While at Oklahoma State University, the teachers visited the Animal Nutrition and Physiology Research Center and participated in vaccinating cattle against bovine respiratory disease. At OSU’s Food and Agricultural Center, the teachers learned about food safety and prepared their own lunch, a delicious Greek steak bowl. Next they visited Pfeiffer Angus Farms where they were able to look at ultrasounds, observe how ranchers determine how pregnant a cow is, as well as learn about artificial insemination. On a tour at Lopez-Dorado Foods, teachers learned about the production of beef and sausage patties for McDonald’s. Visiting the USDA Grazinglands Research Center, was an exploration of soil health and an investigation into the carbon cycle. The Express Cattle Ranch is home to the most registered Angus cattle. While at this ranch, teachers were able to meet Tigger, a Clydesdale horse, and look at cattle embryos under a microscope. On the last day, the teachers were invited on a guided tour of the Oklahoma City National Memorial Museum.
Together as a team, the teachers brainstormed about connecting phenomena to develop learning experiences for their students. The opportunity to engage in discourse with scientists, agricultural specialists, and other educators was valuable, impactful, and energizing.