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Course Syllabus: Basic Agricultural and Technology

Career, Technical, and Sonoraville High School Course Syllabus Premier Leadership, Personal Growth, and Career Success

Basic Science (This course is basic for several Agriculture pathways.)

Course Number: 02.47100 Prerequisite: None Year: 2018-2019 Instructor: Annemarie Carr School: Sonoraville High School Email: [email protected] Phone: (706) 602-0320

Course Description: This course is designed as the foundational course for all Agriculture, Food & Natural Resources Pathways. The course introduces the major areas of scientific agricultural production and research; presents problem solving lessons and introductory skills and knowledge in and agri- related technologies. Classroom and laboratory activities are supplemented through supervised agricultural experiences and leadership programs and activities. This course is the prerequisite for all Agriculture pathways

Supplemental Materials and EOPA: FFA Student Handbook EOPA: This is one course within all Agriculture pathways; when students have completed three courses within a pathway, they may take the End-of-Pathway Assessment in that pathway. Assessments may be developed by NOCTI, Precision Exams or by personnel from the state of Georgia.

Student Materials: Each student is required to have a 100-pg. composition notebook. Students will also need a blue or black ink pen or a pencil. Highlighters and a calculator will be needed from time to time throughout the semester. A camera will be needed for completion of the SAE project.

Course Outline: 1. Employability & Job Interview Skills* 10. Basic Plant Science 2. FFA 11. Animal Agriculture 3. Agricultural Safety 12. Agricultural Mechanics 4. Agriscience 13. Food Processing 5. Natural Resources Management 14. SAE Presentations 6. *Taught throughout course 7. 8. Human Needs of Agriculture 9. Supervised Agricultural Experience (SAE)

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Course Syllabus: Basic Agricultural Science and Technology

Grading Procedures: Agriculture Education is composed of three interrelated components: Classroom Instruction, Supervised Agricultural Experience, and the FFA. Each component is equally essential in providing students with a complete agricultural education experience. Below is the breakdown of how these components will be computed into the student’s final grade.

Grading Scale Categories A = 90-100 Daily Class Assignments 35% B = 80-89 FFA Leadership 20% C = 70-79 SAE Project 20% F = 69 and below Assessments 15% Final Exam 10%

Attendance Policy: Students enrolled in CTAE classes are expected to follow the same guidelines for attendance as exemplified in the world of work and/or post-secondary educational institutions. Personnel at Sonoraville High School follow the guidelines (approved by the Board of Education) related to absences and opportunities for students to make up missed work. Students and parents/guardians should refer to the specific course syllabus and the Student Handbook for additional information.

Classroom Expectations: Students enrolled in all CTAE classes are preparing to compete in the world of work and/or for a post- secondary education. Therefore, all work must exhibit a professional level of competency. Since honesty is expected in the work place, CTAE instructors demand a high level of expectation with each student being responsible for his/her own work; therefore, plagiarism will not be tolerated. In order to provide quality and up-to-date instruction, various types of equipment are necessary. Students must use all equipment as designed, respecting all property associated with the CTAE labs/classrooms, as as the property of other students. Another aspect of preparing students for success in future endeavors is the expectation of appropriate career related attire and appearance. Students are expected to dress appropriately for school, community and business functions.

Key Vocabulary Words: Relevant vocabulary words will be emphasized throughout this course; these words may often be important in other courses, including non-CTAE courses. Students will be introduced to these key words in context of various units of instruction and students may also access the words through the following method:

● Printed Copy as Requested from Teacher

Supervised Agricultural Experience (SAE): The SAE program allows students to gain real world experience in the activities of the agriculture industry while building skills in organization, record keeping, decision-making and analysis. The program is designed by the individual student and is completed outside of regular class time with assistance from the agricultural instructor along with other adult mentors. The SAE is part of the grade earned by the student and will count for 20 % of the final grade. The information below outlines the guidelines for the project and how it will be completed.

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Course Syllabus: Basic Agricultural Science and Technology

• The SAE program is one of three components of Agricultural Education. This segment provides the student with additional hands-on experience in any area of agriculture of the student’s choosing. The project should contain at least 40 documented hours of activities relating to agriculture. • SAEs can include home or community improvement projects (landscaping, vegetable gardening, floral arrangements, food processing, fence or compost bin construction, etc.), job placement (for wages or experience), agriscience research investigations, entrepreneurship (start your business), directed lab activities after school (greenhouse, turf research, etc.) or agricultural communications (topical magazines, website development, etc.). The best projects are those that can be continued and expanded in the coming years. • The student will choose a project and develop a plan. The plan will consist of a summary of what he or she will be working on throughout the semester, and a list of needed resources to complete the project. The plan will need to be signed by the student, parent(s)/guardian, other involved adults (for example – an employer or landowner who provides space for a garden) and the instructor. • A plan outlining the project must be submitted to the instructor before approval can be given to start the project. • When the instructor has approved the plan, the student will receive record keeping information and can begin work. The student will use an online record book to keep up with his/her project’s records (journal hours, income, expenses, inventory, pictures and personal resume). The student will have access to this online record book in class during certain times of the semester as well as outside of class time using any internet connection. The web address is: http://www.theaet.com. Systematic instruction for using the record book will be taught during class time. • The student will keep detailed records of his/her activities – hours, skills used, new skills learned, earnings, inventory, etc. A minimum of 15 journal entries will be recorded. He/she will also need to take a minimum of 10 pictures of him/her working on the project. • The teacher will check the student’s records periodically throughout the semester using the online record book to ensure the student’s understanding and completion of the project. • The instructor will be available any time to assist the student with his or her project. • The final report will be presented in class using the online record keeping system and some type of visual aid (poster with pictures, power point presentation, actual final product, etc.).

Leadership Development (FFA): Each student enrolled in an Agriculture class is encouraged to become a member of the National FFA Organization. The FFA provides many leadership activities including monthly meetings, chapter activities, Career Development Events (CDE), and various field trips. Dues are $20.00 for a one-year membership. These dues will also pay for state and national membership into this organization, a subscription to New Horizons magazine, a club shirt, and the ability to compete in FFA contests. Membership in the FFA organization allows for more scholarship opportunities for the students as well. Each student will be required to earn at least 100 Leadership Points per semester. Points can be awarded by participating in the following chapter activities.

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Course Syllabus: Basic Agricultural Science and Technology

Examples of Ways to Earn FFA Points Attendance at Chapter Meetings 10 points per meeting Attendance at Area, State and National Conferences 20 points per conference Exhibiting SAE Projects 25 points per event Participating at Area and State CDEs 50 points per CDE Earning Degrees in FFA 20 points (for the semester degree was presented) Reciting the FFA Creed (at one standing) 25 points FFA Fundraising Projects Awarded depending on the project Other Work for the FFA Chapter 5 points per hour FFA Community Service Activities 20 points per event *** See FFA Advisor for other ways to earn points ***

• A minimum of 100 points and a maximum of 120 points may be earned each semester. All points must be approved by the instructor. Membership in the FFA is optional to Agriculture Education students but is highly encouraged.

• Students who wish not to participate in this segment of the program will write 2 research papers- using the guidelines as follows.

Alternate FFA Assignment Research Paper Criteria:

• The student must choose a new and emerging agricultural topic related to the agriculture class in which the student is enrolled.

• The paper must be 6 pages in length, double-spaced, 12-point font, Times New Roman, and abide by current APA guidelines.

• Possible topics may include new and emerging topics in the fields of: Forestry, Animal/Plant , , , Science, Food Science, etc.

• Note: Students must have the topic approved before they proceed to compose the report. The teacher will provide assistance in developing the student’s report topic.

• Paper guidelines and rubrics will be given to students if they decide not to join FFA.

❖ It is important to note that no student is required to join the FFA organization. Although the FFA is an integral piece of the total agricultural education experience, every student is free to choose whether to join or not to join. No grade is given to anyone. Members and non-members will earn their grade in this class.

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Course Syllabus: Basic Agricultural Science and Technology

Information for Parent(s)/Guardian(s): It is the goal of Sonoraville High School educators to provide students with the appropriate background knowledge in order to be successful when taking different local, state and national standardized tests. Research indicates that information introduced, received and reviewed in a repetitive manner provides students with an opportunity for greater success in the assessment arena. Therefore, vocabulary will be stressed throughout this and all CTAE courses as well as other key academic core classes. Parents/guardians may obtain a list of key vocabulary words relevant to this course through the following media:

● Flash Drive (student) ● Printed Copy as Requested from Teacher

Syllabus Confirmation (A copy of this document will be kept on file by the teacher of this course).

I have read the course syllabus and understand information contained therein.

______Student’s Printed Name

______Student’s Signature Date

______Parent/Guardian Printed Name

Parent/Guardian Contact Information:

Cell:______Home:______

Work:______E-mail: ______

______Parent/Guardian Signature Date

Check this box if you would like to be involved in or contacted by the FFA Alumni & Supporters. As a FFA Alumni member, you have the opportunity to directly support the future of Agriculture at Sonoraville High School as well as helping the students succeed in their endeavors. Our goal is to raise funds and awareness for the local Ag program and we provide opportunities for the students to participate in the FFA events, which they financially may not be able to. Opportunities that are in need of support from Sonoraville High School FFA Alumni and community are events such as: Sunbelt Ag Expo, State Convention, Local and Regional competitions, various after school activities.

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