Supplementing School Curriculum with Applied Science Principles Using a Ruminant Animal.

Nebraska Extension delivers a hands-on, interactive learning experience for students in middle school and high school utilizing two mobile beef labs across the state. This educational experience emphasizes the science of the ruminant digestive system, animal well-being, nutritional aspects of beef, and production phases from pasture to plate. Students have the opportunity to observe rumen microorganisms under a microscope and apply science principles using a ruminally fistulated animal. The overarching objective of the beef lab experience is to teach youth the value of beef production in Nebraska and advocate the production of safe, wholesome, high-quality beef. Since its establishment in 2011, 30,200 youth and adults have participated in the beef lab learning sessions. Seventy-eight percent of participants indicated a better understanding of how research animals are protected by research protocol and cared for as teaching animals. Over 95% of youth correctly identified that more than one-half of Nebraska’s land mass consists of grasslands which grazing cattle turn into protein and other products for humans. As a result of participating in the beef lab, nearly 98% of youth recognized that Nebraska has the top three beef cow counties in the nation. Additionally, over 95% of students correctly identified that cows are ruminants with a four-compartment stomach. Seventy-five percent of participants reported learning that the cow and rumen microorganisms have a symbiotic relationship. When asked to identify the most important thing they learned, one student responded, “The cow provides the perfect environment for bacteria to break down cellulose in plants.” Another participant commented, “Thank you for letting us have this opportunity to learn more about animal science and explore the cow’s digestive system.” As a result of participating in the beef lab, 66% of youth indicated an increased interest in animal science. The mobile beef lab provides a hands-on, educational experience that applies science-based concepts and aligns with school curriculum.