The Agriculture Unboxed Learning Framework
Step 1: Explore: Build the Foundation in Animal Science— Learners build knowledge of animal types, body parts, lifecycles, and production purposes. They begin to connect how nutrition, breeds, and anatomy affect performance and care.
Step 2: Apply the Science: Turning Knowledge into Understanding — Once learners know the basics, they’re ready to put that knowledge to work. This stage bridges information and practice — helping kids see how animal science looks and functions in the real world.
Step 3: Connect: Seeing Agriculture as a System — This final stage helps kids recognize how everything in agriculture fits together — animals, economics, and the environment. They begin to understand how decisions in one area affect the entire system.
EXPLORE – Building a Foundation in Agricultural Science
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Purpose
The Explore stage lays the groundwork. It gives kids a clear picture of the livestock species, systems, and basic science that shape agriculture. Learners build knowledge of animal types, body parts, lifecycles, and production purposes. They begin to connect how nutrition, breeds, and anatomy affect performance and care.
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Bundle
- Animal Science Foundations All 8 species: breeds, terminology, lifecycles, U.S. production, external anatomy, animal nutrition/feeds, meat science and more; includes 28 educational pieces
- Exploring Animal Science Foundation Bundles by Species
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Flashcard/Printable PDF Unit Studies
- Cattle Breed Identification Learning Set
- Equine Breed Identification Learning Set
- Goat/Alpaca/Llama Breed Identification Learning Set
- Chickens & Turkeys Breed Identification
- Sheep Breed Identification Learning Set
- Swine Breed Identification Learning Set
- Animal Nutrition and Feedstuff Identification Learning Set
APPLY – Turning Knowledge into Understanding
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Purpose
Once learners know the basics, they’re ready to put that knowledge to work. This stage bridges information and practice — helping kids see how animal science looks and functions in the real world. Learners begin connecting anatomy, health, and behavior to decision-making on the farm. They think through management choices and observe patterns that affect animal welfare and productivity.
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Bundle
- Applied Animal Science Series: 10 educational Units
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Flashcard/Printable PDF Unit Studies
- Meat Science: Beef Unit
- Meat Science: Pork Unit
- Lamb Meat Identification Flashcards (flashcards only, no PDF)
CONNECT – Seeing Agriculture as a System
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Purpose
This final stage helps kids recognize how everything in agriculture fits together — animals, economics, and the environment. They start to see how decisions in one area impact the whole system. Learners synthesize what they’ve explored and applied to make connections across topics like housing, budgeting, and sustainability.
Miscellaneous Enrichment Printables & Seasonal Learning Resources
Hi, I'm Heather!
With 20+ years of experience and an M.S. in agriculture education and youth development, I am passionate about creating resources that help you as parents and/or educators empower and inspire kids to learn about agriculture, food, and the environment.