Spring has sprung and for some farmers, that means their barnyards turn into labor and delivery wards. To learn more about assessing the health of these spring newborns and other animals, students in Miss Quigg’s animal science class had several special guests to help them compare the temperature, pulse, and respiration (TPR) rates of different species (a dog, cat, and lamb respectively). Several students were uncomfortable using the thermometers at first (you want me to put it where?), but after getting over the initial shock, they enjoyed interacting with the animals.
Owners also discussed common maintenance procedures specific to their animals. Megan Ackley, EHS senior, brought in her pygmy goat, Tarah, and her three kids, Tansy, Tori, and Trevor to discuss the breed, worming, dehorning, and castration. Appendix, Lexi, was used to demonstrate checking vital signs, hoof care, and gaits. Erin Beever, EHS senior, has been working with the horse for several years as part of her SAE project and planned the lesson as an extension for an earlier lesson she taught on colic.
Both Megan and Erin plan to use their lessons to participate in a state Teach Ag essay contest. Neither plans to become an ag teacher, but Megan would like to become an English teacher, and Erin has enjoyed presenting the horse station at Kiddie Day in the fall. To enter the contest, each of the girls needed to submit a lesson plan, photos of themselves teaching, and a reflective essay on their teaching experience. From rambunctious goats to whinnying mares, they both learned that using animals in a lesson presents unique challenges that aren’t quite covered in nursery rhymes.