Martin H. Smith

Using drawings to assess self-animal perceptions

Abstract Exposure to pets and wildlife can help children develop positive attitudes toward animals, which can foster the development of empathy and ecological stewardship. However, geographical, logistical and economic restrictions limit opportunities for many youth to interact directly with live animals. Thus, educational interventions that utilize imitation animal artifacts rather than live animals, and which are effective in helping children develop an understanding of animals, present an important resource for educators. In the current study, the impact of a curriculum that employs imitation animal artifacts on childrens perceptions of their relationships to animals was assessed. Third grade childrens (n = 96) perceptions of their relationships to animals were analyzed by means of a drawing assessment tool. An analytic scoring rubric was used to assess three features of the drawings: Interactivity, Affect, and Realism. The combination of these elements was defined as the construct Self–Animal Perception. Change in Self–Animal Perception was assessed over time using repeated measures ANOVA. The curriculum intervention resulted in significant improvement in Self–Animal Perception scores relative to controls. The Self–Animal Perception construct and the drawing assessment tool utilized for measuring childrens perceived relationships to animals are discussed.

Pre-Harvest Food Safety in 4-H Animal Science Curriculum — Part 3. Raising and Protecting a Healthy Animal

Author(s): Smith, Martin H; Meehan, Cheryl L; Techanun, Jennifer; Castaneda, Katrina; Harrigan, Jenna; Lembrikova, Julia | Abstract: Raising and Protecting a Healthy Animal is part 3 of a 4-part curriculum introducing 4-H youth to pre-harvest food safety principles and methods to use in their livestock and poultry projects and in later life.

Pre-Harvest Food Safety in 4-H Animal Science Curriculum — Part 2. Food-Producing Animal Selection and Pre-Harvest Food Safety Considerations

Author(s): Smith, Martin H; Meehan, Cheryl L; Techanun, Jennifer; Castaneda, Katrina; Harrigan, Jenna; Lembrikova, Julia | Abstract: Food-Producing Animal Selection and Pre-Harvest Food Safety Considerations is part 2 of a 4-part curriculum introducing 4-H youth to pre-harvest food safety principles and methods to use in their livestock and poultry projects and in later life.

Bio-Security in 4-H Animal Science 1: Understanding Disease Transmission

Author(s): Smith, Martin H.; Meehan, Cheryl L.; Ma, Justine M.; Techanun, Jennifer; Moses, Adele B.; Liang, Justin N.; Malcolm, Lindsay S.; Villa, Zulema; Chiang, Joyce; Dasher, H. Steve; George, Jeanne L.; Mahacek, Richard L. | Abstract: Livestock shows are an important part of 4-H, but members need to be aware of the disease risks involved when stock from different farms come together in one place. This 3-part curriculum teaches principles and practices of livestock health safety.

Bio-Security in 4-H Animal Science 2: Livestock Disease: Understanding the Risks

Author(s): Smith, Martin H.; Meehan, Cheryl L.; Ma, Justine M.; Techanun, Jennifer; Moses, Adele B.; Liang, Justin N.; Malcolm, Lindsay S.; Villa, Zulema; Chiang, Joyce; Dasher, H. Steve; George, Jeanne L.; Mahacek, Richard L. | Abstract: Livestock shows are an important part of 4-H, but members need to be aware of the disease risks involved when stock from different farms come together in one place. This 3-part curriculum teaches principles and practices of livestock health safety.