Introduction to Agriculture (Ag Ed I) (MISO3- 01011)
Grades 9-12; 1 credit; 36 weeks
This applied course is designed to introduce students to 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, for and fiber science, supervises agricultural experience, and leadership development.
Agricultural mechanics units are designed to 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.
Course Description: Lecture demonstration, lab type courses that actively involve students in the learning process of a variety of areas of agriculture. The course is designed to give students a basic introduction to the entire agricultural/agribusiness area. Knowledge and skills developed in this course are useful for all students later in life; whatever future plans and career they choose. The development of foundation leadership skills is an important part of this course.