Foundations of Agriculture (Ag Ed II)

Foundations of Agriculture (Ag Ed II) (MISO3- 01012)
Grades 9-12; 1 credit; 36 weeks

This applied course is designed to enhance student’s perception of agriculture, its applications, and leadership development as the core foundation of the Agriculture Education program. Individual units will familiarize the student with: basic mechanical theory and skills – emphasis will be placed on safety and proper use of tools and equipment; principles of evaluation and selection of beef, swine, sheep, horse, and dairy animals; soil and plant relationships that affect the production of food and fiber. Topics may include: soils, irrigation, land judging, plants, crop and weed identification, range management, horticulture, nursery, diseases, insects, and chemicals.

This applied course introduces students to agricultural sciences with emphasis on technical skills, entrepreneurship, and occupational opportunities. Units may also include agricultural construction,  food and fiber science, supervised agricultural experiences, and leadership development.

Agricultural mechanics units are designed to further develop skills in selection, operation, and maintenance of engines, hydraulics, and agricultural machinery and tractors. Skills in operation and maintenance of equipment, determining a bill of materials, construction techniques, metal fabrication, and joining processes of metals and alloys will be included.

Emphasis is on problem solving and scientific reasoning applied to real world problems integrating knowledge from the life and earth sciences. Foundations of Agriculture can be a continuation of Introduction of Agriculture or can be offered in alternating years with Introduction to Agriculture.

Course Description: This course is designed to provide students with the foundation of principles and skills used in agriculture/agribusiness. It includes the use of a wide variety of tools and equipment in the lab. The course also incorporates science is applied settings using soils, plants and animals. This course offers a challenge to all students with its mechanical, science, metalworking, business and mathematical content.