Identifying STEM Concepts Associated with Junior Livestock Projects

Abstract

Science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) education is intended to provide students with a cross-subject, contextual learning experience. To more fully prepare our nation’s students to enter the globally competitive workforce, STEM integration allows students to make connections between the abstract concepts learned in core subject classrooms and real-world situations. FFA and 4-H programs are intended to provide students with hands-on learning opportunities where abstract core subject princi- ples can be applied and more fully understood. Junior livestock projects through FFA and 4-H can pro- vide rich connections for students between what they learn in school and how it is applied in the real world. Using a modified Delphi technique, this study identified 21 STEM concepts associated with junior livestock projects. According to the panel of experts, math and science concepts were more prevalent in junior livestock projects. Conversely, experts identified fewer technology and engineering concepts as being present within junior livestock projects. The link between science, technology, engineering, and mathematics, core subject education, and the concepts present in junior livestock projects should be em- phasized in curricular and programming efforts.