Chicken Co-Op - Creating a Commercial Chicken Cooperative STEM Integrated Project
This project is a collaborative effort between Agriculture & Soil Chemistry, Animal Science, English Language Arts and Mathematics. The project culminates in a commercial chicken cooperative operation on the school grounds. This project can be utilized to lay the groundwork for building a laying hen operation to return funds to the agriculture program. If space is limited, the project can be done as a hypothetical and built out of Popsicle sticks.
In Animal Science, students learn the basics of laying hen production including selecting birds, production practices, egg development and evaluation.
In Agriculture & Soil Chemistry, students will evaluate the effects of livestock production on the environment including soil, water quality and waste management as well as discuss nutrient deficiencies in livestock projects.
In English Language Arts, students will e-mail the school board to receive permission for the project, evaluate local laws and regulations surrounding chicken production, compare production methods and discuss sustainability.
In Math, students will discuss perimeter and area in regards to a chicken coop, balance chicken feeding rations and perform thorough cost and profit analysis of the project.
This unit is brought to you be Crystal Grooms (Ag & Natural Resources), Sarah Warren (Ag & Natural Resources), Jarrett Black (ELA) and Carrie McCoy (Mathematics) with support from the CTE Online curriculum leadership team and detailed coordination provided by the Course Team Lead Trish Valceschini.
