Concordia Nebraska faculty, students partner with Nebraska Public Media to create documentary curriculum

Concordia Nebraska Associate Professor of Agricultural Science Dr. Kim Clark, Professor of Education Dr. Amanda Geidel, adjunct instructor Jason Hirschfeld ’22 and four university education students, Jenna Muntz, Kailyn King, Lane Schoff and Jesse Herndon, recently enjoyed an experience of a lifetime. The group partnered with Nebraska Public Media in Lincoln to create curriculum to support an hour-long documentary called "Steak Science."  

“This is a film about the beef industry in Nebraska,” explained Geidel. “Through Jason's collaborative efforts, Nebraska Public Media decided to partner with our students to develop curriculum that would go along with the documentary. The project began in September. Students developed their lessons, each covering a different segment of the film. They pitched their lessons at NPM to get feedback, tweaked them, and then each student taught their lesson to two different ag classes in Nebraska schools.”  

“I was so proud of these students and thrilled to see how amazing this opportunity was for them.”

The project culminated with a final meeting where Concordia students shared about presenting their lessons in the schools. Clark said the group discussed the possibility of partnering with NPM for future projects to develop additional documentaries for use by Nebraska teachers.  

“This project is a testament of the academic success at Concordia in the agricultural program and other academic areas,” said Clark. 

The Steak Science video is available on Nebraska Public Media’s webpage. The student-developed curriculum will soon be available for public use. 

“I was so proud of these students and thrilled to see how amazing this opportunity was for them,” said Geidel. “The NPM team didn't have enough words to express their admiration for our students, professors and program at Concordia. It was awesome!”  

“The recognition these students have and will receive from this collaboration is something they should be proud of,” added Clark. “These students have applied their knowledge through this project and enhanced skills such as planning, collaboration, communication, network and many more.” 

Concordia University, Nebraska’s agriculture program equips students with a well-rounded and balanced educational program that will challenge them to become an effective communicator, critical thinker and ethical decision-maker. Concordia’s Christ-centered, excellent academics will prepare students to be leaders in the agriculture field through dynamic, real-world learning experiences so they can inspire and serve others and fulfill their callings.