Pennsylvania teachers will have a new tool when the 2007 school year begins, a free Web-based lesson series that teaches third and fourth graders about the dairy industry in the Keystone state. Called “Discover Dairy” the five lesson series was funded by the Pennsylvania Dairy Promotion Program and developed in a partnership with the Mid-Atlantic Dairy Association and the Pennsylvania Center for Dairy Excellence.
“Discover Dairy… Beyond the Refrigerator” is a series of five online lessons using video, classroom activities, interactive games and formal instruction to showcase dairy farming in Pennsylvania. The Mid-Atlantic Dairy Association and Pennsylvania Dairy Promotion Program are focused on enhancing dairy product demand. The ‘Discover Dairy’ lesson series meets both objectives by showing children the commitment dairy farmers have to producing a quality product, and encouraging them to make good choices – one of which is to include milk and dairy products in their diets.
The five lessons focus on animal health, milk safety, the environment, the economy and dairy nutrition, and each meets Pennsylvania educational standards for third and fourth grades. The lessons include a downloadable four-minute video clip, a formal lesson with prepared overheads and teaching instructions, a hands-on classroom activity that teaches the lesson concepts, a student evaluation worksheet and an interactive Web-based activity to reinforce the lessons.
The video clips were filmed on three Pennsylvania dairy farms to give students a real-life view of dairy farming practices using today’s technology to care for the animals and the environment. The three farms featured in the videos are Moo Echo Farms, which is owned by the Hertzlers in Loysville; Star Rock Dairy, which is owned by the Barleys in Conestoga; and Vista Grande Farm, which is owned by the Bitlers in Fleetwood.