Maryland Grain Producers Utilization Board Final Report

Transcription

1 Maryland Grain Producers Utilization Board 1. Grant Proposal # Final Report Title: Kids Growing with Grains Washington County Principal Investigator: Ashley Travis 4-H Extension Educator University of Maryland Extension-Washington County 2. Overview of the Project The Kids Growing with Grains program was organized and presented by the University of Maryland Extension, Washington County. The program was presented as a single day field trip. This year the program connected th grade students with grains and agriculture through three days of field trips to the Western Maryland Research and Education Center. The three days of field trips were presented during the week of September 25 September 29, 2017 to 3 area schools. Each field trip was taught with assistance from University of Maryland Extension Faculty and Staff and 4-H and FFA youth. Students who attended the field trips became familiar with the research farm, and participated in five, 30 minute sessions. These sessions were designed to educate youth about the importance of grains in their diets, their bodies, the diets of livestock, and how to identify food products made from grains. All the students received at least five hours of programming, which 1

2 equates to over 1,085 hours of positive youth development and experiential agricultural education. 3. Program Goals and Objectives: The students will: a. Understand the process of planting, growing, and harvesting grains. b. Become aware that grains are important ingredients in almost all food products that humans consume. c. Become aware of the health and dietary benefits of grain and grain products. d. Become familiar with the MyPlate recommendations. e. Learn how livestock utilize grain to produce food and by-products for human use. f. Obtain valuable information that students will be able to share with family, friends, and peers. 4. Lessons to Achieve Program Goals and Objectives: A. Grain Nutrition The students learned about the six major types of grain, and discussed the importance of eating whole grains. They practiced finding grain ingredients listed on product packaging, and also learned how to recognize the whole grain food stamp on product packaging. The parts of the grain were taught, and the importance of each part in the diet was discussed. Students learned the MyPlate guidelines, and were given a My Plate sheet to take home. B. Grain Food Demonstration and Bread Making 2

3 The students reviewed the six major types of grains and handled samples of each in their seed forms. They identified the grain products in bread and worked with a partner to make bread in a bag that they took home to bake. By making bread in a bag they practiced their reading and measuring skills. C. Animal Science - Ruminants The students had an opportunity to interact with different animals (goat, sheep, and dairy heifer) and learn about the digestive systems of ruminants. They discussed different grains used in animal feeds and how different feed mixtures are beneficial to livestock. As a method of bringing everything together students learned the difference between humans and animals when it comes to their digestive systems, how they use grains, and why they need grains. The students also performed an experiment in which they placed a piece of bread into a bag with Coca-Cola. When the mixture was kneaded the Coca-Cola broke down the bread to simulate rumination and the digestion of grains. D. Animal Science Poultry The students interacted with the chickens housed at the research farm. They were not only taught about chickens, but also about general poultry production, egg production, and meat production. The students also learned how chickens and other poultry process grain and how they differ from ruminants and humans. The students were able to analyze poultry feed, oyster shells, different colored eggs, and poultry equipment. E. Grain Production 3

4 Students learned about planting, growing, and harvesting the six major types of grain. They discussed the anatomy of a plant, the growing seasons for different grains, and developed an understanding of the differences between grain seed characteristics. Students created a grain mosaic jar, while reviewing the grains that were discussed. They also learned how to visually identify each seed represented in their grain jar. To end this session students took a wagon ride around the Western Maryland Research and Education Center fields in order to see grains growing in the field. 5. Program Expenditures Include: The following are the expenditures for the Kids Growing with Grains Program for the 2017 program year as of November 1: Grant Expenditures Demonstration & Teaching Supplies hands-on materials for lessons: ingredients for bread in a bag, materials for rumination experiment, lesson materials for grain nutrition, etc. Promotional Materials including grain board promotion materials, take home bags, etc. $ $ Amount Total $ In-Kind/Support from the University of Maryland not included in grant funds: - University of Maryland Extension Employee assisted with teaching field trip lessons - Use of Western Maryland Research and Education Center - Facility Equipment including tractors Volunteer costs not included in grant funds: 4

5 - Animals provided for the animal science lessons - 4H/FFA youth assistance with lessons 6. The Maryland Grain Producers Utilization Board received recognition for the funding provided on: A. The School Enrichment Booklet (MGPUB logo on the Kids Growing with Grains program) published by the University of Maryland Extension Washington County Office to promote all school enrichment programs offered to students and teachers in Washington County. B. Grain Jar stickers with MGPUB logo. C. Student Activity Book in each student s take home bag (noted that funding is provided by MGPUB). D. All promotional materials that were sent to each elementary school. 5