The “Adopt-A-Cow” program engages elementary-age youth in learning about animal agriculture through hands-on activities and by connecting youth virtually with real South Dakota animals.
Students follow their “adopted” cow and calf throughout the school year while they learn about the South Dakota beef and dairy industries. The Adopt-A-Cow program is an excellent opportunity for students to learn how food gets from farm to fork while having fun.
Lessons and video content are designed to meet various South Dakota education standards and combine a variety of learning strategies including video and hands-on activities. Most lessons also have extended learning opportunities that allow classrooms to dive deeper into the topic as time allows. Some of these learning opportunities include math worksheets, writing and sending mail to the Adopt-A-Cow team, books to read, and external lessons from sources like National Ag in the Classroom.
Dairy (grades K-2)
The Adopt-A-Cow: Dairy program engages kindergarten through second-grade youth in learning about Dairy production through hands-on activities and by connecting youth virtually with real South Dakota animals. Students follow their “adopted” cow and calf throughout the school year while they learn about the South Dakota dairy industry. The “Adopt-A-Cow” program is an excellent opportunity for students to learn how food gets from farm to fork while having fun.
Beef (grades 3-5)
Through the Adopt-A-Cow: Beef lessons, youth in grades 3-5 will embark on an adventure to learn about raising beef in South Dakota. Youth will travel back in time to the Dakota Territory and explore a time when beef cattle were first becoming a part of the landscape. From there, youth will create their own cattle brand, learn about cattle traits, and discover how to care for livestock. They will also explore the value that these animals provide to the South Dakota workforce and economy as they dive into how beef arrives at the grocery store and the many byproducts produced. Throughout the program, youth will also engage with a South Dakota beef calf and its mother through videos.
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