Beef Science Meets STEM Learning

By Scout Nelson

In an effort to bridge the gap between agriculture and education, Olathe middle school science teacher Jessica Sadler has partnered with the Kansas Beef Council (KBC) to develop "Sizzling Discoveries," a series of educational readers aimed at middle and high school students. This initiative, jointly funded by the Oklahoma and Nebraska beef councils, seeks to illuminate the connections between beef production and sustainability in an engaging, classroom-friendly format.

The series comprises three readers tailored for students in grades 6–8 and 9–12, each focusing on a specific scientific aspect of beef production: sustainability, nutrient upcycling, and water and land use. Accompanying each reader is a comprehensive teacher's guide and supplementary resources designed to enhance the learning experience.

Within the readers, students encounter key vocabulary, hands-on experiments, and in-depth information on each topic. Interactive elements, such as external links to maps, videos, and handouts, further enrich the content. Professional graphic designer Sue Schulte has contributed vibrant visuals to create an engaging and accessible layout for students.

The educational materials have garnered attention beyond Kansas, with over 2,300 classroom sets distributed across nine states, reaching approximately 69,000 students. Sadler plans to conduct sustainability workshops in several of these regions to assist teachers in integrating the materials into their curricula.

This initiative aligns with broader efforts by the KBC to promote science-based education on beef production. Programs like the Beef Certificate Program (BCP) have already impacted over 22,000 Kansas students by providing resources on beef selection, nutrition, and cooking. Additionally, the KBC hosts "On the Farm" STEM trainings, offering teachers firsthand experiences with modern beef production practices, including the use of drones, genetic technology, and sustainable ranching methods.

Through "Sizzling Discoveries," students gain a nuanced understanding of how beef production intersects with environmental stewardship, equipping them with the knowledge to make informed decisions about food and sustainability.

Photo Credit: istock-123ducu