Robotic Milker
Teacher Preparation
Learning Goal
Upon completion of this lesson, students will be able to identify the basic functions of the DeLaval VMS-V300 Robot and identify how this technology can improve the dairy industry.
Learning Standards
- AFNR FPP.01.01.01.a Trace the steps milk undergoes when it leaves the dairy.
- Discuss recent technological advances in dairying.
- Biology 2.2, 3.3
- AFNR AS.06.02.02.a, BS.03.01.02.a
- Discuss the history of the dairy cattle industry and its role today
- Environmental Science 3.1,3.2, 3.3, 5.1, 5.2
- Grade 9: Language Arts 4.1.a, 4.2.c
- AFNR AS.01.01.01.a
Resources & Materials
- Visuals in the center
- Student tour guides
- DeLaval VMS
- Dairy Herd Manager Leanne Robinson
Lesson Delivery
Anticipatory Set
- As time progresses, there are labor shortages in traditional agricultural fields,
such as the dairy industry. What is one way that we might be able to combat this without
risking production levels? (take a few answers, predominantly looking for technology-based
responses)
- Using new technology can serve as a major advantage to improve efficiency in industries with labor shortages. One way we improved efficiency in the dairy industry is through the introduction of robotic milkers like the one we have here at the Ferguson Family Dairy Center.
Direct Instruction
1st Learning Goal: Upon completion of this lesson, students will be able to identify basic functions of the DeLaval VMS-V300 Robot and identify how this technology can improve the dairy industry.
Content Outline |
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Meet our Robotic Milker! (from Leanne Robinson, dairy herd manager) |
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Why do we have a robot? (From DeLaval VMS) |
Direct students to the monitor as it reports data from the cows:
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Learning Activity
Students should be encouraged to label a diagram of the robot with benefits of its use, identify what information the metrics screen displays, and anything else that helps the students remember the robotic milker.
Assessment
Questioning:
- How might robotic milkers be utilized to help the dairy industry?
- How does the robotic milker customize milking to each cow?
- How is the robot helping students?
Closing Announcements/Reminders
- Answer any questions they may have.
- Show them the robot and viewing windows one more time.
- Thank students for coming to the Ferguson Family Dairy.