Name of project: 

Be Rootin', Be Tootin', Be Kind. 

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What is my GOAL for the project?

To learn about the history of ranches and cowboys, as well as the culture behind cowboys. I’d also like to look into how western media has impacted how we perceive cowboys, and if there are still active cowboys today. 

 

WHY do I want to understand or be able to do this? How does it CONNECT to my interest, passion or goals?

I think cowboys are extremely cool and interesting, and I’m wondering how much I don’t know about them! I’m also passionate about advocating against climate change, and so I’m wondering how cowboys have impacted the beef industry. 

 

What ESSENTIAL QUESTION(S) will guide my work? 

1. What is a cowboy? What did it mean, and what does it currently mean? 

2. What are some of the cultural aspects of cowboys, and how did it impact the media portrayal of them? 

3. Are there any cowboys around nowadays, and how do they feel about the meat industry? How has the meat industry developed since cowboys? 

4. How could shifting to being ‘Carbon Cowboys’** impact the meat and agriculture industry? 

5. How has the agriculture and meat industry changed over the years, and what was it at it’s ‘basic’? 

 

What EVIDENCE/ARTIFACTS will I produce to know (and show others) that I have met my goal?

1. My notes from my research

2. Short videos/recordings when I interview someone or learn a new skill

3. A short journal about my findings, how my opinions changed, and what new skills I learned throughout this project. (Think something like this)

 

What MODELS exist that are similar to what I want to do? 

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Bud Force filmed a documentary about Cowboys, called ‘Cowboys’. Check it out here. 

 

Peter Byck filmed a documentary about Carbon Cowboys, called ‘Carbon Cowboys’ which you can check out here. 

 

These are kind of more resources than models, but it does show basically what I want to do. I don’t want to film a documentary, but basically become a researcher of cowboys, like these filmmakers! 

 

Who can serve as an expert mentor to help support and evaluate this project?

I will have to do a little more research, because I want to see if I can locate and contact an actual cowboy to talk to. (Preferably in VT, but if not, that’s okay! I’ve gotten really good at Zoom.) I’m thinking maybe someone from UVM’s Sustainable Agriculture department which can be found here. 

 

What RESOURCES do I need to make this happen? 

I may need possible funds, because I was planning on going to a horseback riding lesson, as cowboys ride horses. 

 

What is the PROCESS for completing this project successfully? 
 

• Research on agriculture, cowboys, and cowboy culture

  • Research possible resources

• Contact possible resources (cowboys in VT, filmmakers, etc) 

  • Set a date to meet/have an email interview

• Learn the different things that cowboys do

  • Herd cattle

  • Ride horses

  • Lasso

  • Practice sustainable agriculture 

• Make a list of cowboy practices that I am going to learn about and learn how to do

• Slowly complete them! 

  • Go to a horseback riding lesson

  • Go to a farm and see how they do different things (I’ll be more specific when the time actually comes) 

  • Maybe have an interview with an expert in this field at UVM? I feel like they have someone there that would be very good to talk to about agriculture.

• Compile my evidence

  • • Make/update my journal

    • Compile my videos and photos in a conclusive fashion

    • Make my notes pretty and easy to read

    • Update my portfolio

• Write my overview essay 

  • Rough outline

  • Finalized outline

  • Rough draft

  • Revised draft

  • Finalized draft

• Get ready to present! 

  • Assemble my poster board (I want it to be interactive and aesthetically pleasing!) 

  • Get talking points ready 

  • Pick out my outfit because it’s my last O Term and I want to look nice 

  • Bring all my things to school and present! 

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