Natural Resources Course of Study
(Based on Agriculture, Food & Natural Resources National Career Cluster)
Course: Natural Resources
Grade Level: 9 - 12
Length: 7200 minutes
Course Description: Agriscience students in Michigan will demonstrate an
understanding of the natural environment and the interrelationships among humans and
the built and natural environments. By the end of 12th grade, Michigan Agriscience
students should be able to:
A) give examples of human impact on natural ecosystems
B) describe major ecosystems in Michigan
C) illustrate the conservation of matter using biogeochemical cycles (eg
carbon, nitrogen, phosphorus)
D) explain interactions among organisms or populations of organisms
E) explain how the environment is perceived differently by different
cultures
F) explain and cite examples of how humans shape the environment
G) identify natural resources that are found in Michigan, and those that are
imported
H) analyze how people impact their environment through resource use.
I) recognize the economic, environmental, and other factors that impact
resource availability and explain why certain resources are becoming
depleted
J) explain how human resource use can impact the environment (erosion,
burning fossil fuels)
K) identify careers related to natural resources and environmental
concerns
L) analyze the dynamic equilibrium of ecosystems, including interactions
among living and nonliving components (for example, tropical
deforestation is linked to decreased global precipitation)
Pathway Knowledge and Skills Statement: Recognize importance of resource and
human interrelations to conduct management activities in natural habitats.
Performance Element:
Identify resource management components to establish
relationships in natural resource systems.
(600 minutes)
Measurement Criteria:
Measurement Criteria:
Identify natural resources. (Topic 1011A-D)
Identify organizations and agencies involved in resource
management.
Identify impacts by humans on natural resources.
Describe ecosystem relationships. (Topic 1012A-D,
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Performance Element:
Topic 1014A)
Create habitat management plan.
Apply cartographic skills to natural resource activities.
(440 minutes)
Measurement Criteria:
Describe different types of maps.
Measurement Criteria:
Interpret map features and legend.
Measurement Criteria:
Determine map scale and actual distance. Measurement
Criteria:
Determine direction from map.
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Determine elevation and terrain features from topographic
maps.
Measurement Criteria:
Use directional tools with map to locate position.
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Use land survey and coordinate system. Measurement
Criteria:
Use Geographic Information System to interface
geospatial data.
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Interpret photos and images.
Performance Element:
Monitor natural resource status to obtain planning
data.
(825 minutes)
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Conduct resource inventory and population studies.
Establish sample plots and points.
Locate and identify resources.
Collect data concerning resource availability and health.
Maintain databases of resource data.
Use a Geographic Information System to analyze resource
data.
Prepare a technical report.
Describe the relationship of harvest levels to long-term
availability of resources.
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Performance Element:
Employ environmental and wildlife knowledge to
demonstrate natural resource enhancement techniques.
(825 minutes)
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Demonstrate stream enhancement techniques.
Demonstrate forest stand improvement techniques.
Demonstrate wildlife habitat enhancement techniques.
Demonstrate range enhancement techniques.
Demonstrate recreation area enhancement techniques.
Performance Element:
Examine weather and other criteria to recognize
dangers related to work in an outdoor environment.
(275 minutes)
Measurement Criteria:
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Recognize weather-related dangers.
Recognize hazards as they relate to terrain.
Recognize poisonous plants and animals.
Recognize hazardous situations at the work location.
Performance Element:
Learn applicable rules or laws to demonstrate
natural resource mitigation techniques.
(330 minutes)
Measurement Criteria:
Demonstrate mitigation techniques. (Topic 1031A-B, Topic
1032A-G, Topic 1033A, Topic 1035A-B)
Pathway Knowledge and Skills Statement: Use effective venues to communicate
natural phenomena to the public.
Performance Element:
Communicate natural resource information to the
general public.
(495 minutes)
Measurement Criteria:
Set up and staff a display booth that communicates a
natural resource topic during a community event.
Develop a public use area to explain natural resources.
Participate as a facilitator during a public meeting
concerning natural resource management. (Topic 1091A-C,
Topic 1092A-D)
Lead a group habitat conservation project.
Volunteer in a natural resource area.
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Performance Element:
Personally interpret natural resource phenomena to
natural resource users.
(440 minutes)
Measurement Criteria:
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Lead a group hike to interpret a natural area.
Conduct a workshop, activity or program to interpret an
example of natural resource conservation.
Develop an interpretive trail to describe a natural resource
area.
Produce printed material that interprets a natural resource
area or phenomenon.
Produce natural resource curriculum materials.
Develop a sign to communicate a natural resource
area or phenomenon.
Create a multi-media/video presentation that interprets a
natural resource topic, area or phenomenon.
Create a web page to present and interpret a natural
resource topic, area or phenomenon.
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Pathway Knowledge and Skills Statement:
resource management activities.
Apply scientific principles to natural
Performance Element:
Use science concepts, processes, and research
techniques to examine natural resource topics.
(275 minutes)
Measurement Criteria:
Develop a research/monitoring plan to inquire about a
natural resource topic.
Conduct a research/monitoring activity for a natural
resource topic.
Evaluate the results of a natural resource-related inquiry.
Produce a technical report of results/findings.
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Performance Element:
Examine biological and physical characteristics to
identify and classify natural resources.
(660 minutes)
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Identify tree species and other woody vegetation. (Topic
1101A-C)
Identify grass and forb species.
Identify wildlife species. (Topic 1017A-G, Topic 1161A-C)
Identify fish species.
Identify rocks, minerals and soil types.
Performance Element:
Examine natural cycles and related phenomena to
describe ecologic concepts and principles.
(770 minutes)
Measurement Criteria:
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Describe the hydrologic cycle. (Topic 1051A)
Describe the nitrogen cycle.
Describe the carbon cycle.
Describe nutrient cycles. (Topic 1016A-C)
Describe succession. (Topic 1019A-C)
Describe population dynamics. (Topic 1013A-C, Topic
1014A-B)
Describe primary and secondary producers. (Topic 1015AD)
Describe predator-prey relationships.
Identify potential pollution sources. (Topic 1071A-H,
Topic 1072A-G, Topic 1073A-H)
Define watershed boundaries. (Topic 1052A-D)
Use stream classification system. Describe the influence of
weather and climatic factors. (Topic 1061A-B)
Pathway Knowledge and Skills Statement: Employ knowledge of natural resource
industries to describe production practices and processing procedures.
Performance Element:
Prepare presentations to describe how natural
resource products are produced, harvested, processed
and used.
(495 minutes)
Measurement Criteria:
Describe forest harvest techniques and procedures. (Topic
1141A-H)
Describe wildlife harvest techniques and procedures.
Describe fish harvest techniques and procedures.
Describe how minerals and ores are extracted and
processed.
Describe how oil is extracted and processed.
Describe hydroelectric generation techniques and
procedures.
Describe how public recreation use is a product.
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Pathway Knowledge and Skills Statement: Practice responsible conduct to protect
natural resources.
Performance Element:
Employ techniques and equipment needed to
prevent wildfire.
(165 minutes)
Measurement Criteria:
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Demonstrate personal fire prevention precautions while
working in natural environments.
Participate in wildfire prevention community service
project.
Performance Element:
Use wildfire suppression techniques to demonstrate
abilities in firefighting and control.
(165 minutes)
Performance Element:
Recognize symptoms of animal and plant diseases and
use appropriate techniques to prevent their spread.
(165 minutes)
Measurement Criteria:
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Identify observable diseases impacting plants and animals.
Describe how to report observance of disease infestations.
Use appropriate techniques and equipment when working
with bio-hazards.
Performance Element:
Recognize insect types and available controls to
prevent insect infestation.
(110 minutes)
Identify and classify insects.
Identify insect damage signs.
Describe how to report observance of insect infestation.
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Performance Element:
Use acceptable pesticides to treat insect
infestation.
(55 minutes)
Measurement Criteria:
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Obtain appropriate pesticide applicators’ license.
Apply materials to treat for insect infestation.
Performance Element:
Know law enforcement procedures to manage
public gatherings and to gain entry into secure, closed
or restricted areas.
(110 minutes)
Measurement Criteria:
Demonstrate precautions to use when interfacing with the
public concerning regulations and law enforcement.
Describe security issues for closed and restricted areas.
Describe solutions to issues concerning public protection.
Recognize potential threat situations for the public and
other resource users.
Identify the appropriate law enforcement authority.
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Related FFA Activities
 Agricultural Issues
 Demonstration
 Greenhand Public Speaking
 Job Interview
 Junior High Public Speaking
 Public Speaking
 Farm Business Management
 Marketing
 Environmental Skills
 Forestry
 Land Conservation
 Agricultural Communications
Related SAE Activities
A. Students may participate in livestock and animal production projects:
1. Bee colonies
B. Students may participate in wildlife projects:
1. Deer ranches
2. Turkey
3. Mink
4. Fish/Aquaculture
D. Students can participate in experience projects:
1. Insect sweeper
2. Field worker
3. Field picker
4. Tractor driver
5. General farm worker
6. Fish and game assistant
7. ASCS or CES intern
8. Intern with commodity or government agency
9. Park management assistant
10. Tour guide
11. Forester
12. Nature center employee
E. Research projects/school enterprises (Refer to Topic 0002 for the scientific learning
process used in research.):
a. Wildlife/Fisheries habitat restoration projects
 Natural areas

Forest management test plots

Video tape production