong bonds with each other, other animals, and humans.

21. Pigs like to build nests! Especially sows about to give birth, they will search for sticks, leaves and hay to make a pile and arrange into a cozy nest.

22. Pigs love new experiences, they can get bored living in a monotonous environment and need some kind of stimulation to keep them feeling happy. However, they are afraid of loud noises such as yelling or dog barks.

23. In order to keep warm and for comfort, pigs are often seen cuddled up to each other.

24. Pigs not only snuggle up, but their favorite way to sleep is nose to nose, how adorable!

25. Pigs like to chat, and use grunts and squeals to communicate. More than 20 different vocalizations have been identified from various groups of pigs.

26. Pigs have amazing memories. They can remember things for years and years and can recognize and remember people and places, sources of food and even how to use objects.

27. There is an uninhabited island in the Bahamas where pigs quite literally rule the roost and love spending time in the ocean, have you ever seen a pig swim? Now that is cute.

Facts About Baby Pigs

Are you ready for some baby pig facts? Babies are always pretty cute but after reading this list you will be all about pigs!

28. Baby pigs are called piglets. A well cared for sow will give birth to 10 piglets per litter, and she will usually give birth twice a year!

29. A sow will be pregnant for three months, three weeks and three days, how precise!

30. Piglets weigh around 2.5 pounds at birth, and this will usually double within the first week.

31. Piglets are super smart animals and can be trained to learn their names at just two weeks old.

32. A mother pig will communicate to her piglets while nursing through grunting. Piglets each have their own teat that they will search for and use every time they nurse.

33. Mother pigs have been known to "sing" while they nurse their young.

34. Unlike most other baby animals in the world, piglets are born ready to run and walk, their eyes are open and they are raring to go!

35. Piglets are super sensitive the cold and will snuggle up at any opportunity, they will also burrow down into hay in their pens to keep warm.

We hope you had fun reading these facts about pigs for kids! Here at Kidadl, we have carefully created lots of interesting family-friendly facts for everyone to enjoy. If you liked our pig facts and information, then why not take a look at calico cat facts, or milk facts?

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.title
30+ Pigs Facts For Kids: Learn All About The Smartest Farmyard Animal

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.description
Published on Dec 10, 2020 Updated on Feb 08, 2022 Who is your favorite famous pig? From Pumba and Babe, to Wilbur the beloved piglet in 'Charlotte's Web', this farmyard creature has been stealing our hearts for decades. But are pigs really so sweet?

# data[].attributes.body
Site is written by Susan Schoenian of the University of Maryland Extension Office. There are tabs on how to: Raise sheep, kinds of, products, different facts about, and history of sheep.

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.readable_text
Welcome to Sheep 101 . The purpose of Sheep 101 is to teach 4-H and FFA members, students, teachers, beginning shepherds, and the general public about sheep, their products, how they are raised, and their contributions to mankind. The site uses simple language and pictures to illustrate the various topics. To begin learning about sheep, click on a link in the menu bar or choose a topic from the drop down menu above.

About the author. The author of Sheep 101 is Susan Schoenian, Sheep & Goat Specialist at the University of Maryland's Western Maryland Research & Education Center. Susan has been with University of Maryland Extension since 1988. She raises purebred and crossbred Katahdin sheep on her small farm, called The Baalands, in Clear Spring, Maryland. Susan has B.S. and M.S. degrees in Animal Science from Virginia Tech and Montana State University, respectively.

Reprint permission. The pages on Sheep 101 may be copied, downloaded, and printed for educational purposes, provided the material is not altered in any way and credit is given to Sheep 101 and its author. Information may be reprinted in newsletters with permission from the author and/or photographer. Users may link to Sheep 101 web pages. Images are the property of the photographer and cannot be used without permission from the same.

Sheep 201. Sheep 201 is a Beginner's Guide to Raising Sheep. It is being developed into a book for future publication.

Site disclaimer. Sheep 101 is provided as a service to the public. The author tries to regularly update and add information to the web site, but makes no warranties (express or implied) about the information on the web site. It is the user's responsibility to evaluate the accuracy and completeness of any content appearing on the web site.

Maryland Small Ruminant Page. Be sure to visit the Maryland Small Ruminant Page at www.sheepandgoat.com. Developed in 1998, the web site serves as an information portal for sheep and goat producers and anyone else interested in small ruminants and related topics.

Last updated 19-Apr-2021
Copyright© 2021. Sheep 101

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.description
Welcome to Sheep 101 . The purpose of Sheep 101 is to teach 4-H and FFA members, students, teachers, beginning shepherds, and the general public about sheep, their products, how they are raised, and their contributions to mankind. The site uses simple language and pictures to illustrate the various topics.

# data[].attributes.body
This curriculum guide can help with egg hatching.

# data[].attributes.body
Starting a small school hoop house sounds like an interesting extension project for the winter.

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.provider_name
Floriculture & Greenhouse Crop Production

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.readable_text
The United States Botanic Garden released a new manual for educators on how to start a greenhouse and grow horticultural crops.

School greenhouses are an excellent way to increase STEM education and teach youth about plants, food and agricultural career paths. Photo by Jeremy Jubenville, MSU Extension.

The Michigan agriculture industry is the second most diverse in the country, only behind California. The state leads the nation in the production of several crops, including asparagus, black beans, cucumbers, tart cherries, Niagara grapes, chestnuts, pickling cucumbers and squash. Michigan is third in the nation in apple production (1.05 billion pounds), Christmas trees (1.55 million trees) and floriculture (wholesale value of $467 million). Michigan agriculture contributes more than $104.7 billion annually to the states' economy.

In order to sustain and grow Michigan agriculture, many intermediate school districts (ISD) or individual K-12 private or public schools are interested in building hoop houses or greenhouses in order to teach youth about plants, food and agriculture. Greenhouse education is one way to increase STEM (science, technology, engineering and mathematics) education and get children interested in agricultural career paths.

Michigan State University Extension partners with many schools to provide 4-H education and enrichment. In addition to serving youth, MSU Extension also provides adult education and consultation for commercial growers of these vital Michigan agricultural crops. These school greenhouses are an area of overlap between our programming and the K-12 educators are often looking for basic resources on how to start a greenhouse and incorporate plant science into their curriculums.

The United States Botanic Garden, the National Association for Appropriate Technology, and City Blossoms recently released the " Greenhouse Manual: An Introductory Guide for Educators." This guide provides K-12 educators information on how to start a greenhouse, budget template, greenhouse seeding planting schedule, and recommendations for managing plant health in a school environment.

According to Ray Mims with the United States Botanic Garden in Washington D.C., "Its purpose is to support and expand the planting and use of school gardens and greenhouses, Farm to School activities, and the integration of plant science in the curriculum."

The manual lays out a basic understanding of greenhouses, how to integrate greenhouses into lessons, and how to use greenhouses in classroom curricula and after-school activities.

The manual can be downloaded for free on the United State Botanic Garden website and includes the following sections:

How This Manual Works--An Introduction

Part 1: A Strong Foundation--Getting Started

Factors to Consider about a Greenhouse

Designing for Your Climate

Connections to Standards and Evidence of Benefits

Spotlight: Grown By Kids, For Kids in Livingston, Montana

Part 2: The Best Greenhouse For You--Design & Budget

Questions to Ask in Preparation: What, Why, Where, When & How

Greenhouse Types

Infrastructure Elements: Temperature, Orientation, Ventilation & Light

Creating an Interior Layout

Hydroponics

Budgeting for a School Greenhouse

Part 3: Plants, Plants, Plants--Growing in Greenhouse

Planning with the School Year & Growing Season

Creating a Planting Schedule

Greenhouse Planting with Students

From Seed to Seedling: Soil, Water & Nutrients

Soil Mix Ingredients

Steps for Starting Seeds

Caring for Seedlings

Seedling Nutrition

Environmental & Space Factors

Problem Solving: Pest & Disease Management

Beneficial Insects

Pests

Tools for Managing Greenhouse Plant Diseases

Spotlight: Helping Hands in Washington, D.C.

Part 4: Let's Learn Together--Education & Engagement

Not Just Science! Creating a Larger Vision

Project-Based Learning

Time to Harvest: Connecting a School Greenhouse with a Farm-to-School Program

Spotlight: Growing Greens in Washington, D.C.

Budget Template

Greenhouse Seedling Planting Schedule

Succession Planting

Further Resources

For those looking for more in-depth education on specific topics, educators can enroll in one of our online College of Knowledge courses. MSU Extension offers the non-credit, prerecorded online courses in the College of Knowledge Series twice yearly (summer and winter). The online courses provide basic training to greenhouse growers in Michigan and beyond in an efficient and cost-effective manner. The courses are $129 each, however scholarships are available for those that need financial assistance.

The winter courses are already underway, but they will be open for registration for the summer session on May 1. Summer is often an excellent time for educators to learn about greenhouse production and crop management outside of the hustle of the school year. Those that are interested in the courses can sign up to receive an e-mail reminder when the course opens.

Courses available in the series:
Did you find this article useful?

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.title
How do I start an educational greenhouse at school?

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.description
The United States Botanic Garden released a new manual for educators on how to start a greenhouse and grow horticultural crops. The Michigan agriculture industry is the second most diverse in the country, only behind California. The state leads the nation in the production of several crops, including asparagus, black beans, cucumbers, tart cherries, Niagara grapes, chestnuts, pickling cucumbers and squash.

# data[].attributes.body
Alison Dombrowski

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.provider_name
Floriculture & Greenhouse Crop Production

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.readable_text
The United States Botanic Garden released a new manual for educators on how to start a greenhouse and grow horticultural crops.

School greenhouses are an excellent way to increase STEM education and teach youth about plants, food and agricultural career paths. Photo by Jeremy Jubenville, MSU Extension.

The Michigan agriculture industry is the second most diverse in the country, only behind California. The state leads the nation in the production of several crops, including asparagus, black beans, cucumbers, tart cherries, Niagara grapes, chestnuts, pickling cucumbers and squash. Michigan is third in the nation in apple production (1.05 billion pounds), Christmas trees (1.55 million trees) and floriculture (wholesale value of $467 million). Michigan agriculture contributes more than $104.7 billion annually to the states' economy.

In order to sustain and grow Michigan agriculture, many intermediate school districts (ISD) or individual K-12 private or public schools are interested in building hoop houses or greenhouses in order to teach youth about plants, food and agriculture. Greenhouse education is one way to increase STEM (science, technology, engineering and mathematics) education and get children interested in agricultural career paths.

Michigan State University Extension partners with many schools to provide 4-H education and enrichment. In addition to serving youth, MSU Extension also provides adult education and consultation for commercial growers of these vital Michigan agricultural crops. These school greenhouses are an area of overlap between our programming and the K-12 educators are often looking for basic resources on how to start a greenhouse and incorporate plant science into their curriculums.

The United States Botanic Garden, the National Association for Appropriate Technology, and City Blossoms recently released the " Greenhouse Manual: An Introductory Guide for Educators." This guide provides K-12 educators information on how to start a greenhouse, budget template, greenhouse seeding planting schedule, and recommendations for managing plant health in a school environment.

According to Ray Mims with the United States Botanic Garden in Washington D.C., "Its purpose is to support and expand the planting and use of school gardens and greenhouses, Farm to School activities, and the integration of plant science in the curriculum."

The manual lays out a basic understanding of greenhouses, how to integrate greenhouses into lessons, and how to use greenhouses in classroom curricula and after-school activities.

The manual can be downloaded for free on the United State Botanic Garden website and includes the following sections:

How This Manual Works--An Introduction

Part 1: A Strong Foundation--Getting Started

Factors to Consider about a Greenhouse

Designing for Your Climate

Connections to Standards and Evidence of Benefits

Spotlight: Grown By Kids, For Kids in Livingston, Montana

Part 2: The Best Greenhouse For You--Design & Budget

Questions to Ask in Preparation: What, Why, Where, When & How

Greenhouse Types

Infrastructure Elements: Temperature, Orientation, Ventilation & Light

Creating an Interior Layout

Hydroponics

Budgeting for a School Greenhouse

Part 3: Plants, Plants, Plants--Growing in Greenhouse

Planning with the School Year & Growing Season

Creating a Planting Schedule

Greenhouse Planting with Students

From Seed to Seedling: Soil, Water & Nutrients

Soil Mix Ingredients

Steps for Starting Seeds

Caring for Seedlings

Seedling Nutrition

Environmental & Space Factors

Problem Solving: Pest & Disease Management

Beneficial Insects

Pests

Tools for Managing Greenhouse Plant Diseases

Spotlight: Helping Hands in Washington, D.C.

Part 4: Let's Learn Together--Education & Engagement

Not Just Science! Creating a Larger Vision

Project-Based Learning

Time to Harvest: Connecting a School Greenhouse with a Farm-to-School Program

Spotlight: Growing Greens in Washington, D.C.

Budget Template

Greenhouse Seedling Planting Schedule

Succession Planting

Further Resources

For those looking for more in-depth education on specific topics, educators can enroll in one of our online College of Knowledge courses. MSU Extension offers the non-credit, prerecorded online courses in the College of Knowledge Series twice yearly (summer and winter). The online courses provide basic training to greenhouse growers in Michigan and beyond in an efficient and cost-effective manner. The courses are $129 each, however scholarships are available for those that need financial assistance.

The winter courses are already underway, but they will be open for registration for the summer session on May 1. Summer is often an excellent time for educators to learn about greenhouse production and crop management outside of the hustle of the school year. Those that are interested in the courses can sign up to receive an e-mail reminder when the course opens.

Courses available in the series:
Did you find this article useful?

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.title
How do I start an educational greenhouse at school?

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.description
The United States Botanic Garden released a new manual for educators on how to start a greenhouse and grow horticultural crops. The Michigan agriculture industry is the second most diverse in the country, only behind California. The state leads the nation in the production of several crops, including asparagus, black beans, cucumbers, tart cherries, Niagara grapes, chestnuts, pickling cucumbers and squash.

# data[].attributes.body
Alison Dombrowski

# data[].attributes.body
Alison Dombrowski

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.readable_text
Interested in free dairy lesson plans and classroom activities that meet curriculum standards?

Wish that students could have a farm tour experience at no cost, and without having to leave the classroom?

American Dairy Association North East is here to help! Check out the education materials below to find the perfect fit for your in-classroom dairy education needs.
Fun on the Farm Video Series Discover Dairy Education Programs
Dairy lesson plans

Are you looking for educational content that accurately represents today's dairy industry? Look no further! Our standards-based lesson plans about dairy foods and dairy farming give teachers and students the opportunity to learn why dairy is an important part of a balanced diet, find out how milk moo-ves from a local dairy farm to their kitchen table, and discover how today's dairy farmers use science and technology to keep their cows healthy and protect our environment, all while featuring real dairy farm families from across the northeast!

Lesson plans are available for elementary, middle, and high school levels. Download these lesson plans at no cost.
Elementary Lesson Plans Middle School Lesson Plans High School Lesson Plans
Fun on the Farm Series

Dairy farmers from throughout the North East region have graciously opened their barn doors to give us an insider's view of modern dairy farming through the Fun on the Farm video series!

Read more about Fun on the Farm videos and Corresponding Lesson Plans .

Virtual Farm Tours

Taking your class on a tour of a real dairy farm isn't always an option. That's why we started our Virtual Farm Tour program. Kids of all ages can watch grade level appropriate dairy farm tours without leaving their classroom.

When new, live tour dates are announced, we'll add them here. For now, enjoy some of our past virtual dairy farm tours.

Find more information about our virtual farm tours.

Discover Dairy

American Dairy Association North East also supports dairy education programs created by the Pennsylvania Center for Dairy Excellence. Discover Dairy is an engaging, interactive, multi-leveled educational lesson series that meets Common CORE Standards for math, science and Reading while incorporating social studies. These show upper elementary and middle school students where milk comes from and how dairy farmers contribute to our world.

Make dairy farming "come alive" for your students with .

For more information, visit Discover Dairy.

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.description
Looking for education materials about dairy farming and where milk comes from?Interested in free dairy lesson plans and classroom activities that meet curriculum standards?Wish that students could have a farm tour experience at no cost, and without having to leave the classroom?American Dairy Association North East is

# data[].attributes.body
Alison Dombrowski

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.readable_text
The start of the 2020-2021 school year is going to be very different for a lot of students, parents and teachers. We have compiled some of our resources, activities, videos and blog posts into a Virtual Classroom Resource page to help you tell the story of Ontario grain farming, and help your students understand where their food comes from.

If you have any questions or have a suggestion on something you would like to see, please contact us at web@gfo.ca

Grade 3 What's Growing On

This kit is designed to be used in the classroom with accompanying seed planting kits, but you can download the Grade 3 educator guide with activities ideas for a virtual lesson.

Order seed kits for your classroom! Each kit includes a cup, soil wafer, seeds as well as teacher or parent guide to help guide your students through the activities!

click here

Grade 6-8 Growing for the Future

Grains in Our Life Activity

Best suited for students aged 5-11.

While your students watch the following videos, have them fill out Grains in Our Life worksheet to record different food and household items that are made from Ontario grains.

Then, they can create a poster using the Grains in Our Life poster template to display around their home showing the many grain-based products we use every day.

Sustainability and Ontario Grains Activity

Best suited for students aged 12-18.

While your students watch the following videos on how Ontario grain farmers farm with sustainability in mind, have them answer the questions found in our Sustainability and Ontario Grains worksheet.

Then, using the information they learned, assign each student sustainability practise and using, our Sustainability Practise Research Guide have them research and answer questions on common sustainability practise used in Ontario.

Blog Posts for further reading

Download Activity and Factsheets

Download these activity sheets and informative fact sheets for further reading and activities!

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.title
Classroom Resources - Good in Every Grain

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.description
The start of the 2020-2021 school year is going to be very different for a lot of students, parents and teachers. We have compiled some of our resources, activities, videos and blog posts into a Virtual Classroom Resource page to help you tell the story of Ontario grain farming, and help your students understand where their food comes from.

# data[].attributes.body
Alison Dombrowski

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.readable_text
The School Garden Curriculum offers a unique and comprehensive framework, enabling students to grow their knowledge throughout the school year and build on it from kindergarten to eighth grade. From seasonal garden activities to inquiry projects and science-skill building, children will develop organic gardening solutions, a positive land ethic, systems thinking, and instincts for ecological stewardship.

The world needs young people to grow into strong, scientifically literate environmental stewards. Learning gardens are great places to build this knowledge, yet until now there has been a lack of a multi-grade curriculum for school-wide teaching aimed at fostering a connection with the Earth.

The book offers:

A complete K-8 school-wide framework

Over 200 engaging, weekly lesson plans - ready to share

Place-based activities, immersive learning, and hands-on activities

Integration of science, critical thinking, permaculture, and life skills

Links to Next Generation Science Standards

Further resources and information sources.

A model and guide for all educators, The School Garden Curriculum is the complete package for any school wishing to use ecosystem perspectives, science, and permaculture to connect children to positive land ethics, personal responsibility, and wonder, while building vital lifelong skills.

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.title
The School Garden Curriculum: An Integrated K-8 Guide for Discovering Science, Ecology, and Whole-Systems Thinking

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.description
The School Garden Curriculum offers a unique and comprehensive framework, enabling students to grow their knowledge throughout the school year and build on it from kindergarten to eighth grade. From seasonal garden activities to inquiry projects and science-skill building, children will develop organic gardening solutions, a positive land ethic, systems thinking, and instincts for ecological stewardship.

# data[].attributes.body
Alison Dombrowski

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.authors[].name
Debra Spielmaker, Administrator and Yasuko Mitsuoka Grow, Designer

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.description
The National Agriculture in the Classroom website provides K-12 educators with engaging resources to increase agricultural literacy among their students.

# data[].attributes.body
Alison Dombrowski

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.readable_text
Grades: Middle & High School
Subject Area: Family & Consumer Sciences
Made Possible By: The National Pork Board

Explore with your students how sustainability practices have helped pig farmers increase food production while reducing environmental impact, and discover pork recipes from around the globe. Students can also enjoy a fun video whiteboard activity that will take them on a virtual trip to a pig farm to experience firsthand the care that goes into pig farmers' animal welfare practices. And check out past programs on balanced meals and sustainability.

Click the images below to download the program.

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.title
Pork: Fueling the Future - ymiclassroom.com

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.description
Grades: Middle & High School Subject Area: Family & Consumer Sciences Made Possible By: The National Pork Board Explore with your students how sustainability practices have helped pig farmers increase food production while reducing environmental impact, and discover pork recipes from around the globe.

# data[].attributes.body
Alison Dombrowski

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.readable_text
The Learn About Wool resources provide an ideal opportunity for Year 7 students to gain an appreciation of the ways in which wool production provides a relevant context for the way humans and animals interact within food chains and webs. It also illustrates the impact of science on the understanding and management of these delicate systems.

The following curriculum-based resource package includes a variety of interactive resources, including downloadable PDF factsheets, websites, age-appropriate video-clips and publications.

A range of Learn About Wool (primary and secondary) factsheets is available to meet the needs of a wide range of students, and can be accessed from this site.

Links with the Australian Curriculum

Students can investigate the following resources to help them: use food chains to show feeding relationships in a habitat, construct and interpret food webs to show relationships between organisms in an environment, investigate the effect of human activity on local habitats, such as wool production, explore how living things can cause changes to their environment and impact other living things. These resources can help students to consider how human activity in the community can have positive and negative effects on the sustainability of ecosystems and how seasonal changes affect people in a variety of activities such as wool production.

Science understanding | Biological sciences
Interactions between organisms can be described in terms of food chains and food webs; human activity can affect these interactions () Science and technology contribute to finding solutions to a range of contemporary issues; these solutions may impact on other areas of society and involve ethical considerations ()
Science as a human endeavour | Use and influence of science

Science as a human endeavour | Use and influence of science

People use understanding and skills from across the disciplines of science in their occupations ( ACSHE136)

Science inquiry skills

Opportunities exist to incorporate the full strand depending on the classroom activity being undertaken (ACSIS124, ACSIS125, ACSIS126, ACSIS129, ACSIS130, ACSIS131, ACSIS132, ACSIS133)

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.description
The Learn About Wool resources provide an ideal opportunity for Year 7 students to gain an appreciation of the ways in which wool production provides a relevant context for the way humans and animals interact within food chains and webs.

# data[].attributes.body
traditional corn, feed corn and popcorn! What a great way to get kids excited about ag, combine food and science!

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.title
How Popcorn Works | How Things Work with Kamri Noel

# data[].attributes.body
Always a favorite for talking about sharing and community but also a great way to get kids curious on how vegetables are grown differently.
Nate Fincher

# data[].attributes.body
This looks like a fun lesson geared towards K-2.
Nate Fincher

# data[].attributes.body
Check this out from D.C. Department of health.  Step by step guide to starting your school's chicken experience!
Nate Fincher

# data[].attributes.body
Building a great understanding of the water cycle, light and heat. Nate Fincher

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.title
Build a Tiny Plant World! | Science Project for Kids

# data[].attributes.body
This is a well rounded lesson on all things cows.
Nate Fincher

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.readable_text
Agricultural Literacy Curriculum Matrix

Lesson Plan

Beef Basics

Purpose

Students explain the importance of the beef cattle industry, including the products cattle produce, the production process from farm to plate, and how cattle can utilize and obtain energy from grass and other forage. Grades 3-5

Materials Needed
Activity 1: Snack Time

Paper plate with grass and weeds

Paper plate with pieces of beef jerky

Chew It Twice activity sheet, one per student

Two round magnets per student, one with pompom attached

Activity 2: Beef By-products Activity 3: Pasture to Plate

Essential Files (maps, charts, pictures, or documents)

Vocabulary Words

bull: intact male cattle

byproduct: an incidental or secondary product made in the manufacture or synthesis of something else

calf: a young cow or bull

cellulose: the main component of green plants like grass and shrubs; not digestible by humans but very nutritious to ruminant animals

cow: female cattle

digestion: the process of breaking down food by mechanical and enzymatic action into substances that can be used by the body

edible: suitable or safe to eat

heifer: female cattle that have never had a calf

inedible: not possible or safe to eat; not edible

rangeland: large, mostly unimproved section of land that is primarily used for grazing livestock

ruminant: an animal that uses a series of stomach compartments and chews its cud in order to digest plant cellulose

Background Agricultural Connections

The average American consumes 55 pounds of beef each year. ¹ As a country, we devour nearly 50 billion hamburgers annually. ² Not only is beef an important part of the American diet, but it also plays a significant role in our economy. Beef cattle are raised in every state across the nation. Texas, Oklahoma, and Missouri rank as the states with the highest inventory of beef cattle. ³

Why such a high demand for beef? In addition to being prized for its delicious taste, beef provides many nutrients essential to the human diet. Humans need complete proteins with balanced amino acids in order to build muscle, nerves, and organ tissue. Animal proteins are one way to fill this nutritional need. Beef is a good source of ZIP: zinc (a mineral that ensures proper functioning of the immune system), iron (a mineral that helps red blood cells carry oxygen to body cells and tissues), and protein (a nutrient that builds, maintains, and repairs body tissues); as well as B12 (a vitamin that promotes healthy skin, nerves, and red blood cells).

Cattle are ruminant animals. Their four-compartment stomach allows them to graze pastures and rangelands, eating grass and plants (that humans are unable to digest) in areas where it would be difficult or impossible to grow other food crops. These grazing animals convert plant cellulose into high-quality food for humans. Because of this ability, as well as their generally calm and manageable demeanor, people have relied on cattle as a food source for thousands of years.

In the United States, cattle were introduced in the early 1500s, coming from Mexico through Texas and California. The English later brought large numbers of cattle when they founded the Jamestown Colony.

Rangelands cover approximately 26 percent (about 587 million acres) of land across America. This land is generally too arid and mountainous to be suitable for cultivation but can sustain grazing of domesticated animals when well managed. The pasture or range is one of the most important resources to a beef producer because it provides the food and water that the animals need at little cost and effort. Producers are allowed to use public lands for grazing and work with the U.S. Forest Service or the Bureau of Land Management (BLM) to ensure that the land remains healthy.

Typically, cattle are turned out to graze on their allotted land late in the spring. Mothers will raise their calves on the open range throughout the summer. The producers will keep a close eye on their cattle, monitoring their growth and health during this time period. Sometime in the fall, the cattle will be rounded up. At this point, the cattle that will be saved for breeding stock are separated from the cattle that will go into beef production. The breeding stock includes pregnant mothers who will give birth in the spring and then be returned to the range to complete the cycle all over again.

Some of the animals designated for beef production will be sold to stockers (also called backgrounders). Stockers are cattlemen who raise weaned steers and/or heifers until they are ready to be sent to market or to a feedlot. Most beef cattle will spend four to six months at a feedlot where they are fed a grain-based diet that helps them gain weight quickly. During this "finishing phase," the cattle's health is monitored on a daily basis. When market weight is reached, the animals are sent to a processing facility. The average beef animal weighs 1,200 pounds (544 kg) and yields approximately 520 pounds (236 kg) of meat. While beef cattle are primarily raised for meat, they also provide valuable by-products such as medicine, paint, adhesives, soap, cosmetics, detergents, and hundreds of other products. Including by-products, as much as 99% of the animal is used.

Interest Approach - Engagement

1. Tell your students that there are two primary products that cattle produce. Ask if they can tell you what they are. If they need a hint, tell them that both products fall in the category of "food." (Cattle produce milk and meat)

2. Explain that there are different breeds or varieties of cattle just like dogs, cats, and other animal species. For example, some specific dog breeds have special skills and abilities. Labradors and Pointers are good hunting dogs, Border Collies and Heelers have instinctive animal herding skills, and Hounds are very skilled at tracking scents. Ask your students if they think different breeds of cattle have different traits or characteristics to make them unique in producing either milk or meat. (Yes)

3. Explain that humans have been selectively breeding cattle for desirable traits since they were first domesticated around 10,000 years ago. Some traits that are commonly selected include hardiness, temperament, and even appearance. Most modern cattle breeds have been specialized to efficiently produce either milk or meat (not both). Based only on the pictures below, see if your students can guess which breed is typically raised for milk and which breed is typically raised for beef.

Procedures
Activity 1: Snack time

1. Explain to the students that you have a snack for them. Place a plate of grass and weeds and a plate of beef jerky on a table. Instruct the students to line up behind their choice.

2. Discuss their choices. Did anyone choose the grass? Why or why not?

3. Explain that people don't usually eat grass because it contains cellulose that cannot be digested by humans.

4. Ask the students to make a list of foods made with beef. Explain to the students that we have foods like steak, hamburgers, beef tacos, etc., because of grass. Discuss the fact that beef cattle graze pastures and rangelands. The cattle eat the grass and convert the plant cellulose into beef.

5. Introduce the word ruminant to the students. A ruminant is an animal that has multiple compartments in its stomach. When eating, a ruminant chews their food to soften it, swallows it, and then regurgitates the food to its mouth and continues chewing. This is called chewing the cud or ruminating.

6. Ask each student to follow the digestive process of cattle using the Chew it Twice activity sheet and their magnets. Use the pompom magnet to represent the cow's food. The other magnet will magnetize the pompom magnet from underneath the paper and will be used to move the "food" through the cow's digestive system.

Activity 2: Beef By-products

1. Choose items from the Beef By-products List to put on a table. Tell the students that all of these items have something in common.

2. Form groups of 4-5 students. Have each group create ten "yes or no" questions in an attempt to discover what all of the items have in common.

3. Each group will take turns asking one question each until one group is able to correctly state that all of the items are made from parts of cattle. Explain that meat and milk are the principal products that come from cattle. The items on the table are secondary products, also known as by-products.

4. Sort each item by which part of the cow it comes from and/or whether it is edible or inedible.

Activity 3: Pasture to Plate

1. To help students understand how beef gets from the pasture to the plate, watch the video clip from the Field Trip! Series, Beef-Part 1 and read the book Beef Cattle in the Story of Agriculture.

2. Download, print, and use the attached Round Robin Q&A Cards to review key concepts from the movie and book.

3. Explain that the round robin begins with the teacher asking a question. The correct answer is on one of the student cards. That student reads the answer followed by the next question on their card. This process continues until all questions and answers have been read.

Concept Elaboration and Evaluation
After conducting these activities, review and summarize the following key concepts:

Cattle have multi-compartment stomachs which allows them to obtain nutrients from grasses, something humans cannot do.

Cattle are produced in many states across the U.S.

Beef cattle are raised for meat. They produce hamburgers, steaks, roasts, and other cuts of beef.

Enriching Activities

Visit the Interactive Map Project website and show the Beef Cow Inventory Map. Identify the top beef producing states and then find where your state ranks in beef cattle inventory.

Read the Beef eReader as a class or on digital devices. You may also print student copies of the Beef Reader for each student or group of students to read.

Play the My American Farm interactive game The Steaks Are High.

Use the short video A Cow's Digestive System to further explore the unique aspects of a cow's digestive system that allow the animal to live on a diet of grass and other plants.

Suggested Companion Resources

Organization Affiliation

Utah Agriculture in the Classroom

We welcome your feedback. Please take a minute to share your thoughts on this lesson.

Agricultural Literacy

Education Content Standards

Common Core Connections

Education Content Standards

Social Studies - Geography (GEOGRAPHY)

Geography Standard 15 (Grades 3-4): How physical systems affect human systems.

Objective 1 The physical environment provides opportunities for and imposes constraints on human activities.

Science (SCIENCE)

3-LS4: Biological Evolution: Unity and Diversity

3-LS4-3 Construct an argument with evidence that in a particular habitat some organisms can survive well, some survive less well, and some cannot survive at all.

5-PS3: Energy

5-PS3-1 Use models to describe that energy in animals' food (used for body repair, growth, and motion and to maintain body warmth) was once energy from the sun.

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.authors[].name
Debra Spielmaker, Administrator and Yasuko Mitsuoka Grow, Designer

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.description
Agricultural Literacy Curriculum Matrix Beef Basics Purpose Students explain the importance of the beef cattle industry, including the products cattle produce, the production process from farm to plate, and how cattle can utilize and obtain energy from grass and other forage.

# data[].attributes.body
Great STEM lesson to build structure for pigs on the farm.  Lesson includes a virtual field trip amongst other resources.
Nate Fincher

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.readable_text
Agricultural Literacy Curriculum Matrix

Lesson Plan

Pigs on the Farm

Purpose

Students explore the basic needs of animals and create a model of a modern pig barn that will help farmers meet the needs of the animals. Grades K-2

Materials Needed
Interest Approach - Engagement Activity

Business-size envelopes, 4 per group

Paper towel, 1 per group

Toilet paper rolls, 2 per group

Drinking straws, 2 per group (cut into 8 equal pieces)

8.5" x 11" white paper, 1 per group (cut in half)

Scissors

Scotch tape

Markers (optional)

Extra paper for making fencing, pipes, feed troughs, etc. (optional)

Vocabulary Words

environment: the surroundings or conditions in which a person, animal, or plant lives or operates

farrowing house: a facility where a litter of pigs is born

finishing barn: a barn where pigs live when they are eight weeks old until they are ready for market at six months old

litter: the group of young animals born at one time

nursery barn: a barn where piglets live after they are weaned at three weeks old until they are moved to the finishing barn at eight weeks old

omnivore: an animal or person that eats food of both plant and animal origin

piglet: a young pig

pork: meat that comes from pigs

predator: an animal that preys on others

sow: a female adult pig

wean: to help a baby to stop feeding on its mother's milk and to eat other foods

Did You Know? (Ag Facts)

Pigs can run a 7-minute mile.³

Pigs were the first animals to be domesticated.⁴

Pigs have below average eyesight, but powerful noses.⁴

A pig's squeal can reach 130 decibels. A jet engine is 120 decibels.⁴

Background Agricultural Connections

Like humans and other animals, pigs have four basic needs-air, water, food, and shelter. Pigs also need social interaction with other pigs, treatment for injuries and diseases, and space to stand, stretch, and lie down. ¹ Pigs raised on farms live in environments that are designed to help farmers meet these needs. Barns protect pigs from weather, disease, and predators. Farmers provide pigs with fresh air, clean water, nutritious food, and shelter.

Pigs are omnivores. They eat both plants and animals. Pig feed typically consists of corn and soybean meal mixed with vitamins and minerals. It is a common misconception that farmers feed pigs table scraps or slop. Feeding pigs garbage, raw meat, meat scraps, or restaurant waste puts them at risk and is illegal in the United States. ¹

Computer technology is used to help control the temperature inside the farm buildings where pigs live. Pigs are susceptible to heat and cold stress. Because pigs are unable to sweat to regulate their temperature, farmers use fans and misters to help them stay cool in the summer. Heaters are used to help pigs stay warm in the winter. Pigs also have sensitive skin that is prone to sunburn. Providing shade for pigs is an important part of keeping them healthy and safe.

Newborn pigs are called piglets. Piglets are born in a litter in a farrowing house. They weigh 2-3 pounds when they are born and start walking almost as soon as they are born. Mother pigs are called sows. For the first three weeks, pigletsnurse from a sow about once every hour. At three weeks old, when the piglets weigh about 15-20 pounds, they are weaned and moved to a nursery barn. In the nursery barn, piglets are given solid feed and drink water from waterers. The pigs always have access to food and water, but do not overeat because they will only eat until they feel full. At eight weeks old, when the pigs are about 40-60 pounds, they are moved to a finishing barn. Pigs go to market when they are six months old and weigh 280 pounds.

Pork is meat that comes from pigs. Bacon, pork chops, ham, and sausage are examples of pork products. Pork fits in the protein section of MyPlate. It is an excellent source of protein, thiamine, niacin, riboflavin, vitamin B ₆, and phosphorous and a good source of zinc and potassium. ²

In this lesson, the students will create a pig barn. View the Build Your Own Pig Barn tutorial for more information about the activity.

Interest Approach - Engagement

1. Ask the students, "What is pork?" (Pork is meat that comes from pigs. Bacon, pork chops, ham, and sausage are examples of pork products.)

2. View the video A Field Trip to Ohio Pig Farms.

3. Ask the students, "Why are barns important for pigs?" (Barns protect pigs from weather, disease, and predators.)

4. Explain to the students that they will be learning more about what pigs need to be healthy and how a pig's environment can protect them.

Procedures

1. Ask the students, "What do you need to survive?" (food, water, air, and shelter) Ask the students if they think pigs have the same or different needs. Discuss their responses and guide them to the understanding that pigs have the same basic needs as humans. Just like humans, pigs need space, social interaction, and treatment for injuries and disease.

2. Ask the students to imagine that they are farmers who raise pigs. Open up a classroom discussion about how the students would take care of their pigs. Use the following questions to guide the discussion:

How will you keep the animals warm on cold days?

How will you keep them cool on hot days?

What and how will you feed the animals?

What will you do to keep your pigs healthy?

How will you keep your pigs safe from predators?

Who will take care of your pigs every day?

How will the pigs affect the land or air in which they live (soil, odor)?

Can the environment hurt the pigs (weather)?

What other needs do the pigs have, and how will you take care of these needs?

3. Explain to the students that they are going to design an environment, a pig barn, that will help farmers meet the needs of pigs. Organize students into small groups or allow students to work individually. Provide each student or group with four business-size envelopes, a paper towel, two toilet paper rolls, two straws cut into eight equal pieces, a piece of white paper cut in half, scissors, and scotch tape.

4. Use the following instructions to model for the students how to create the barn:

1. Barn: Cut an oval hole in one envelope, making a large side window for the barn. This window provides the proper ventilation for the pigs.

2. Cut the paper towel in half and tape it onto the top of the window for the curtain.

3. Cut another envelope in half for the ends of the barn.

4. Tape the ends of the barn to the "sides of the barn" envelopes, one of which has the hole for the window and paper towel curtain, so that you have four sides, or a rectangle.

5. Use the final envelope to create a roof by creasing it in half lengthwise and attaching it with tape to the top of the rectangle.

6. Food Storage: Tape four straws, or legs, to each toilet paper roll so that the structures will stand on the legs.

7. Use a half piece of paper, and make a cone shape by twisting and taping the ends. Tape the cone shape on the end of the toilet paper roll without the straw legs.

8. Use the other half piece of paper to make another smaller cone shape and tape it between the straw legs on the other end of the toilet paper roll.

5. Remind the students that their barn designs should help farmers meet the needs of pigs. Allow time for the students to create fencing, pipes to carry the feed, feeders, water troughs, fans, misters, heaters, etc. Students should add their own innovations to the structure.

6. Ask the students to share their barns with the rest of the class and explain how their designs help to meet the basic needs of the pigs:

Concept Elaboration and Evaluation
After conducting these activities, review and summarize the following key concepts:

Food, water, air, and shelter are the basic needs of pigs.

Pigs also need space, social interaction, and treatment for injuries or disease.

Modern pig barns protect pigs from weather, disease, and predators.

Pork is a meat that comes from pigs. Bacon, pork chops, ham, and sausage are examples of pork products.

Suggested Companion Resources

Organization Affiliation

Ohio Soybean Council and Ohio Pork Council in partnership with EducationProjects.org

We welcome your feedback. Please take a minute to share your thoughts on this lesson.

Agricultural Literacy

Education Content Standards

Common Core Connections

Education Content Standards

Science (SCIENCE)

K-2-ETS1: Engineering Design

K-2-ETS1-2 Develop a simple sketch, drawing, or physical model to illustrate how the shape of an object helps it function as needed to solve a given problem.

K-2-ETS1-1 Ask questions, make observations, and gather information about a situation people want to change to define a simple problem that can be solved through the development of a new or improved object or tool.

K-ESS3: Earth and Human Activity

K-ESS3-1 Use a model to represent the relationship between the needs of different plants or animals (including humans) and the places they live.

K-LS1: From Molecules to Organisms: Structures and Processes

K-LS1-1 Use observations to describe patterns of what plants and animals (including humans) need to survive.

K-PS3: Energy

K-PS3-2 Use tools and materials to design and build a structure that will reduce the warming effect of sunlight on an area.

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.authors[].name
Debra Spielmaker, Administrator and Yasuko Mitsuoka Grow, Designer

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.description
Agricultural Literacy Curriculum Matrix Pigs on the Farm Purpose Students explore the basic needs of animals and create a model of a modern pig barn that will help farmers meet the needs of the animals.

# data[].attributes.body
Great opener for a lesson on wool and starting point to learn more about the sheep.
Nate Fincher

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.title
Curious Tots: How wool is made into fabric - from farm to shearing shed to mill | Educational videos