Gee Whiz in Agriculture© is a series of fact-filled 30-minute videos that take viewers, ages 7-11, on journeys to farms, factories, fields, forests and even to the future!

Written teacher guides and student activity sheets for each program help everyone get the most out of the experience.

Developed by the University Of Kentucky Department Of Agriculture, video packets are available on a loan basis. Loan periods are flexible. Contact the Extension office to reserve your dates. Then, complete the appropriate sections of the accompanying registration form and return it. These video packets will be mailed to participating teachers. Teachers will be responsible for mailing them back to the Extension office.

How Do Horses Run So Fast?
Ever wonder why a horse can run so much faster than you? Do you know why running affects your heart and breathing? This GEE WHIZ program, focusing on the differences and similarities between human and equine athletes, introduces students to anatomy and physiology via skeletons, x-rays, heart monitors, real-time and slow motion video comparisons, and computerized imaging. There is even a simulated race with Thoroughbred, Quarter Horse, Draft horse, and human participants. Demonstrations of horse differences and uses by young horse owners display the versatility of these amazing animals.


How Do You Grow A Fish Sandwich?
Have you heard of hydroponics? Aquaculture? This GEE WHIZ program combines video and satellite programming to explore the production of fish and horticulture crops such as lettuce in an ecologically closed system. The program centers upon plant and fish life cycles, how the two depend on each other with waste from one serving as nourishment for the other. Concepts of symbiotic life systems, chemical and nutrient cycling, and integrated food production are this program's highlights.

Now Ear This!
This GEE WHIZ program introduces students to the sciences of genetics, agronomy, plant physiology, chemistry, biology, and microbiology using corn and corn products as examples. It also shows how engineering and manufacturing are utilized to turn a raw agricultural product into food, fiber, fuel, and many other products for human use.

Wool Ewe Keep Me Warm?
Wool, is one of nature's most durable and resilient fibers. This GEE WHIZ video presentation introduces students to animal science using the sheep as an example domestic livestock species. It demonstrates how engineering and manufacturing work in tandem with agriculture to produce goods for human consumption.


Wood You Take Care of Me?
Have you ever thought about life without trees? Why are we so concerned about the loss of our world's forests? Where does paper come from? This program explores the forestry industry and its impact upon our environment. The science of growing and harvesting trees and their use in furniture, lumber, and paper products is emphasized, along with the ecological impacts of lumbering and recycling wood products.Students will get a first-hand look at a logging operation and take a trip through a furniture factory.

Illinois State Goals & Learning Standards

11A. Know and apply the concepts, principles and processes of scientific inquiry

11B. Know and apply the concepts, principles and processes of technological design

13A. Know and apply the accepted practices of sciences

13B. Know and apply concepts that describe the interaction between science, technology, and society