STATE CONTACT
Ashley Griffin, UKCA Distance Learning
232 Scovell Hall, U.K.
Lexington KY 40546-0064
phone: (859) 257-4736x283
fax: (859) 323-1006
e-mail: agriffin@uky.edu
GEE WHIZ IN AGRICULTURE
DESCRIPTION
Gee Whiz in Agriculture is a series of eleven 30-minute programs on
agricultural topics designed to fit the 4th and 5th grade science
curriculum that meets specific educational expectations in science
and math. With the help of professionals and 10-year-old "experts",
Gee Whiz also presents the numerous career opportunities in our
nation's largest industry and shows agriculture today is much more
than milking cows and planting corn.
Why Can a Cow Eat Grass?
Did you know calves have baby teeth, just like humans? Or that a cow
has four compartments in her stomach? How many gallons does a cow's
stomach hold? This program is an in-depth look at cattle digestive
tracts from the day they are born to maturity. The program focuses on
differences between cattle and human digestive systems, including
zoological relatives; dental structures of calves and children to
maturity; and mature weight comparisons. Take a video journey into a
cow's stomach and microscopically view the stomach contents. A ten-year-old "expert" shares her "moo-ving" experiences with you.
Wood You Take Care of Me?
Have you ever thought about life without trees? Why are we so
concerned about the loss of our world's forests? Where does paper
come from? This program explores the forestry industry and its impact
upon our environment. The science of growing and harvesting trees and
their use in furniture, lumber, and paper products is emphasized,
along with the ecological impacts of lumbering and recycling wood
products. Youngsters will get a first-hand look at a tree farming
operation and take a trip through a baseball bat factory.
What's Bugging You?
Why are insects the most successful animals on earth? Insects adapt
rapidly, requiring minimal resources, because they are small and have
short life cycles. Evolutionary modifications of various body parts
give us clues to their design over time and place in the environment.
As adults, many have wings to enable them to search for food,
shelter, and mates. Kids and insects are a natural combination to
foster awareness and development of critical thinking skills. This
program focuses on the role of insects in our environment, with up-close-and-personal accounts of several unique insects.
Why Do Horses Run So Fast?
Ever wonder why a horse can run so much faster than you? Do you know
why running affects your heart and breathing? This program, focusing
on the differences and similarities between human and equine
athletes, introduces students to anatomy and physiology via
skeletons, heart monitors, video comparisons, and computerized
imaging. There's even a simulated race with Thoroughbred, Quarter
Horse, draft horse, and human participants. Demonstrations of horse
breed differences and uses display the versatility of these amazing
animals.
How Do You Grow a Fish Sandwich?
Have you heard of hydroponics or aquaculture? In this program, you
get a fish-eye view of fish and lettuce production in an ecologically-closed system. We look at plant and fish life cycles, showing how
each is dependent on the other for nourishment. Concepts of symbiotic
life systems, chemical and nutrient cycling, and integrated food
production are highlighted. A "model ecosystem" can be used to
demonstrate concepts, both in the program and the classroom.
From Moo to You?
Ever wonder where milk comes from? What other important products come
from milk? If we drink a cow's milk, what does her calf eat? This
program explores dairy food processing and the making of many of our
favorite foods, such as cheese, butter, and ice cream. Why "milk does
a body good" and why it is considered nature's most perfect food are
emphasized. A direct comparison of the nutrient values of milk and
soft drinks is made, along with other nutritional considerations.
Yams in Space!
If we ever go to other planets or galaxies, the missions will take
years and years. While we're traveling, what are we going to eat?
Will plants grow without sunlight or gravity? And space travel means
small spaces and unusual conditions . . . do we have plants that will
grow like that? Come with us to Alabama and visit NASA's Space Camp
and Tuskegee University where the question of food in space is on
lots of people's minds. Take a close look at plant growth and
photosynthesis, meet George Washington Carver and Booker T.
Washington, check out the many kinds of scientists needed to run the
space race, and learn more about sweet potatoes than you ever thought
possible!
Chickens, Piglets, and Lambs, Oh My!
Where do they all come from? From their parents, of course! We
discuss this universally fascinating question by looking at the
birth, growth, and development of farm animals. Physiology,
embryology, nutrition, and post-natal growth and development are our
star sciences. We'll witness the in utero growth of farm animals, and
introduce the basic concepts of post-natal development. Forget the
birds and bees, we've got chickens, piglets, and lambs, oh my!
Wool Ewe Keep Me Warm?
What is wool and where does it come from? How does it get from the
sheep to the sweater? Why do shepherds use dogs to herd sheep? Why
are there black sheep? Why have sheep been important to humans since
prehistoric times? These questions and many more are answered for
"ewe" in this show about wool production and processing. Chemistry,
animal behavior, history, and physiology are featured. Take a trip to
the State Fair to see the many different breeds, learn how to shear a
sheep yourself, and take a video journey through the creative process
that brings us wool clothing, blankets, and other products.
Water Heroes
You know we have to protect our soil and our forests, but did you know we have to protect our water, too? Water has to be used wisely and we have to work to keep it free from pollution. We all know not to throw trash into our lakes and streams, but did you know that fertilizing your lawn or building a new house can pollute the water too? There are lots of ways we can pollute our water without even knowing it. Join us as our young hosts take a trip through the water cycle and take us to see two groundwater systems that have been saved from pollution by some Water Heroes! Using geology, chemistry, soil science and biology, we'll talk about what we can do to insure we never run out of clean water.
Now Ear This!
Would you believe there are more than 3,000 things made from corn? Not just corn bread, sweet corn and grits, but things you might never think of, like plastics, clothes and even fuel! We'll take a look at photosynthesis and how we grow corn. Our young host will take us to a farm to see how farmers protect the corn crop from insect pests, to a soda plant to learn about another kind of "pop" corn, and we'll visit a race car driver to talk about powering cars with corn. Botany, genetics, history, and engineering are featured as we learn about this "a-maize-ing" crop.
SUGGESTED AUDIENCE
Grades 4 and/or 5
BROADCAST
KET: All schools are equipped to receive KET Star Channel Programs.
Gee Whiz is broadcast on the elementary school channel each spring. Check KET Star Channel schedule with any school resource specialist.
For home viewing, these programs are available on videotape. Contact Agriculture Communications Services, Educational Media Section for purchase.
RESPONSIBILITIES OF AGENT
*Promote use by teachers in grades 4 and 5.
*Provide on-site materials for teachers using the program. (Agents
may duplicate the on-site materials for teachers or counties may
choose to ask teachers to purchase the materials from Educational Media).
RESOURCES
Eleven 30-minute videotapes are available, each with accompanying
activity sheets and teacher guides. Agents may borrow the tapes
through the Ag Communications Video Library. The series may be
purchased by county extension agents for $10/program with written
materials; $25 for written materials only. Others may purchase the program through Educational Media at $30 per segment or the set of 11 for $275. The on-site materials may be purchased for $25 (set of all 11 segments). For brochures to distribute to clientele in your county, contact Educational Media.
STATE CONTACT
Ashley Griffin, UKCA Distance Learning
232 Scovell Hall, U.K.
Lexington KY 40546-0064
phone: (859) 257-4736x283
fax: (859) 323-1006
e-mail: agriffin@uky.edu
DESCRIPTION
This series includes five live-on-tape field trips to agricultural enterprises produced in cooperation with Kentucky Educational Television. Although written to target the late elementary and middle school grades, the series is used K-12. Programs highlight daily and yearly activities in the enterprises; feature common sights students would see on a field trip, as well as some uncommon ones; and focus on the variety of careers and fields involved.
An Electronic Field Trip to a Horse Farm
An hour-long visit to Margaux Farms in Scott/Woodford Counties discusses why the Bluegrass Region is the horse capitol of the world, highlights a day on the farm and features the birth of a foal. We visit with the farm owner, meet some employees, talk to a horse Extension specialist about training and breeds, a farrier joins us to shoe a mare and a veterinarian ultrasounds a pregnant mare.
An Electronic Field Trip to a Beef Cattle Farm
Salt River Angus Farm in Boyle County and the Goggin family host this hour-long visit to their family beef cattle farm. The trip takes a look at the annual calendar for a beef farm, discusses the diversified nature of most Kentucky farms and overviews crop production. We highlight ruminant nutrition with a cannulated animal; visit with the county agricultural Extension agent; get to know the entire family, including the children; and watch the veterinarian work an animal.
An Electronic Field Trip to a Veterinary Clinic
The doctors and staff of the Jessamine Veterinary Clinic tell us about everyday life in a large-and-small-animal practice in this hour-long program. A tour of the facility highlights the many different kinds of personnel needed to run the clinic, including the doctors, technicians, secretary, receptionist, accountant and support staff. We witness surgery, a dental cleaning, lab work and field calls to diagnose and aid cows and calves.
An Electronic Field Trip to a Pig Farm
BLT Farms in Hardin County is a typical, diversified Kentucky family farm and the Thomases let us visit with them over the course of a year to learn about the annual production cycle on a crop and hog farm in this hour-long episode. Tale an in-depth look at crop production and discuss the use of chemicals on crops with a farm supplier and pesticide applicator. We also discuss the contemporary controversy over large hog farms and their economic impact on the farm economy.
An Electronic Field Trip to an Orchard
The Haney Family hosts our 35-minute trip to their Appledale Farms and etail store in Nancy, Kentucky. A year-long overview of the fruit production cycle highlights pruning, pollination, management and harvesting. A visit with an Extension entomologist discusses honeybees and the role they play in orchard pollination. The owners also demonstrate several economic concepts in the discussion of their market, its niche and how they compete with larger retail outlets.
An Electronic Field Trip to the North American International Livestock Exposition
An Electronic Field Trip to the North American International Livestock Exposition (NAILE) is a great way to introduce students to animal agriculture. The NAILE brings in the best beef cattle, dairy cattle, swine, sheep, horses, llamas, alpacas, and dairy and Boer goats. During this field trip, students learn the history of the North American, reasons for exhibition and where their food comes from. Students also have a chance to get closer to livestock producers. Come along and enjoy the sights of the North American International Livestock Exposition.
SUGGESTED AUDIENCE
Grades 6-9
BROADCAST
KET: All schools are equipped to receive KET StarChannel Programs.
The episodes are periodically broadcast throughout the year. Check KET Star Channel schedule with any school resource specialist.
For home viewing: The episodes occasionally air on KET open broadcast. All episodes are also available on videotape. Contact Educational Media for purchase.
RESPONSIBILITIES OF AGENT
*Promote use by teachers in grades 6-9
*Provide teachers with URL for free use of interactive and downloadable written
materials to accompany each episode. Materials located on the Web at: www.ca.uky.edu/agc/dl/Ftrips/menu.htm
RESOURCES
Five videotapes available, each with accompanying on-line materials. Agents may borrow tapes through the Ag Communications Video Library. Any episode may be purchased by county extension agents for $10/program. Others may purchase the programs through Educational Media at $15 for each 1-hour program and $10 for the 35-minute program or $60 for all five. For brochures to distribute to clientele in your county, contact Educational Media.
Last Revised: 3/11/03