Course Description
This course covers topics relative to the conservation of our natural resources. Students will study soil formation, erosion and erosion control. Water supply, use, management, pollution, and use planning. Forestry, forestry products, management, fires and control. Fish and wildlife, game management, marine and freshwater fishery management, aquaculture. Outdoor recreation. Fossil fuels, alternative energy sources, management. Nuclear power. Metals and Minerals, careers in Natural Resources. Students will also study the National FFA Organization and Supervised Agricultural Experience (SAE) and parliamentary procedure. This is a full year course.
The text for this class is Managing Our Natural Resources, Dougherty and Camp, published by ITP.
Instructional Philosophy:
Agricultural Education enables students to learn facts, analyze problems, and have an opportunity to gain self-confidence. This confidence is a gradually developing process. Each student is given the opportunity to achieve individual accomplishments while working in small groups and on individual projects. The self-confidence that students acquire helps them in all phases of their lives. With confidence in themselves, they are able to make wiser decisions that have been reasoned out.
The relevant skills taught in Agricultural Education are of vital importance to students of both sexes and of all academic and economic levels. Every student is involved in some phase of agriculture, regardless of his or her paid occupation. Students are given the opportunity to acquire facts and develop competencies and apply these facts through their own Supervised Agricultural Experience and to develop themselves into competent community leaders through their involvement in the National FFA Organization.
Course Goals
| A. | MANAGING AND CONSERVING SOILS | ||
| 1. | Define the functions of soils | ||
| 2. | Describe major components of soil | ||
| 3. | Describe the soil formation process | ||
| 4. | Determine soil structure | ||
| 5. | Determine soil characteristics based on color | ||
| 6. | Determine the texture of soil | ||
| 7. | Identify the horizons of a soil profile | ||
| 8. | Evaluate moisture carrying capacity of soils | ||
| 9. | Determine land capability classes | ||
| 10. | Evaluate land using evaluation card | ||
| 11. | Describe types of soil erosion | ||
| 12. | Evaluate water erosion control methods | ||
| 13. | Evaluate wind erosion control methods | ||
| 14. | Calculate soil loss using erosion loss equation | ||
| 15. | Develop a land use plan | ||
| 16. | Interpret a soil survey map | ||
| 17. | Take a soil sample | ||
| 18. | Determine soil pH | ||
| 19. | Use soil test equipment to measure nutrients | ||
| 20. | Prepare soil test information forms | ||
| 21. | Describe purpose of Soil Conservation Districts | ||
| 22. | Identify functions of SCS | ||
| B. | PLANNING RESOURCE RECREATION | ||
| 1. | List agencies responsible for outdoor recreation | ||
| 2. | Identify recreational needs of communities | ||
| 3. | Lead or guide recreational activities | ||
| 4. | Select recreational sites | ||
| 5. | Prepare a site development plan | ||
| 6. | Design a nature walk | ||
| 7. | Administer CPR | ||
| 8. | Apply basic emergency first aid | ||
| 9. | Demonstrate use of a compass | ||
| 10. | Find locations using a map | ||
| C. | MANAGING WILDLIFE | ||
| 1. | Illustrate predator and prey population | ||
| 2. | Identify fur wildlife species | ||
| 3. | Identify species of fish | ||
| 4. | Identify game birds/non-game birds/waterfowl | ||
| 5. | Define endangered and threatened species | ||
| 6. | Evaluate food sources of wildlife | ||
| 7. | Create a food web | ||
| 8. | Take random population sample of wildlife | ||
| 9. | Identify fur wildlife habitats | ||
| 10. | Identify plant growth problems in ponds | ||
| 11. | Plan fish habitat improvements | ||
| 12. | Determine wildlife land carry capacity | ||
| 13. | Determine carrying capacity of ponds | ||
| 14. | Plan wildlife habitat improvements | ||
| 15. | Identify techniques used in raising game birds | ||
| 16. | Demonstrate safe hunting practices | ||
| 17. | Interpret game laws | ||
| 18. | Identify wildlife trapping methods | ||
| 19. | Prepare specimens for tanning | ||
| D. | MANAGING TREES/FORESTRY OPERATIONS | ||
| 1. | Define a forest community | ||
| 2. | Identify parts of a tree | ||
| 3. | Classify trees by deciduous or coniferous | ||
| 4. | Identify tree species/forest plants | ||
| 5. | Design a shelterbelt | ||
| 6. | Prepare soil medium for tree planting | ||
| 7. | Plant trees from seed | ||
| 8. | Prepare seedbed for transplanting | ||
| 9. | Transplant tree seedlings | ||
| 10. | List cultural practices used in tree production | ||
| 11. | Identify and control insects affecting trees | ||
| 12. | Identify and control diseases affecting trees | ||
| 13. | Identify and control weeds in tree plots | ||
| 14. | Calculate board feet in a tree | ||
| 15. | Measure tree height and diameter breast height | ||
| 16. | Determine growth rate and age of trees | ||
| 17. | Identify forest harvesting patterns | ||
| 18. | Select trees for harvesting | ||
| 19. | Identify and use forestry safety equipment | ||
| 20. | Identify forest harvesting tools | ||
| 21. | Determine volume of a log | ||
| 22. | List steps in processing logs | ||
| 23. | Identify uses of wood products | ||
| 24. | Identify lumber defects | ||
| 25. | Identify methods of drying wood | ||
| 26. | Evaluate and grade finished lumber | ||
| 27. | Identify sources of forestry assistance agency | ||
| 28. | Describe environmental damages caused by fire | ||
| 29. | Identify forest fire management practices | ||
| 30. | Identify use of fire fighting equipment | ||
| E. | MANAGING WATER RESOURCES | ||
| 1. | Describe the hydrologic cycle | ||
| 2. | Identify surface and ground water supplies | ||
| 3. | Analyze a watershed reference map | ||
| 4. | Calculate water needs of farm/rural community | ||
| 5. | Interpret water use laws and rights | ||
| 6. | Determine water quality standards | ||
| 7. | Collect a water sample | ||
| 8. | Conduct dissolved oxygen test | ||
| 9. | Test water for hardness | ||
| 10. | Conduct water sodium test | ||
| 11. | Conduct nitrate test | ||
| 12. | Conduct a phosphate test | ||
| 13. | Conduct water pH test | ||
| 14. | Conduct water salinity test | ||
| 15. | Determine water turbidity | ||
| 16. | Make a bacteria plate count | ||
| 17. | Interpret water analysis results | ||
| 18. | Determine point and non-point contamination | ||
| 19. | Identify stages of water filtration | ||
| 20. | Identify stages of water purification | ||
| F. | RELATED COMPETENCIES | ||
| 1. | Identify careers that require competencies in natural resources | ||
| A. | DEVELOPING THE GENERAL SAE PROGRAM | ||
| SAE Record Book – Student, Teachers Guide | |||
| 1. | Define and identify goals | ||
| 2. | Plan a calendar of events | ||
| 3. | Complete and record FFA activities | ||
| 4. | Complete and record community activities | ||
| 5. | Complete improvement projects | ||
| 6. | Identify and record non-SAE earnings | ||
| 7. | Record personal expenses | ||
| 8. | Obtain and record SAE project loans | ||
| 9. | Complete a depreciation schedule | ||
| 10. | Complete a financial statement | ||
| 11. | Summarize SAE activities | ||
| B. | DEVELOPING PRODUCTION SAE PROGRAMS | ||
| 1. | Develop business agreements for production entrepreneurship projects | ||
| 2. | Prepare inventory statements | ||
| 3. | Complete an income journal | ||
| 4. | Complete animal feed records | ||
| 5. | Complete an expense journal | ||
| 6. | Record plant program information | ||
| 7. | Complete livestock breeding records | ||
| 8. | Calculate dairy production data | ||
| 9. | Record project hours of labor | ||
| 10. | Identify and record approved practices | ||
| 11. | Calculate enterprise budget & summary | ||
| 12. | Complete enterprise efficiency record | ||
| C. | DEVELOPING A DIRECTED LAB/SKILLS PROGRAM | ||
| 1. | Evaluate and select DLE enterprises | ||
| 2. | Develop DL/S training agreement | ||
| 3. | Record DL/S activities | ||
| D. | DEVELOPING AN AGRIBUSINESS PROGRAM | ||
| 1. | Complete a business plan | ||
| 2. | Project business materials cost | ||
| 3. | Project business labor cost | ||
| 4. | Project business operation cost | ||
| 5. | Project business equipment cost | ||
| 6. | Compute business profit potential | ||
| 7. | Complete a business inventory | ||
| 8. | Record business income | ||
| 9. | Record business expenses | ||
| 10. | Complete a business labor record | ||
| 11. | Calculate business profit/efficiency | ||
| E. | DEVELOPING PLACEMENT SAE PROGRAMS | ||
| 1. | Develop agribusiness placement training agreement | ||
| 2. | Develop agribusiness placement training plan | ||
| 3. | Record employment related expenses | ||
| 4. | Record employment related income | ||
| A. | FUNCTIONING AS AN ORGANIZATION MEMBER | ||
| Student FFA Handbook – FFA Supply Service | |||
| 1. | Become familiar with FFA history | ||
| 2. | Become familiar with FFA Creed | ||
| 3. | Become familiar with FFA Aims and Purposes | ||
| 4. | Become familiar with FFA Constitution and Bylaw | ||
| 5. | Qualify for Greenhand Degree | ||
| 6. | Prepare a business meeting agenda | ||
| 7. | Assist in developing chapter program of work | ||
| 8. | Demonstrate five parliamentary procedure skills | ||
| 9. | Become familiar with officers and duties | ||
| 10. | Identify FFA activities available to members (awards, travel, contests, conventions, etc.) | ||
| 11. | Develop a plan for involvement in FFA | ||
| 12. | Complete proficiency award applications | ||
| 13. | Qualify for Chapter FFA Degree | ||
| 14. | Qualify for State FFA Degree | ||
| 15. | Qualify for American FFA Degree | ||
| B. | RELATING TO OTHERS IN SOCIETY | ||
| 1. | Describe purposes for committees | ||
| 2. | Identify types of committees (ad hoc, standing) | ||
| 3. | Describe the decision making process | ||
| 4. | Demonstrate etiquette and social skills | ||
| 5. | Carry on a conversation with others | ||
| 6. | Demonstrate effective listening and answering skills | ||
| 7. | Identify types of speeches/presentations (impromptu, demonstration, extemporaneous, etc.) | ||
| 8. | Prepare and deliver speech/presentation | ||
| 9. | Lead a group discussion | ||
| C. | DEVELOPING A PLAN FOR PERSONAL IMPROVEMENT | ||
| 1. | Complete a personality inventory | ||
| 2. | Develop goals for personal improvement | ||
| 3. | Demonstrate confidence | ||
| 4. | Exhibit perseverance | ||
| 5. | Show ability to comprehend instructions | ||
| 6. | Demonstrate initiative | ||
| 7. | Demonstrate reliability | ||
| 8. | Exhibit tact | ||
| 9. | Demonstrate loyalty | ||
| 10. | Demonstrate enthusiasm | ||
| 11. | Demonstrate cooperation | ||
| 12. | Exhibit adaptability | ||
| 13. | Exhibit proper grooming | ||
| 14. | Provide leadership | ||
| 15. | Exhibit poise | ||
| 16. | Exhibit honesty | ||
Major Course Projects
Record Book Simulation
Maintenance of Fresh and Salt Water Aquaria
Land Judging Project
FFA Creed Collage
Course Assessment
This course will follow the district wide grading scale which is mandated by the West Central School Board:
92-100% A
83-91% B
74-82% C
65-73% D
Below 64% F
The total points for the grading period will be used to determine the letter grade received by the student. Students will have the opportunity to earn Bonus Points through involvement in FFA activities. Bonus points are added to their daily classroom grade.
Missing and Late work policy:
All work for a Unit is due when the student takes the test for that unit. Any assignments that have not been turned in prior to the test will be scored 0.