Agriscience I (Sample)

Course Description: This course is designed to introduce students to the world of Agriculture. Upon completing this course, students will be able to understand and apply basic concepts in Animal Science, Plant Science, Ag Mechanics, Record Keeping, Public Speaking and Leadership.   It will also give students the opportunity to compete in activities through the FFA.

Course Content:

A.    History of Agriculture

1. Define the term Agriculture.
2. Discuss the trends of Agriculture in Oklahoma and the World and how if affects the economy.
3. Identify and discuss important people in agriculture, now and then.

B.    Introduction to the FFA

1. Be knowledgeable of the History of the FFA (FFA Quiz).
2. Recite the FFA Creed.
3. Be able to discuss opportunities available through the FFA.
4. Conduct a meeting using parliamentary procedure.
5. Research, write, and orally present a four minute speech or presentation.

C.    Agricultural Economics and Record Keeping

1. Discuss the economic affect agriculture has on our daily lives.
2. Define the role of the stock market and Chicago board of trade.
3. Determine the difference between commodities contracts, cash market, and options.
4. Define terms associated with record keeping.
5. Complete a practice exercise using the computerized record keeping system.

D.    Ag Products and Consumer Awareness

1. Be able to list a variety of agricultural products (food and fiber)
2. Be able to list non-food agricultural products (clothes, medicine, energy, etc.)
3. Be able to determine quality and species of meat products found in the grocery store.
4. Be able to determine quality of fruits and vegetables.

E.    Public Speaking

1. Identify the parts of a prepared speech
2. Present an introduction of a speaker or presenter
3. Give an oral demonstration

F.    Plant Science

1. Be able to identify the parts of a plant
2. Be able to determine types of plants and their uses
3. Define different propagation methods for starting and growing plant
4. Identify necessary nutrient requirements for plants
5. Identify signs of a healthy and unhealthy plant
6. Identify common weeds, grasses, trees and selected ornamental plants

H.    Animal Science and Care of Small Animals

1. Identify different species of animals
2. Identify breeds of livestock
3. Identify the external and internal anatomy of selected animals
4. Determine necessary nutrient requirements for animals
5. Identify signs of a healthy and unhealthy animal

I.    Ag Power and Technology

1. Identify the areas of study of Ag Power and Technology
2. Demonstrate knowledge of shop safety by scoring 100% on safety test
3. Demonstrate proper safety procedures in the shop
4. Successfully make a satisfactory weld using the SMAW
5. Successfully make a satisfactory cut using the Oxy-Gas cutting torch
6. Successfully complete a small welding project

Grading Policy:  The course will follow the school grading policy.
93-100        A
85-92          B
75-84          C
65-74          D
below 64    F

Grades will be determined by averaging test scores to equal 45% of the grade, averaging scores earned through hands-on classroom activities and projects to equal 45% of the grade, and the score earned in the area of their supervised project to equal 10% of the grade.

Note
Other items to consider when completing this course syllabus include:

1. Textbook used
2. Behavior expectations or routine you want followed
3. What to bring to class each day
4. Supplies or money that will be needed for the class
5. Any other item you feel would help parents and students know what to expect.

Suggestions:

1. Try and keep the syllabus to one page, front and back
2. Give a copy to students the first day of class and have them available for parents at the parent teacher meetings.
3. Use the syllabus to recruit students and visit with parents about "what their child will learn in Ag"
4. Parents, students and administrators all feel more comfortable with a class where they know what is being taught.