Farmpark provides unique hands-on learning for students
By Christina Bellas, Interpretation & Education Manager
Where can you study live animals up close, see the ancient ancestor of corn and learn what chestnuts on a horse are? During a visit to Lake Metroparks Farmpark! See our newest lambs and find out how they make the best study animals for discussing genetics with third graders.
The Farmpark’s biodiversity program makes learning genetics easy and fun for third graders and informative for their teachers. The program is STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering and Math) based and offers a unique way to learn the subject.
Our sheep help create an easy way for us to observe the traits of offspring and parent. They are an excellent visual because they are small and easy for children to see. Even when all of the lambs are prancing around or taking naps, they can be viewed at a child’s eye level. The new lambs are so adorable, providing that “awe factor” that makes a visit to the farm even better. The sheep aid in discussing wool length and color, hoof color and whether or not the animal has horns or is a breed that is hornless.
Studying horses is another great way for students to learn about genetics. Horses are the perfect animal to showcase the theme of traits. The three traits we discuss are learned, inherited and environment. Using five breeds of horses, children can see the miniature horse, various light horses, right up to one of our drafts. Farmpark provides classes with real, living, breathing animals for them to pet and meet up close. Hands-on experiences are so memorable and help to support learning at the highest level.
We can’t forget our connection to the study of genetics in plants. We invite students to investigate one of the world’s most important crops—corn. Students explore corn’s early ancestor teosinte all the way up to the current varieties grown for food, fuel and export.
Teaching students biodiversity shouldn’t be intimidating or boring! We invite you out to the farm where the animals allow them to not just learn but experience lessons in biodiversity.
Click here for more information about education programs at Lake Metroparks Farmpark.