The understanding of zoonotic diseases, those that can transfer between animals and people, is one important topic within Animal Science. Still, it can be challenging to instruct youth in ways to prevent the spread of such illnesses; lessons are in-depth, vocabulary is challenging, and as educators we may worry that the material is dry. Michigan State University Extension … [Read more...]
Animal Quality Certification Programs: Opportunities for 4-H Youth and Project Mastery
Quality Assurance in Animal Production Adults working in commercial agriculture are often required to maintain a quality assurance certification. For example, Pork Quality Assurance Plus aids pork producers in maintaining best practices for food safety. Another example is the Beef Quality Assurance (BQA) program. While youth in 4-H learn many aspects of animal care and … [Read more...]
Animal Science at Fair: Our Chance to Showcase
While County Fair season may be months away, 4-Hers know that now is the time to plan for this annual showcase of our project year, which provides a great opportunity for public engagement. Animals are an integral part of our fairs - 4-H members care for and exhibit their livestock, horses, poultry, and small animals (a major draw for fairgoers). We show animals under tents … [Read more...]
Emergency Preparedness and 4-H Animal Projects
September is National Preparedness Month - a great time to build awareness of the need for emergency planning. New Jersey 4-H now offers a disaster preparedness program for youth, which teaches young people how to plan to shelter in place or evacuate with their families during an emergency. This program is in line with FEMA guidelines for youth emergency preparedness and can … [Read more...]
Webinars as Tools for Animal Science Education
In recent months, the University of Kentucky Department of Animal and Food Sciences has been offering biweekly, 20-minute webinars on very specific topics in animal care and animal science. These livecasts are an effective educational tool because they are interactive. The hosts issue a call for questions at the end of each session and give answers in real time and incorporate … [Read more...]
With an Animal Science Degree, You Don’t HAVE to be a Vet
If you know you want to spend your life working with animals and are focused on studying Animal Science after high school, it is also important to know that veterinary school is only one of several career options after college. When applying to schools, be sure that the Animal Science program you attend will see you graduate with a Bachelor of Science (B.S.) degree. This is … [Read more...]
Your 4-H Involvement is Already Helping You Prepare for an Animal Science Degree
One of the many goals of your time as a 4-Her is learning life-skills to help you in college, the workforce, and beyond. Did you know that your involvement with Animal Science through 4-H is giving you a head start on a degree in Animal Science? Here's how: "Contact Hours": Many Animal Science degrees require students to document a set amount of hours volunteering with … [Read more...]
Run an Animal Science Trivia Bowl
Ocean County 4-H runs a Jeopardy-style trivia competition, Animalology, once a year. There are several goals guiding this event: to challenge 4-Hers in reading comprehension, to make learning fun, and to build teamwork skills. We hope this event makes learning about animal science—and other areas of STEM—interactive and enjoyable. Interested in running (or collaborating on) … [Read more...]
4-Hers LOVE this chew toy community service project
Community Service is a value of all 4-H programming, regardless of project area. If you are looking for a fun and interactive community service project to benefit animals, consider asking your 4-H club members, campers, or afterschool program participants to bring in old t-shirts. Not only will they be cleaning out their closets--they can turn these old shirts into doggie chew … [Read more...]
Animal Science in 4-H Public Presentations: Start Planning Now!
The school year, and a new 4-H year, are just beginning! But it is never too early for 4-H’ers to start thinking about club, county, state or national public presentation opportunities. How can you explore and showcase knowledge of animal science topics in a 4-H public presentation? Here are some ideas: Demonstration: This is already common practice in many counties. If … [Read more...]