Agricultural Science I

Credit: 1.00
Course Preface
Core Code: 30-01-00-00-050
Printable Version: Agricultural Science I (pdf)

Course Description
This is an introductory course for students in agricultural education and can serve as the foundation course for advanced courses in animal science, plant science, horticulture, natural resources, agricultural systems technology, or the composite course agricultural science and technology II. Topics covered will be basic animal and plant science, personal and leadership development, and agricultural career awareness. Through this process the students will develop agricultural literacy.

Core Standards of the Course

Standard 010311-01
Students will develop an understanding of the role of FFA in Agricultural Education Programs.

• Investigate the history and organization of the FFA.

• Discover opportunities in the FFA.
• Determine FFA degrees, awards, and Career Development Events (CDE’s).

• Develop awareness of FFA officer duties and responsibilities.
• Plan and organize an FFA meeting.

• Research youth clubs and organizations.
• Appreciate community service organizations and involvement.

Standard 010311-02
Students will understand the benefits of a Supervised Agricultural Experience (SAE) Program.

• Determine the benefits of an SAE.

• Discuss types of SAE projects.

• Research possible SAE Programs.
• Develop an annual plan for an SAE Program.
• Implement an SAE Program and record system.

• Maintain and use SAE records.
• Develop a long-range plan for an SAE Program.

Standard 010311-03
Students will understand impacts of agriculture on society.

• Determine the nature of the agriculture/horticulture industry.
• Indicate agriculture/horticulture occupations.
• Determine needs and competencies for successful employment.
• Determine working conditions and earning potential.
• Determine individual agriculture/horticulture interests.

• Determine the history of agriculture.
• Summarize the importance of agriculture to society.
• Describe trends in agriculture.

• Determine the kinds and importance of natural resources.
• Describe components and processes in ecosystems.
• Determine sources of environmental pollution.
• Compare methods of waste disposal.
• Determine how to reduce agricultural pollution.

• Recognize scope of world agricultural production.
• Determine the use of technology in world food and fiber production.
• Illustrate the role of consumers in world agriculture systems.

• Explain major areas and benefits of agriscience and technology.
• Give examples of agricultural research practices and applications.
• Determine the role of international development in agriculture.

• Determine the nature of biotechnology.
• Determine the basis for biotechnology research.
• Recognize agricultural applications of biotechnology.
• Determine future impacts of and concerns brought about by agricultural biotechnology research.
• Identify career opportunities in agricultural biotechnology.
• Determine the role of science and technology in agricultural production.
• Determine the role of precision technologies.

Standard 010311-04
Students will understand skills needed for employment in the agriculture/horticulture industry.

• Explain self-understanding and personal assessment.
• Develop human relations skills in the workplace.

• Define communication and its components and processes.
• Describe effective communication techniques.
• Identify effective speaking techniques.
• Develop listening techniques.
• Organize and present a persuasive message.
• Use communication skills in appropriate situations.

• Use English and metric measurements.
• Determine area and volume.
• Calculate interest rates.

• Compare the problem-solving and decision making processes.
• Describe the problem-solving method of learning (teaching).

• Define and explain ethics in agribusiness.

• Explain where accidents occur and agencies associated with workplace safety.
• Explain why accidents occur and how to prevent them.

Standard 010311-05
Students will understand basic principles of agriculture/horticulture science.

• Determine the nature of soil.
• Investigate soil texture and structure.
• Explain a soil profile.
• Examine moisture-holding capacity.
• Investigate soil degradation.
• Inspect soil erosion and management practices.

• Classify and name plants.
• Examine plant structures and functions.
• Examine flowers and fruits.
• Identify plant types and uses.
• Determine the importance of photosynthesis and respiration.

• Compare differences between plants and animals.
• Investigate the anatomy and physiology of animals.
• Examine animal reproduction.
• Explore the animal industry.

• Determine the importance of natural resource conservation.
• Describe soil conservation methods and practices.
• Describe water conservation methods and practices.
• Investigate the importance of wildlife conservation.
• Illustrate the importance of forest conservation.

• Explore food science and its benefits.
• Explore food preservation methods.
• Describe food spoilage prevention.
• Describe food safety and sanitation.
• Explore food science and world food supply.

Standard 010311-06
Students will understand basic agribusiness principles and skills.

• Investigate personal finances and goal making.
• Distinguish the pros and cons of borrowing money.
• Determine sources of credit.

• Explore principles of business management.
• Research corporations and cooperatives.

• Explain the purpose of record keeping.
• Describe net worth, cash flow, income statements, and computerized record keeping.
• Investigate budgets and financial analysis ratios.