Agriscience I
Agriscience I provides students with basic knowledge of agriculture and the science applications
in agriculture. This course includes units in animal science, soil science, plant science,
agricultural mechanics, food science technology, and agricultural leadership. Mathematics,
science, English, biology, and human relations skills will be reinforced in the course. Workbased learning strategies appropriate for this course are school-based enterprises, field trips, and
internships. Supervised agricultural experience programs and the FFA leadership activities are
integral components of the course and provide many opportunities for practical application of
instructional competencies.
Prerequisite: None
Table of Contents
Louisiana Agricultural Education Related Content Standards
2
Content Guideline
Introduction to Agriculture
Agriculture Leadership
Animal Science
Soil Science
Energy
Plant Science
Food Science
Agricultural Mechanics
Local Options
Resources
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Agriscience I
Page 1
Local Options
Agricultural Mechanics
Food Science
Plant Science
Energy
Soil Science
Animal Science
*All benchmarks are not marked for all Agricultural courses.
Agriculture Leadership
Louisiana
Agricultural Education
Related
Content Standards
Content Guideline
Introduction to Agriculture
Agriscience I
STRAND: Agricultural Literacy K-12
Standard: All students will become aware of the characteristics and components of the food and fiber systems.
a. Agricultural awareness grades K-4
b. Agricultural literacy grades 5-8
c. Agricultural literacy grades 9-12
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STRAND: Personal Development
Standard: AgEd/FFA students will develop the necessary interpersonal and communication skills to obtain a job and work effectively
and safely in an interactive work environment.
a. Agricultural communication
b. Team work in agriculture
c. Careers in agriculture
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STRAND: Agribusiness
Standard: AgEd/FFA students will understand the concept of agricultural marketing, management, finance, and entrepreneurship.
a. Production systems
b. Selections from various choices
c. Factors that make employees successful
d. Agricultural marketing sales and services
e. Economics of production
f. Develop a business plan
Developed May 2003
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Agriscience I
Page 2
Local Options
Agricultural Mechanics
Food Science
Plant Science
Energy
Soil Science
Animal Science
*All benchmarks are not marked for all Agricultural courses.
Agriculture Leadership
Louisiana
Agricultural Education
Related
Content Standards
Content Guideline
Introduction to Agriculture
Agriscience I
STRAND: Biotechnology in Agriculture
Standard: AgEd/FFA students will understand the concepts and principles of biotechnology and the relationships biotechnology has with
the agricultural environment.
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a. Basic concepts and applications of biotechnology
b. Impacts and public issues of biotechnology
c. Processes and applications affecting the plant systems
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d. Processes and applications affecting animal systems
e. Microbial-biotechnology in agriculture
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STRAND: Animal Systems
Standard: AgEd/FFA students will understand the concepts and principles of animal science.
a. Selection of livestock, poultry, and other animals
b. Anatomy and physiology of livestock, poultry, and other animals
c. Reproduction of livestock, poultry, and other animals
d. Nutrition of livestock, poultry, and other animals
e. Environmental factors affecting livestock, poultry, and other animal
systems
f. Diseases and parasites of livestock, poultry, and other animals
g. Ethical issues related to livestock, poultry, and other animal systems
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Agriscience I
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Local Options
Agricultural Mechanics
Food Science
Plant Science
Energy
Soil Science
Animal Science
*All benchmarks are not marked for all Agricultural courses.
Agriculture Leadership
Louisiana
Agricultural Education
Related Content Standards
Content Guideline
Introduction to Agriculture
Agriscience I
STRAND: Plant Systems
Standard: AgEd/FFA students will understand the concepts and principles of plant science.
a. Internal processes affecting plant growth and reproduction
b. External environmental factors affecting plant growth and
reproduction
c. Soil fertility
d. Plant production
e. Landscaping and floriculture
f. Crops of Louisiana
g. Horticultural crops of Louisiana
h. Agribusiness relating to crop production
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STRAND: Environmental Management
Standard: AgEd/FFA students will develop an understanding of the interrelationship between people, agriculture, and the environment.
a. Universal impact of forestry
b. Wildlife management and conservation
c. Environmental quality
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Agriscience I
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Local Options
Agricultural Mechanics
Food Science
Plant Science
Energy
Soil Science
Animal Science
*All benchmarks are not marked for all Agricultural courses.
Agriculture Leadership
Louisiana
Agricultural Education
Related Content Standards
Content Guideline
Introduction to Agriculture
Agriscience I
STRAND: Agricultural Processing
Standard: AgEd/FFA students will develop an understanding of the processes of distributing, grading, inspecting, processing, mixing,
packaging, and storing of food and non-food products.
a. Agricultural meat processing
b. Milk and dairy product processing
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c. Fruits and vegetable processing
d. Grain crop processing
e. Career awareness
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STRAND: Agriscience Technology
Standard: AgEd/FFA students will demonstrate technical skills that reflect successful business and industry practices.
a. Agriculture power and energy
b. Energy sources in agriculture
c. Mathematics in agriscience technology
d. Agriscience welding technology
e. Agricultural structures and facilities
Developed May 2003
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Agriscience I
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Agriscience I
Content Guideline
(The student will be able to . . .)
Unit One
Introduction to Agriculture
1. Orientation to the Agriscience Program
a. Recognize the relationship among the classroom, Supervised Agricultural Experience
(SAE), and FFA as parts of the agriculture program.
b. Describe the principal duties of the student, the parents, and the teacher for completion of
each part.
c. Outline a course of study for Agriscience I.
2. Career Opportunities in the Agriculture Industry
a. Describe the scope of the agriculture industry.
b. Discuss the economic impact of agriculture in Louisiana.
c. Determine the relationship between agribusiness and production agriculture.
d. Relate personal interests to career choices.
3. The Supervised Agricultural Experience (SAE) Program
a. Define the purpose and benefit of the SAE.
b. Identify career areas of personal interest.
c. Develop personalized SAE plans.
4. Introduction to the Agricultural Portfolio Development
a. Determine the components of a complete portfolio.
b. Develop a simplified record keeping system.
c. Initiate and maintain records for the personal SAE.
5. Classroom/Lab Safety and Management
a. Develop classroom safety rules.
b. Develop lab safety rules.
c. Follow safe procedures in laboratory investigations.
6. Problem-Solving
a. Relate the problem-solving process to the scientific method.
b. Describe the steps in the scientific method.
c. Differentiate between problem-solving and the scientific method.
Unit Two
Agricultural Leadership
1. Introduction to the National FFA Organization
Demonstrate and develop an understanding of the FFA: aims and purposes, emblem, proper
use of jacket, code of ethics, creed, organizational structure, color, motto, history, degree
requirements, awards, activities, career development events, and official dress.
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2. Individual and Team Development Through FFA Opportunities
a. Develop a personal plan of the activities for participation in the FFA.
b. Write and present a three-minute speech.
c. Earn the Greenhand degree.
3. Development of Interpersonal Skills
a. Make an introduction.
b. Demonstrate official FFA attire.
c. Discuss personal presentation.
Unit Three
Animal Science
1. Animal Anatomy and Physiology
a. Diagram and identify and state the functions of the major parts of the animal cell.
b. Describe the process of cell division.
c. Identify the primary external parts of an animal.
2. Animal Selection Based on Physiology and Genetics
a. Distinguish among the major breeds or production types of primary livestock species.
b. Determine the market classes and market grades used for the primary meat yielding
animals.
c. Explore the influence of pedigrees, blood tests, and DNA tests on livestock selection.
d. Visually determine the primary criteria for stock selection in each major type of livestock
mammal.
e. Orally develop reasons for the placement and selection of market breeding and
performance animals.
3. Disease and Parasites
a. Distinguish between good health and poor health of animals.
b. Distinguish among the primary casual factors of the major types of animal diseases.
c. Develop a plan for disease prevention for one species of livestock.
d. Determine common signs of parasites infestation in livestock.
e. Classify the major parasites groups that affect livestock.
f. Develop a plan for control of parasites in livestock.
Unit Four
Soil Science
1. Soil Formation
a. Define soil, physical properties, soil texture, clay, sand, silt, loamy, soil structure, and
drainage.
b. Distinguish among the major horizons of a soil profile.
c. Discuss the factor and conditions that influence soil formation and condition.
d. Identify the major components of a soil.
e. Determine the effects of each soil component on plant growth.
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2. Soil Properties
a. Describe soil by physical properties.
b. Distinguish among physical, chemical, and biological properties of the soil.
c. Distinguish between homogenous and heterogeneous mixtures in soil.
3. Chemical and Biological Properties of the Soil
a. Describe the properties of acids and bases.
b. Differentiate between strong and weak acids, strong bases, and weak bases.
c. Use the pH scale to calculate and measure the concentration of OH.
d. Relate soil pH to nutrient availability.
e. Investigate the effect of soil pH on plant growth.
f. Develop a plan for changing soil pH to meet crop needs.
g. Determine how to take a soil sample for testing.
Unit Five
Energy
1. Energy Usage in Agriculture
a. Describe the common energy transformation used to produce power for agriculture.
b. Identify common types of power used in agriculture operations.
c. Describe the inherent flaws of common engines used in agriculture.
2. Sources of Energy
a. Investigate the availability of fossil fuels in addition to the environment effects of each
type of fossil fuel.
b. Describe the common applications of fossil fuels in agriculture.
3. Identify and describe alternative energy sources for agriculture.
Unit Six
Plant Science
1. Plant Growth
a. Describe the functions of external plant parts.
b. Classify plants by botanical classification.
c. Describe the life cycle and common uses of crop plant.
d. Describe the functions of the parts of the plant cell.
e. Compare and contrast the processes of photosynthesis and respiration.
f. Describe the process and the role of osmosis in plant growth.
g. Analyze the roles of carbohydrates, lipids, and proteins in plants and animals.
2. Plant Environment
a. Determine the roles of plant nutrients for plant growth.
b. Describe the effects of external factors (gravity, water, light, and temperature) on plant
adaptation and development.
c. Explain the limiting factor concept.
3. Pest Control, Weeds, Insects and Diseases
a. Define weed.
b. Analyze the effects of weeds on crop and plant production.
c. Identify major categories of weeds.
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d. Develop a weed control system for crop production.
e. Identify potential hazards in the use of pesticides.
f. Describe the relationship between moisture and plant growth.
Unit Seven
Food Science
1. History and Trends of Food Processing
a. Define food preservation.
b. Summarize five common historical methods of food preservation.
c. Describe current technologies for food preservation.
d. Discuss current trends in food preservation.
2. Chemical and Biological Food Deterioration
a. Analyze the major causes of deterioration in food products.
b. Analyze the effects of methods used to prevent food deterioration.
c. Plan a sanitation program for implementation in a food processing facility.
3. Food Processing Methods
a. Describe the primary types of food processing.
b. Compare food processing techniques for a variety of food types.
Unit Eight
Agricultural Mechanics
1. Introduction/Safety
a. Describe the role of agricultural mechanics in food and fiber production.
b. Demonstrate safety behavior for mechanical shop usage.
c. Demonstrate safety awareness.
2. Woodworking/Construction
a. Demonstrate usage of common measuring devices used in agricultural mechanical work.
b. Apply geometric principles to agricultural mechanics.
c. Use basic mathematical calculations in agricultural mechanics.
d. Identify common tools in the agricultural mechanics laboratory.
e. Demonstrate proper usage of common tools.
f. Describe common fasteners.
g. Select appropriate fasteners for various applications.
h. Develop a working plan and drawing for completing a project.
i. Follow the working plan to complete the project.
3. Electricity
a. Distinguish between AC and DC currents.
b. Diagram and/or identify parallel and series circuits.
c. Measure and calculate electrical power and energy.
d. Describe the applications of a variety of switches for agriculture.
e. Design a safe circuit to fulfill an agricultural application.
f. Wire a circuit for an agricultural application.
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Unit Nine
Local Options
Set up by instructor and advisor committee.
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Resources
1.
Interstate Publishers, Inc.
Agriscience, Technology and Environmental Catalog
PO Box 50
Danville IL 61834-0050
Tele: 1-800-843-4774
Fax: 217-446-9706
Email: info-ipp@IPPINC.com
2.
Instructional Materials Service
Agricultural Science & Technology Catalog
Texas A&M University
F.E. Box 2588
College Station TX 77843-2588
Tele: 409-845-6601
Fax: 409-845-6608
3.
Instructional Materials Laboratory
University of Missouri-Columbia
Department of Practical Arts & Vocational Technical Education
2316 Industrial Drive
Columbia MO 65202
Tele: 573-882-2883
Fax: 573-882-1992
4.
North Carolina Cooperative Extension Service
http://www.ces.ncsu.edu
Agriculture Agent
Local County
North Carolina Department of Agriculture
http://www.agr.state.nc.us/
5.
Visual Education Production
VEP Catalog
California Polytechnic State University
San Luis Obispo CA 93407
Tele: 1-800-235-4146
Fax: 1-800-547-8638
6.
Ohio Agricultural Education
Curriculum Materials Service
254 Agricultural Administration Building
The Ohio State University
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2120 Fyffe Road
Columbus OH 43210-1067
Tele: 614-292-4848 Fax: (24 hours) 1-800-292-4919
7.
Idaho Curriculum Dissemination Center
College of Education 209
University of Idaho
Moscow ID 83844-3083
Tele: 208-885-6556
Fax: 208-885-6869
8.
Publications Distribution Center
College of Agricultural Science
Penn State University
112 Agricultural Administration Building
University Park PA 16802-2602
Tele: 814-865-6713
Fax: 814-863-5560
9.
Modern Education Services
381 Park Avenue South, Suite 713
New York NY 10016
Tele: 212-696-5050 or 1-800-243-6877
Fax: 212-696-9065
10.
For Delmar publications and materials, contact:
ITP Order Processing Center
7625 Empire Drive
Box 6094
Florence KY 41022-6904
Tele: 1-800-354-9706
For Desk Copy or Preview call: 1-800-824-5179
11.
Vocational Agriculture Service
University of Illinois
1401 South Maryland Drive
Urbana IL 61801
Tele: 217-333-3871
Fax: 217-333-0005
12.
Curriculum and Instructional Materials Center
Oklahoma Department of Vocational and Technical Education
1500 West 7th Avenue
Stillwater OK
Tele: 1-800-654-4502
Fax: 1-405-743-5154
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13.
Hobar Publications
3943 Meadowbrook Road
Minneapolis MN 55426
Tele: 612-938-9330
Fax: 612-938-7353
14.
Midwest Agribusiness Services, Inc.
4565 Hwy 33 W
West Bend WI 53095
Tele: 1-800-523-3475
Fax: 414-629-9628
15.
AAVIM
220 Smithonia Road
Winterville GA 30683
Tele: 1-800-228-4689 or 706-742-5355
Fax: 706-742-7005
16.
VERNARD Films, Ltd.
Farm Film Foundation
Box 1332
Peoria IL 61654
Tele: 309-699-3911
Fax: 309-699-3937
17.
National FFA Organization
Attn: Distribution Services
National FFA Center
PO Box 68960
Indianapolis, IN 46268-0999
Tele: 1-888-332-2668
Fax: 1-800-366-6556
18.
Teaching Aids, Inc.
PO Box 1798
Costa Mesa CA 92628
Tele: 714-786-8794
Fax: 714-786-8794
19.
Simon and Schuster
PO Box 2649
Columbus OH 43216-2649
Tele: 1-800-848-9500
Fax: 614-771-7361
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20.
Glenco/McGraw-Hill
PO Box 543
Blacklick OH 43004-0543
Tele: 1-800-334-7344
Fax: 614-860-1877
21.
Internal Revenue Service
Taxpayer Education Office, in Greensboro
320 Federal Place
Greensboro, NC 27401
Tele: 336-378-2193
22.
N. C. Department of Revenue
Office of Public Affairs
PO Box 25000
Raleigh, NC 27640
Tele: 919-733-5327
23.
Deere & Company
ATTN: Al Higley
John Deere Road
Moline, IL 61265
Tele: 309-765-4714
Fax: 309-765-5083
Email: AH33418@Deere.com
24.
North Carolina FFA Association
Box 7607
Ricks Hall
N.C. State University
Raleigh, NC 27695
Tele: 919-515-4206
Fax: 919-515-9060
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