Ag Ed 815, “Teaching Agricultural and Power Mechanics”
3 credits.
In conjunction with the Briggs & Stratton factory-training program, the
Clemson University Agricultural Education Program will be coordinating the opportunity for a group of Agricultural Education Instructors from
South Carolina to attend a B & S 2005 summer training program.
Location- Milwaukee, Wisconsin
Dates- Depart Greenville/Spartanburg Airport on Sunday 22 May 2005
Return Friday, 27 May 2005.
Cost- The cost of attending this program will be covered by the Clemson
Agricultural Education Program. You will have defined
responsibilities by accepting this grant, which is valued at over
$900 per instructor. Lodging and most meals are included. The
normal cost of B & S tuition is $535 plus the airfare. Normal tuition
alone for a 3-hour graduate level course at Clemson University is
$900. The total tuition cost per participant this year will be
$135.00.
Specific details of the B & S program can be found by navigating through the B & S website at <briggsandstratton.com> and searching “2005
Vocational Instructor Factory Training Authorized Field Service Schools
(AFSS).”
Responsibilities- Before completing the weeklong workshop, each instructor will be required to complete a series of assignments to improve their knowledge and skills in the area of small engines. College credit will be arranged by summer school enrollment in Ag Ed 815, “Teaching
Agricultural and Power Mechanics” 3 credits. Further assignments beyond the B & S program will be required. Contact P. M. Fravel at
Clemson University for further details.
Enrollment will be limited.
Please contact P. M. Fravel fravel@clemson.edu
by Wednesday, May 4, 2005 to sign up. Be sure these dates fit your schedule as airfare and workshop seats must be reserved in your name. You will be responsible for the cost of both the
B & S fee and the airfare if you are unable to attend for any reason.

Course Syllabus
Title:
Ag Ed 815 Teaching Agricultural and Power Mechanics
3 credits
Fall 2005
Instructor:
P. M. Fravel
Course Description:
This graduate level course is designed to assist agriculture teachers and extension personnel in planning, developing, organizing and implementing instructional mechanics. The nature of this course is to provide students with practical applications of teaching and learning experiences in agricultural and power mechanics. Small engine theory, maintenance and operational procedures are emphasized.
The overall goal of this course is to develop personal experiences and learning activities, which utilize applied teaching, and learning strategies in both text-book/reference materials and hands-on laboratory environments.
The 2005 course will incorporate the Briggs & Stratton factory Service School as a foundation for the course.
Instructional Units:

Engine identification and repair manual usage

4-Cycle engine theory of operation

Hands-on servicing -valve seats and guides

Cylinder resizing

Electrical Systems -ignition, alternators and starter motors

Carburetion theory

Hands on disassemble and reassemble of carburetors

Prepare a carburetor cut-a-way model

Factory Tour of Briggs & Stratton manufacturing facilities

Governor systems

Horsepower and torque principles


Disassemble and reassemble of overhead valve Intek engines

Precision measuring tools

Major engine failure analysis

Rewind starters

Miscellaneous subjects: questions and answer session
Framework for Teaching Agricultural and Power Mechanics:
Applying fundamental theories of teaching and learning of the technical and hands-on knowledge gained
Develop Instructional units using problem solving and hands-on experiences
Developing instructional units (lesson plans) using problem solving and hands-on experiences.
Evaluation and grading criteria:
1.
20% Completion of pre-trip assignment.
2.
20% Successful completion of the Briggs & Stratton Service School
3.
20% Completion of a Unit Plan for incorporating Small Engines into
your program.
4.
20% Completion of six individual lesson plans incorporating Small
Engines into your instructional program and complements your
Unit Plan.
5.
20%
Return to Clemson University for a “train a teacher” workshop where you will provide hands-on instruction to an agriculture teacher from your area. For this reason, grades will not be assigned until the end of the Fall semester, 2005.
Grading Scale:
90-100%
80-89%
70-79%
00-69%
A
B
C
F