Agricultural Mechanics-II
Course Syllabus
Instructor:
Jeff Parris
Email: talmadge_parris@iss.k12.nc.us
School Telephone: (704)-528-4536 extension 1392
Home Phone: (704) 528-8050
Course Description:
Agricultural Mechanics II is designed to provide students an in-depth study of agricultural mechanics as students
learn terminology, principles, and practices used in industry. This shop-oriented course emphasizes basic
knowledge and application of shop safety rules and proper uses of tools and materials. Topics include metal
fabrication using oxy-fuel and arc welding, agricultural power systems including small engines and tractors, and
agricultural construction including wood structures, water systems and fences. Skill and age-appropriate projects
are constructed to give students opportunities to apply agricultural mechanics principles. Agricultural Mechanics
II also includes agricultural leadership and employability skills.
Agricultural Mechanics-II Course Objectives: At the end of this course you should be able to…
● Demonstrate leadership skills needed in industry and organizations.
● Use the AET to keep SAE/FFA records and increase financial literacy.
● Demonstrate safe use of tools, fasteners, and equipment used in agricultural mechanics.
● Demonstrate safe use of oxyacetylene equipment and materials.
● Demonstrate safe use of SMAW, GMAW, and GTAW equipment and materials.
● Demonstrate safe use of tractors.
● Apply preventive maintenance procedures for tractors, equipment, and small engines.
● Apply procedures for building and maintaining wood structures, water systems, and fences.
Materials Required for Class:
 Three-Ring Binder (At Least 1”).
 Leather Boots (these can be kept in the shop)
 Coveralls/Change of Clothes That You Don’t Mind Getting Dirty (these can also be kept in the shop)
 Notebook Paper
 Writing Utensils (pens, pencils, markers)
 FFA Dues - $25.00 (Optional but highly encouraged)
Behavior: As a participant of this class, you are expected to do the following:
come to class prepared with notebook and pencil, be respectful to everyone at all
times, participate in all class activities and discussions, have a cooperative attitude,
follow directions when asked, maintain tools and equipment, and always put
SAFETY FIRST.
Participation/Attendance: You must be here in order to receive a participation
grade. If you are absent, you will receive a zero for that day’s participation grade
unless you complete an alternative assignment for homework. All tests missed
while absent must be made up in a timely manner. You are responsible for all
material given on any missed day for any future tests, quizzes, notebook grades or projects. Students who miss
more than 6 days of class will not receive credit for the course until they have made up their excessive days.
Tests & Quizzes: Section and Unit tests will be announced and based on the NC Agricultural Education
Blueprint and Elements test item banks for this course. All tests will be representative of the material covered in
class. Quizzes will be given periodically during the semester and may be announced or unannounced. Quizzes
will be based on material covered in class and/or in lab/shop. Quizzes may be oral, written or performance
based.
Notebook: A 3-ring binder notebook with loose-leaf paper is required for this class. Any material given in class
should be recorded and/or placed in your notebook in a neat and orderly manner. It is important for you to take
adequate notes. You may write in pencil or ink. Notebook checks may be announced or unannounced.
Supervised Agricultural Experience (SAE): Each student is expected to have a Supervised Agricultural
Experience project approved by the instructor. This project will require work outside of the instructional day. In
addition to performing the various tasks needed to complete the project, students will be required to keep
accurate records regarding their activities on the Agricultural Education Tracker (AET).
Student Organization (FFA): All students are highly encouraged to participate in the FFA Organization. Some
opportunities offered by the FFA are local activities, career development events, travel, and awards. The local
chapter meets every month with a banquet in May. If chapter dues are a financial burden please let the advisor
know. Scholarships for FFA dues are available for those in need. No child will be excluded from participating
because of financial difficulties.
Laboratory/Shop: This course will require students to participate in shop activities, work experiences, and field
trips. Students must have a safety contract with the appropriate signatures on file with the teacher before
participating in shop activities. Each student must also pass a safety test before he/she will be allowed to
take part in shop activities. A school insurance policy or a private policy is required for students taking this
course.
Bathroom Policy: You will be given 4 bathroom passes for each 9-week grading period which can be used as
needed once signed by Mr. Parris. Conserve your passes so that you have one available in case of an
emergency. If you still have them at the end of the grading period, you will be given extra credit on your
participation grade.
Grading:
Tests
Classwork & Quizzes
Participation
SAE Project
60%
15%
10%
15%
This course has an End of Course Test (VoCATS) administered by the Department of Public Instruction in
Raleigh. This exam grade will count as 20% of your final semester grade.
Textbooks: All agricultural students have access to a classroom set of textbooks, but we do not have enough
copies to issue each student a book. Therefore, it is essential that you use your time wisely to complete
assignments and exercises during class since these books cannot be taken from class without permission.