Agriscience II Sample Syllabus

Course Description:  This course is designed as level two content in the introduction to the world of Agriculture and Agriscience.  Students will have the opportunity to explore more in depth the affects and impact Agriculture has in our lives.  Upon completion of the course, students will be able to apply skills learned in the areas of science, economics, and daily living.

Content:

A.  Discuss the benefits of Agriculture

   - Discuss the areas of Agriculture today and compare to the past.

   - List the benefits of Agriculture to the United States.

   - List areas of Agriculture.

B.  Determine how Technology and Agriculture work together.

   - List items of new and old technology used in Agriculture.

   - Discuss the benefits of using agriculture technology.

   - Discuss the importance of technology in food science.

   - Discuss the importance of computers and computer technology in agriculture.

C.  List the ways in which agriculture promotes a good life.

    - Discuss how agriculture affects the nutritional aspects of our lives.

    - Determine the role that agriculture plays in the economy.

    - Discuss how agriculture affects our natural resources and environment.

    - Discuss the role of agriculture and our food supply.

D.  Science in agriculture

    - Discuss aspects of agriculture that deal with life sciences.

    - Discuss aspects of agriculture that deal with physical sciences.

    - Discuss aspects of agriculture that deal with Earth sciences.

    - Discuss aspects of agriculture that deal with Chemistry.

E.  The partnerships between agriculture and our natural resources.

    - Define terms associated with natural resources and our environment.

    - List practices used in agriculture that could be damaging to the environment.

    - Discuss sustainable agriculture and practices.

    - List commonly known natural resources.

    - Discuss renewable and non-renewable natural resources.

F.  Discuss the purpose and uses of biotechnology in agriculture.

    - Define terms associated with biotechnology.

    - Discuss the types of biotechnology used in plant reproduction.

    - Discuss the role of DNA in biotechnology.

    - List the benefits of biotechnology.

    - List the dangers associated with biotechnology.

G.  Discuss the impact of agriculture across the world.

    - Determine if agriculture is the same in the U.S. as it is around the world.

    - Determine the reasons behind improvements in food supplies and nutritional content of the product.

    - Discuss how and if food commodities are traded around the world.

    - Discuss if food products are safe for consumption.

H.  Discuss how animals benefit people.

    - Define terms associated with animals and their uses.

    - List common uses of animals in our daily lives.

    - List types of animals we contact in our lives.

    - Detail the digestion of animals and compare to humans.

    - Identify the nutritional needs of animals and compare to humans.

    - Discuss the care and well being of animals.

I.  Determine the importance of plants.

    - Define terms associated with plants and soil.

    - List the uses of plants.

    - Identify the parts of a plant and flower.

    - Discuss leaf shapes and trees.

    - Discuss growing conditions and necessary nutrients for plants.

    - Identify common pests in the yard.

    - Identify common grain and plant seeds.

J.  Discuss the value and importance of soil.

    - List the components of soil.

    - Identify the horizons in a soil profile.

    - Determine textures of soil based upon feel and appearance.

    - Discuss soil erosion and list preventative measures.

    - Identify common grasses and weeds.

    - Discuss the uses of soil.

    - Using a practice site, the student will be able to classify a designated site according to land class.

J.  Discuss the aspects of food science that are commonly unknown by consumers.

    - Define terms associated with food science.

    - Discuss food spoilage and shelf life.

    - List types of food preservatives.

    - Discuss processing risks to the consumer.

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.

(This syllabus was developed using the Interstate Publishers textbook, "Agriscience Explorations".  Written by Elizabeth M. Morgan, Ray E. Chelewski, Jasper S. Lee, and Elizabeth Wilson.)

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