Newswise — STILLWATER, Okla. – High school students will have an opportunity to combine science, technology, engineering and math (STEM) principles with their interest in horses at the first Horse Science Academy at Oklahoma State University.
The academy will take place Nov. 21 at the Totusek Arena in Stillwater. Kris Hiney, OSU Cooperative Extension equine specialist, said the academy will focus on using STEM principles to make economical, ethical and sustainable decisions regarding equine health care and management.
“There will be some classroom teaching during the workshop, but the majority of it will be hands-on experiences for the students. These laboratory sessions will incorporate active application of the material,” Hiney said.
Registration is $40 and includes a laboratory notebook, lunch, access to smart phone apps, a digital thermometer, stethoscope and other supplies. Space is limited and early registration is due by Nov. 1. Registration after Nov. 1 is $50. Participants may register at www.secure.touchnet.com/C20271_ustores/web/product_detail.jsp?PRODUCTID=1918.
Hiney said there will be four different educational topics offered, including anthelmintic resistance, physical exams and weight assessment, forage evaluation and equine rations evaluation.
The anthelmintic resistance segment will begin with a discussion of parasite resistance and its long-term impact on equine health. Students will do fecal exams and learn good laboratory techniques. In addition, they will design a parasite control program based on the outcome of their results.
The second part of the workshop will engage students as they gain greater understanding of equine biology with the addition of technology. They will use two phone apps to take measurements on the horses and use that information to make management decisions.
“In the third segment of the workshop, students will learn about forage evaluation and discuss subjective evaluation of hay. This will be followed by a hands-on lab featuring good sampling techniques,” she said. “The students will then use their forage analysis to make budget decisions on selections of hay.”
The final part of the workshop will focus on horse ration evaluation. Students will combine everything they have learned throughout the day and use that information to do an extensive mathematic evaluation of rations, as well as make budget decisions for feeding horses.
“We’re excited about this inaugural Horse Science Academy and believe participants will gain a lot of valuable information to help them with the care of their horses,” Hiney said.
For more information, contact Hiney at 405-744-9291, or via email at [email protected].
Oklahoma State University, in compliance with Title VI and VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, Executive Order 11246 as amended, and Title IX of the Education Amendments of 1972 (Higher Education Act), the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990, and other federal and state laws and regulations, does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, genetic information, sex, age, sexual orientation, gender identity, religion, disability, or status as a veteran, in any of its policies, practices or procedures. This provision includes, but is not limited to admissions, employment, financial aid, and educational services. The Director of Equal Opportunity, 408 Whitehurst, OSU, Stillwater, OK 74078-1035; phone 405-744-5371; email: [email protected] has been designated to handle inquiries regarding non-discrimination policies: Director of Equal Opportunity. Any person (student, faculty, or staff) who believes that discriminatory practices have been engaged in based on gender may discuss his or her concerns and file informal or formal complaints of possible violations of Title IX with OSU’s Title IX Coordinator 405-744-9154.
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