How Does It Work?

School Role

The project runs over 8 weeks and can be introduced into the school curriculum in Science, Agricultural Studies, IT, Studies of Society and Environment, Maths or English. The project has two sets of curriculum material available: 

• Junior Years 6, 7 & 8 
• Senior Years 9, 10 & 11

Students work in teams of 4 or 5 to complete their project work.

The school receives a comprehensive kit prior to the project starting, which includes:

• timelines; 
• a contact list; 
• project curriculum; 
• resource CD-ROM; 
• veterinary support; and 
• an overview of the project objectives.

Mentor Role

A local dairy industry professional, such as the vet, a dairy company field officer, an agronomist
or a cheese maker, introduces the project to students in school and assists both the students
and teachers throughout the term of the project. The mentor explains to students about their
career in the dairy industry and informs students about the education and training required for
their career pathway.

Farmer Role

Local dairy farmers lend two heifer calves for a 3-week period and visit the school to teach
students about looking after the calves and about their career in the dairy industry. The students
feed and monitor the calves for the 3-week period as part of a series of educational activities.

Researching the Industry and Careers

In teams of 4 or 5, students will prepare a data show presentation, research poster, newsletter
and a thank you letter/report to the dairy farmers and mentors who have been involved at their
school.

Commercial Supplies

All schools who participate are provided with feed supplies from commercial sponsors to support
the project at no cost to the school.