Milk Matters: Discovering Dairy (CA Foundation for Ag in the Classroom)

Overview

Milk Matters:  Students will study dairy breeds and their connection to world geography, enhance their math skills by engaging in common math challenges found on a dairy farm, and investigate the scientific process of energy transfer that takes place as we consume milk on a daily basis. They will also practice evaluating data tables and graphing as they identify the tremendous economic impact the industry has on our state’s economy. A simple activity illustrating the ecological significance of dairy cattle will help students understand the dairy industry’s important role in reducing, reusing and recycling. This activity-based unit incorporates cooperative learning, reading comprehension, physical education, mathematics, science, social sciences and art. Together, these activities provide a comprehensive unit that stimulates learning, retention and creative thinking. Individually, these activities can be performed in any order to meet the needs of your students.

This unit contains five lessons designed to teach students about the history, production, nutritional value and economic significance of California’s dairy industry. (These lessons can be adapted for Massachusetts.) Students will gain knowledge in social science, mathematics, language arts, science, visual arts and physical education as they learn about the process through which dairy products are produced and transported from cow to consumer. Students will gain a deeper understanding and appreciation for agriculture’s role in their daily lives.

Lesson Contents

• Cowabunga! (All About Breeds)
• Sun, to Moo, to You!
• Milk Makin’ Math
• The Ultimate Efficient Recycler
• A Day Without Dairy

Download the lesson packet here.