The Community Leadership 5330 course which focuses on teaching methods in non-formal settings hosted the Columbus School for Girls to the Ohio State Livestock Facilities last Friday for the annual Food & Fiber Day.
Students enrolled in the course developed and facilitated a lesson plan throughout the semester which would focus around agricultural processes, seasons, animal care, and more. The lessons were created that fit a first grade curriculum science standard.
Throughout the semester, students have been increasing their knowledge on teaching in non-formal settings. The unique opportunity to teach Columbus School for Girls first grade students at the sheep farm offered the perfect setting for applying their skills! First graders were welcomed to the farm and engaged in activities including a facility tour, rotating between educational stations, and concluding their day with making ice cream – all taught by COMLDR 5330 students!
Dr. Mary Rodriguez (or Miss Mary to the first graders) shared basic rules of the sheep barn so the new baby lambs would not be injured or frightened.
Community Leadership students and students from CSG listen to Miss Mary’s rules before the educational activities began.
The girls were excited to see three baby lambs, so they had a few seconds to check them out before giving all of their attention to the presenters.
The girls listened patiently as the Community Leadership students taught them about agriculture.
One station focused on the differences in a ram and a ewe.
One of the most exciting stations of the day is when the girls are able to see our herdsman sheer a sheep. This doesn’t hurt the animal and is similar to humans getting their hair cut.