Italy High School

Introduction

This assignment is designed to familiarize you with a variety of beef cattle breeds in order to appreciate the differences between breeds of cattle and to be able to identify them.  It will also inform you of the historical origin of different breeds and how they arrived in the United States.  You will also learn why one breed is chosen for a particular trait over another breed.  A test over general knowledge of beef breeds will follow this project.

Task

You will be utilizing a variety of information sources in preparing a report on a specific breed of beef cattle.  You will be expected to present the following to the entire class as a method of teaching this topic. 

1. A 1-2 page written report over the assigned breed (This may be handwritten or typed double-spaced)

2. An oral report telling what was included in the written report (Not to be read from manuscript, but you may use notes)

3. Use of supplemental materials such as pictures, videos, posters, interviews, etc. may be used with the oral report and will affect your final grade.

Process

Here are the steps that you will need to follow:

1. Select a specific beef cattle breed from the assigned list of breeds

2. Read the following general information concerning breeds of livestock

3. Research your assigned breed with these possible sources:

   1. Classroom textbook

   2. Farm and ranch type magazines and newspapers (available in the ag building or other personal sources)

   3. Breed association materials (contact specific breed associations)

   4. Personal interviews and video productions

   5. The following web sites:

Breeds of Cattle

            Oklahoma State University Breeds of Livestock—Cattle

Cattle Breeds—Google Web Directory

6. Any additional sources of information that you can find or access

3. Assemble your typed or handwritten report in the following order:

a.    Title page stating your breed, your name, and the date

b.    The body of the report containing:

--The country and/or state of origin

--The background of how they came to the United States or how they were developed

--The predominant color and any distinguishing markings

--The average body size of mature males and females

--Whether they are horned or polled (naturally hornless)

--Specific uses for which this breed has been selected or developed

c.    Any other pertinent information about this breed

d.    Sources cited page (where did you get your information) using Noodle Tools. Under Free Tools, click on NoodleBib

        MLA Starter. (Contact the librarian if you need help in registering to use the online program.)

e.    Test question page:  Prepare 5 possible multiple choice (A,B,C,D) test questions over material that you will present in your

        oral report

f.    Any additional materials that you want to include

5. Summarize report to prepare note cards for oral presentation

6. Prepare visual aids for class presentation that could include such things as pictures, charts, posters, and/or video clips or taped interview.  Be creative!!!

7. Submit completed written (all sections) before oral presentation

8. Present oral report to the ag class using notes (not written text of report) and visual aids

9. After presenting report, review material by asking for responses to your previously prepared multiple choice test questions

Evaluation

This project will be graded in three areas.  Each of these grades will count as a major grade.  The three graded areas will be:

1. The content of your report. (What you told me about your topic)

2. The oral presentation of your report (How you presented your topic)

3. The written part of you report (How it looks, how you presented it, construction, neatness, etc.)

Conclusion

            After the completion of these reports, you should have a basic knowledge of and be able to identify the major beef cattle breeds in the United States.

Credits       

Clip art courtesy of Iowa Beef Industry Council

revised 9/19/05