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Life science lab is new addition to NRTC Ag program
Nevada Daily Mail
Editor's note: This is the first in a series of stories about the programs at Nevada Regional Technical Center.
Agriculture students are learning by doing on the Nevada Regional Technical Center life sciences lab. This fall students are working with beef cattle and row crops to dive deep into agriculture concepts traditionally taught in the classroom. Courses like animal science and plant science have an opportunity to, literally, bring their course content to life. What started out as a dream of the agricultural education advisory committee is quickly becoming a reality for NRTC students enrolled in agriculture classes.
The life science lab is 16 acres of land just north of the performing arts center at the high school. The land was already owned by the school but unsuitable for building projects due to the elevation and drainage ditches that crisscross the property.
The committee has been working on the lab for several years to implement different phases of the project. On Dec. 11, 2013 members of the agricultural education advisory committee requested that the school board set aside the land as a learning laboratory, marking the beginning of a new chapter for the agriculture program.
Since that December day students and teachers have been working to develop the lab. The plant science portion of the project started last spring with the planting of cool and warm season pasture grasses and sweet corn. The perimeter fence was completed this October with white posts dotting the landscape, the beginning of the animal science portion of project.
The newest additions to the lab are five steers, brought in to begin a study on grazing and pasture management. Students already have great things to say about the life science project.
Junior, Paxton Dahmer said, "The lab has changed our ag experience for the better. We have had the ability to work hands-on though building and maintaining the fence and now we have the cattle as well. I think it's safe to say a lot of us learn better in this type of setting."
The life science lab is one example of how career and technical education is attempting to change the stigma around what used to be known as vocational programs. "This is a fantastic example of how to create experiential learning opportunities in school and we are still in the beginning phase of this project. The long range plan is to create a place that we can teach math, science, and agricultural concepts together through robust projects on the lab," said Dr. Phillip Witt, director of NRTC.
"None of this would have been possible without a strong school board and district leadership that is willing to take a chance on new and creative opportunities for our kids," Witt said.
The lab is not just a project of the R-5 School District. It has also had strong support from local producers and organizations like the Vernon County Cattlemen's Association and Hinkle Prime Cut Angus.
The agricultural education program is part of the NRTC career and technical education program offerings through the Nevada R-5 school district. CTE prepares youth for a wide range of high-wage, high-skill, and high-demand careers through rigorous and relevant courses. NRTC has 10 career and technical programs to choose from which include the agriculture program. NRTC will celebrate Career and Technical Education Month in February. For more information about the programs call the NRTC at 448-2090.