There are over one million species of insects in the world. Although we feel like we see millions of insects in one day in the summer, there are only 1,000 major insect species that are pests to crops. This lesson will teach students about the taxonomy of insects and have them investigate some of the biggest threats in our area.

Students engage in hands-on, true-to-life research experiences on air quality topics chosen for personal interest through a unit composed of one lesson and five associated activities. Using a project-based learning approach suitable for secondary science classrooms and low-cost air quality monitors, students gain the background and skills needed to conduct their own air quality research projects. The curriculum provides: 1) an introduction to air quality science, 2) data collection practice, 3) data analysis practice, 4) help planning and conducting a research project and 5) guidance in interpreting data and presenting research in professional poster format. The comprehensive curriculum requires no pre-requisite knowledge of air quality science or engineering. This curriculum takes advantage of low-cost, next-generation, open-source air quality monitors called Pods. These monitors were developed in a mechanical engineering lab at the University of Colorado Boulder and are used for academic research as well as education and outreach. The monitors are made available for use with this curriculum through AQ-IQ Kits that may be rented from the university by teachers. Alternatively, nearly the entire unit, including the student-directed projects, could also be completed without an air quality monitor. For example, students can design research projects that utilize existing air quality data instead of collecting their own, which is highly feasible since much data is publically available. In addition, other low-cost monitors could be used instead of the Pods. Also, the curriculum is intentionally flexible, so that the lesson and its activities can be used individually. See the Other section for details about the Pods and ideas for alternative equipment, usage without air quality monitors, and adjustments to individually teach the lesson and activities.

This lesson offers learners the opportunity to understand the importance of nutrition in the livestock industry and the differences between species in terms of anatomy, physiology, and nutrient requirements and/or deficiencies. This represents a portion of the Introduction to Agriculture, Food, and Natural Resources (AFNR) series in Nebraska middle and high school agricultural education.  

This lesson presents an overview of the role of genetics, breeding, and reproduction in animal agriculture. Learners will become familiar with fundamentals of genetics, complete a Punnett square, understand phenotypes and genotypes, identify parts of reproductive systems, and discuss breeding systems used in the animal industry. This represents a portion of the Introduction to Agriculture, Food, and Natural Resources (AFNR) series in Nebraska middle and high school agricultural education.

This is a lesson that can be used to teach beginning Introduction to Agriculture students about the types of drugs we administer to animals. Students then get to complete a hands-on lab activity where they learn about and demonstrate four types of injections.

This presentation shows images of animal organs to aid in identification. Accessed in 2022 from Texas A&M College of Veterinary Medicine & Biomedical Sciences. Cover photo by Creab Mcselvin via Unsplash.

In this lesson, students will discover how to administer three different types of injections (Subcutaneous, Intramuscular, and Intravenous) though a hand-on activity. Students will use actual syringes and needles to administer medication to their animal (hamburger buns in a sandwich bag). Along with the injection lab students will learn the difference between medications and vaccinations, and why they are both important!

There are a lot of different views on issues in animal agriculture. This lesson investigates the sustainability of animal agriculture and how you can be a good steward of animal agriculture. This lesson includes lecture, reflection, and current events in animal agriculture and leads into discussion on Temple Grandin. 

The uses of animals in biotechnology are expansive, and many times overlooked.  This lesson will have students exploring the wide range of uses of animals in biotechnology and formulating an opinion about the uses of animals in biotechnology.

 Animal Welfare vs Animal Rights Debate Grade Level: 9th-12thSubject: Animal ScienceDuration: 5 daysDOK Level:  4SAMR Level: Substitution Indiana Standard: AS-7.4 Explain the implications of animal welfare and animal rightsObjective: Given a debated livestock issue related to animal welfare, students will be able to understand both sides of the issue, and effectively persuade others in making a decision about the issue.Procedure: Have the students compare and contrast the terms “animal welfare” and “animal rights”.Have a class discussion on the impact of the differencesGroup the class into partnersHave them research and make a list of five animal right issues related to the agricultural industryHave a class discussion on the topics researched. As a class narrow down the list.Have each pair pull a topic and side out of a hat.Explain the Debate Project expectations and grading rubric.Allow class time for research.Have the students submit a list of statements and supporting facts after day 2.Have the students submit a rough draft of their opening and closing statements after day 3. Debates will be done on day 5Product or Assessment: Students will be graded on their submitted facts and rough draft. The rubric will be used to grade the debate on the given day.Credits: Renee Wangler, Agriscience Instructor - Newaygo County Career-Tech Center 

Using the context of apples, students will apply their knowledge of heredity and genetics to distinguish between sexual and asexual reproduction as they explain how new varieties of apples are developed and then propagated to meet consumer demand for a tasty, uniform, consistent product. Photo by Sokmean Nou on Unsplash

Can your students identify food aromas? In this lesson, students will have an opportunity to sniff and identify up to 32 aromas. This is part of the Food Science CDE in FFA as well!

Students will summarize an article on an agricultural topic and reflect on what surprised or interested them, and name other keywords/topics for future research they found in the article.

This lesson will serve as an overview of the motivation, values, and principles necessary to enhance character and leadership development. This represents a portion of the Introduction to Agriculture, Food, and Natural Resources (AFNR) series in Nebraska middle and high school agricultural education.

Part 1 Nutrional Unit for Animal Science. This lesson goes over 6 basic nutrients.  AFNR.HS.2.2.a Demonstrate management techniques that ensure animal welfare.AFNR.HS.2.2.b Analyze procedures to ensure that animal products are safe for consumption.

Part 2 Nutritional Unit for Animal Science. This lesson goes over 6 basic nutrients in relation to what they provide for the animal's body. AFNR.HS.2.2.a Demonstrate management techniques that ensure animal welfare.AFNR.HS.2.2.b Analyze procedures to ensure that animal products are safe for consumption.

Part 3 Nutrional Unit for Animal Science. This lesson goes over how to read a feed label and information found on animal feed labels. AFNR.HS.2.2.a Demonstrate management techniques that ensure animal welfare.AFNR.HS.2.2.b Analyze procedures to ensure that animal products are safe for consumption.

Part 4 Nutritional Unit for Animal Science. This lesson goes over Pearson's Square and calculating feed amounts. AFNR.HS.2.2.a Demonstrate management techniques that ensure animal welfare.AFNR.HS.2.2.b Analyze procedures to ensure that animal products are safe for consumption. 

After reviewing the many products that can be made from corn and soybeans, students will create biodegradable plastic using corn and soybean ingredients. These ingredients are as simple as cornstarch and vegetable (soybean) oil!  Source: https://grownextgen.org/media/pages/curriculum/meet-the-bean/fun-and-games-with-soybeans/7e281dd28b-1565628888/biodegradable-soy-plastic.pdf

Bioremediation is a useful biotechnology application that can help maintain and preserve our natural resources from harmful substances.  However, bioremediation can be complicated and present numerous challenges, as well.  Many times, we are unaware of environmental contamination present in our local areas.  Through this lesson, students will explore the basics of bioremediation and then participate in a local case study.