Introduction to Agriscience

Syllabus:

Unit 1: The Importance of Agriscience

This unit explores the role of agriculture in history. It has built many societies, including America, and agriculture still plays an essential role in the economies of many states, particularly Florida and California. Because better farming leads to increased production, agriscience, which is defined in this unit, is an essential part of keeping the agriculture industry thriving. This unit also explores the economic significance of agriculture and the variables that shape relationships between import and export. Because agriscience requires using technology effectively, students will learn how to determine if a website is valid.

What will you learn in this unit?

• Understand the importance of agriculture in history and define agriscience.
• Explain the significance of agriculture in American and state economies.
• Analyze the variables impacting imports and exports.
• Determine the relationship between agriculture and society at the local, state, national, and international levels.
• Evaluate the reliability of a website and recognize those that are appropriate for use in agri science.

Unit 2: Agriscience and the Environment

This unit explains the relationship between agriscience and the environment. Agriculture is dependent on natural resources, so it is important to understand the ways in which natural resources support agriculture and how to keep them healthy. Soil, water, and air are among the most essential resources, and the most vulnerable to pollution. Human actions have the most influence over the environment, so people are most responsible for helping support a healthy environment. Preserving resources benefits all, and agri scientists contribute by developing new forms of fuel. Finally, the unit explores the importance of communication.

What will you learn in this unit?

• Explain the relationship between agriscience and the environment.
• Identify threats to a healthy environment.
• Compare and contrast practices for conserving renewable and nonrenewable resources.
• Describe how natural resources are used in agriculture.
• Demonstrate effective communication skills.

Unit 3: Plant Science

This unit is all about plants. Students will identify and understand the function of the different parts of the plant. They will also learn how plants process elements to sustain their lives and those of all living creatures. The basic parts of a cell—and their functions—are covered as well, as are the differences among the types of cells. Soil classification systems are also explored, including those focusing on use, type, and consistency. Finally students will learn the importance of critical-thinking skills in the workplace.

What will you learn in this unit?

• Identify the major parts of plants and state the important functions of each.
• Describe the relationships among air, soil, water, and essential plant nutrients.
• Compare the cell structure and function of plants, animals, bacteria, and viruses.
• Apply the different types of soil classification.
• Recognize and use critical-thinking skills.

Unit 4: The Animal Element

This unit provides an overview of some of the livestock that make up the American agriculture industry. These animals are valuable not only for the meat they provide, but also other types of food and products. Both large and small animals play a significant role in this industry and require proper attention to their health. Appropriate living conditions and diet are the minimum standards for animal care, and these vary depending on the type of animal and the way it processes food. Students will also explore debates around the country about standards of animal care, particularly those on large commercial farms. Laws and regulations define the minimum standards for the ethical care of animals, although part of succeeding in agriscience and the agriculture industry is demonstrating ethical behaviors in all aspects of business.

What will you learn in this unit?

• Understand and explain the evolution and roles of domesticated animals in society.
• Differentiate between domestication and natural selection.
• Defend various points of view regarding the use of animals.
• Determine the basic nutritional requirements of animals.
• Articulate the importance of ethics in the agriculture industry.

Unit 5: Animal Anatomy

This unit explores the basics of animal anatomy. As agri scientists strive to develop stronger and more productive animals, they need to know how their bodies work. Working with genes is also an important part of the industry since techniques like selective breeding and genetic alteration can greatly increase agricultural production. When agri scientists know how genes function and what can and cannot be altered, they can work to create the best possible genetic combination in livestock and plants. One of the key improvements agri scientists strive to make is resistance to the various pests that can be devastating to livestock and crops. There are many ways to combat these organisms, and one of the most common is by using pesticides, which can be hazardous if used incorrectly. This is why safety is such an important aspect of working in agriculture.

What will you learn in this unit?

• Explore and discuss animal anatomy and systems.
• Comprehend and describe basic animal genetics.
• Identify the major pest groups and the importance of effective pest-management programs.
• Classify the nature of chemicals used to control pests.
• Demonstrate health and safety procedures, regulations, and personal-health practices.

Unit 6: Technology and Agriscience

This unit explores how agriscience and technology work together for better food production. There are many steps between growing the food and getting it into the hands of consumers, and each of these needs to be closely monitored to keep food safe. Fortunately, developing technology offers ways of better monitoring all aspects of food production. The intersection of technology and food does not always generate a positive reaction, however. Growing concerns about the long-term impact of biotechnology, particularly GMOs, are generating concerns and shifting consumer behavior. This unit will explore some of the issues raised when technology and agriculture become deeply intertwined. Because agriculture is such an important part of the American economy and the daily lives of citizens, those working in agriculture have a particularly responsibility to manage their businesses well and demonstrate professional behavior whether they are in the field or the boardroom.

What will you learn in this unit?

• Describe efforts made to improve the environment.
• Analyze the effects of technology on agriculture.
• Communicate public concerns about technology and agriculture.
• Research the laws and regulations around biotechnology.
• Demonstrate appropriate professional behavior.

Unit 7: Careers in Agriscience

This unit explores the careers available in agriscience and how agriscientists use their expertise around the world. By understanding the range of careers in the agriscience industry, students can begin to narrow down their options and find that career that is best for them. Part of building a successful career is understanding how basic farm equipment works. There are a variety of professional organizations, including the National Future Farmers of America Organization, designed to help students develop the technical and practical skills required to go into agriculture-related fields and get hands-on experience by working with industry experts. A good career also depends on knowing how to dress as a professional and demonstrate the values that employers want to see in the workplace. Combining exceptional skills with superlative personal conduct will chart a solid career path in any profession.

What will you learn in this unit?

• Explore issues of global significance and document the impact of agriscience.
• Identify career opportunities in agriscience.
• Identify how careers are classified and determine preparation requirements.
• Identify personal aptitudes and skills needed for solid career planning.
• Develop a career plan that reflects career interests, pathways, and postsecondary options.

Unit 8: Agribusiness Management

This unit explores the business side of agriculture, including the various ways that farmers and ranchers move their products to market. Like small businesses owners, those running their own ventures in the agriculture industry will need to develop versatile skills to meet multiple demands. Those in agriscience need to understand how livestock and crops are sold and marketed so that their contributions increase the value of crops. Agribusiness management is another career in which an agriscience background is helpful. These experts help agricultural businesses reach their financial and production goals. This is just one of the many leadership positions in the agriculture industry, although anyone can develop strong leadership skills. The unit also explores the implications of an increasingly diverse workplace and strategies for effectively negotiating the challenges this can create.

What will you learn in this unit?

• Compare procedures for marketing plants and animal products.
• Define management terms and determine how decisions are made.
• Demonstrate entrepreneurship skills and knowledge of self-employment options and innovative ventures.
• Demonstrate respect for individual and cultural differences and recognize the importance of diversity in the workplace.
• Demonstrate respect for individual and cultural differences and recognize the importance of diversity in the workplace.