Course: Animal Science: Livestock Behavior and Handling

In this unit exploration, kids will explore how animals move, react, and communicate—and how we can work with them safely and respectfully. They will meet a real-life animal behavior expert, learn how livestock respond to people and their environment, and apply that knowledge to solve problems using the Engineering Design Process.

Whether they’re new to livestock handling or already have experience on the farm, this unit will give them the tools to better understand animal behavior and apply smart, safe design thinking to real-world situations.

WHAT THEY'LL LEARN

Throughout this unit, they’ll explore four exciting chapters, each one building your knowledge and giving them hands-on opportunities to think like both an animal handler and a problem-solver.

CHAPTER BREAKDOWN

Chapter 1: Meet Dr. Temple Grandin
Learn about the life and work of Dr. Temple Grandin, a world-famous animal behavior expert. Discover how her unique way of thinking helped improve the way livestock are handled on farms and in facilities around the world.

Chapter 2: Livestock Behavior and Handling Principles
Explore how animals see, hear, smell, and react to the world around them. You’ll learn about flight zones, blind spots, herd behavior, and how handlers can keep animals calm and safe.

Chapter 3: Engineering Design Process
Understand how engineers and agricultural problem-solvers use a step-by-step process to think through challenges. You’ll practice identifying problems, brainstorming solutions, and testing your ideas.

Chapter 4: Engineering Design Challenge – Livestock Behavior and Handling
Put your knowledge into action! You’ll design and test a chute system to help Farmer Ben safely move his “Beef Bot” (Hexbug robot) from pasture to barn, using everything you’ve learned about livestock behavior and safe handling practices.

UNIT STRUCTURE AND ACTIVITIES

This unit is designed to help kids gradually build their knowledge and skills. Each chapter includes a narrative that introduces them to the topic, followed by activities to help reinforce what they have learned.

WHAT YOU'LL RECEIVE...

• Unit Exploration housed in our Agriculture Unboxed Library (on course host platform Thinkific) that includes unit chapters described above with Teaching Information/Resources and Worksheets.

• Access to the Unit Exploration for the life of the product.

• Lesson Shopping List and Link to Discounted Additional Resources.

Want access to the entire Agriculture Unboxed Library?? Check out our Agriculture Unboxed Library Passport!

This is a digital product: Nothing physical will ship. You will receive a separate email with your Kids Agriculture Unboxed Login information. You will be asked to create an account.

This product is copyrighted and not to be shared, duplicated, or resold. The purchaser of this product has permission to print copies of these materials for immediate family, classroom or group use (ONE COPY). This resource can not be shared with other teachers, group leaders or families. Each is required to purchase this resource, just like if this resource were a physical product.