Exploring Dairy Science

How has dairy farming changed in the past 200 years? Discover the answers by watching the four parts of this science show and reading the information below. And to take this learning adventure into your classroom, have your teacher download the free Lesson Guides at the bottom of this page so everyone can share in the fun of this inquiry based learning.

Historically, many families had their own dairy. Well, kinda – they had a cow.  It was a pretty simple operation back then. The cow ate grass, its udder filled with milk, and the farmer and their family milked the cow by hand – twice a day. As more people started living in cities, dairy farmers began selling their milk in towns. It involved milking more cows by hand, pouring it into barrels then selling it door-to-door from a wagon. That was a lot hard work to make a living. Many of them also began making their own butter and cheese from their cow’s milk. It grew to the point that by 1900, Wisconsin had become the leading state in the nation for producing milk, butter and cheese.

Join our adventure team as they explore the science and technology of today’s dairy farming. Spanning the history of old-time milking to the hi-tech present, the ITO hosts discover how the dairy industry has changed dramatically in the past 100 years from raising cows to milking them.

Plus, the educational partner noted below supported the video and lesson content here for all of us to learn from. They also offer other learning opportunities on their website. Educators are encouraged to evaluate and consider their science sources. Click on their logo to discover more!

    Full Video

    RElated Content

    The Forest Products Lab

    From mass timber buildings to bioenergy from wood waste, explore the innovative ways forest products are being used to combat climate change and support healthy...

    Careers in Conservation

    Okay, so there's several great ways to enjoy and share the wildlife and conservation education in this show. First, you can kick back with family or friends to watch...

    Forming Your High School Bass Fishing Club

    Okay, so there's several great ways to enjoy and share the bass fishing fun and education in this show. First, you can kick back with family or friends to watch this...

    Electrifying Careers in Energy

    Calling all recruits! This is Director V speaking here. Are you looking for an exciting career that uses creativity and innovation? Inspires leadership? Solves...

    Wetlands Wisdom

    Do you want to wade into the murky science of understanding our wetland ecosystems? Discover the answers by watching the four parts of this science show and reading the...

    Meet the Meat

    Join our adventure team as they dive into the science and real life farming practices of Wisconsin’s beef industry. From nutrition to cooking, they explore fun and...

    Ripples in the Forest

    So what makes a forest ecosystem dynamic and sustainable? Discover the answers by watching the four parts of this science show and reading the information below. And to...

    Cost of Clean Water

    To discover sources and solutions to pollution in watersheds across Wisconsin, our ITO team of "Eco-investigators" wade into the science of water quality. From climbing...

    Know Your H20

    Why do 3 million people in the WORLD die each year of water-related diseases? Discover the answers by watching the four parts of this science show and reading the...

    Into Wildlife Rehabilitation: First Responders

    If you found an injured wild animal, what would you do? There are many myths and misinformation about how to rescue animals, and doing the wrong thing can add stress or...

    Thank you, Partners!