Grime Scene Investigation: A Problem-based Learning Bio-security Tabletop Exercise

Objectives Encourage active, self-directed learning in students of all ages Promote communication skills Encourage knowledge sharing between livestock owners Build confidence in novice livestock owners Impress upon attendees the importance of biosecurity and animal health Inspire participants to create and enforce farm biosecurity plans Personnel 1 facilitator per group 3 to 8 participants per group, any number of groups Materials Calendars Pens and paper Flipcharts and markers (or blackboard or dry erase board) Appropriate number of sequenced handouts for participants Activity Structure Assemble small groups of 3 to 8 people around a table; a mix of ages and livestock experience is best. Distribute the first page of “Chronicle of Events” (June 1) and allow time for reading and group discussion. Have a volunteer read the page out loud if reading ability of group members is questionable. Preferable: wait for participants to discuss, question, and ask for more information before distributing more handouts. In this early stage of the activity, facilitators may need to play a larger role keeping things moving forward than later in the activity. Throughout the activity, reward thoughtful and relevant questions from participants with more information about the situation to encourage development of active learning skills. Color-coding of paper for each separate type of handout helps with organization and clarity. Facilitators should not answer content-based questions; groups should be encouraged to draw on collective knowledge and experience, with facilitator suggesting topic research when needed. Facilitator should record questions or issues needing additional research and discussion. Fictional Farms Goin’ Broke Farm Hopeful Acres Just 4 Fun Farm Handouts upon request in probable order Chronicle of Events (one page per day) Farm profiles Farm maps Weather reports (one page) Necropsy report Log of farm visitors Lab report (human) Pathogen fact sheet Recommended…