Some lucky students are getting the opportunity to take a virtual field trip to a third-generation Colorado dairy farm, thanks to a new educational initiative. In an effort to educate students about the innovative dairy community and where their foods come from, National Dairy Council, America’s farm families and importers, and Discovery Education are launching a partnership to introduce Undeniably Dairy: Caring for Cows and Nourishing Communities.
This immersive experience, which kicked off Thursday, transports students to a dairy farm where they follow third-generation farmers Chuck and Nora Feldpausch of Greeley, Colorado.
There, students explore the farm-to-table process and learn how farmers, veterinarians, and nutritionists work as a team to bring dairy foods to communities nationwide. Students have the opportunity to experience modern farming, cow care, and some of the contemporary innovations farmers use daily to nourish communities and support the environment through sustainable farm practices.
“National Dairy Council has been working with schools to improve the health and wellness environment for students for over a century and we understand that now more than ever, students and their parents are making food choices based on trust and a better understanding of where their food comes from,” said Jean Ragalie-Carr, RDN, LDN, FAND, president, National Dairy Council. “The essential nutrients in milk and dairy foods are important to child growth and development.”
Complementing the Virtual Field Trip, students will have access to a variety of digital learning tools and classroom explorations to deepen learning. The education initiative will further expand this school year, with the addition of standards-aligned virtual interactive experiences for students to explore the latest dairy industry technology and innovations with accompanying classroom activities and educator guides. Designed to meet Next Generation Science Standards (NGSS), these resources support the National Dairy Council’s shared vision of a healthy, happy, sustainable world — with science as its foundation.
“Discovery Education is proud to support the National Dairy Council in their work to engage young people in today’s farming industry, exploring the science and technology that powers this critical sector of the U.S. economy,” said Lori McFarling, senior vice president and chief marketing officer, Discovery Education. “Through dynamic digital content and immersive virtual experiences, young people across the country will experience dairy farming first-hand, and will be exposed to an exciting array of 21st century careers.”
Classrooms can register to participate in the Virtual Field Trip by visiting discoverundeniablydairy.com.
