Introduction to
Agricultural Sciences
Introduction to Agricultural Sciences
Course Syllabus
Mr. Collins
Sherman Jr. /Sr. High School
[email protected]
See all assignments, notes, etc online at
http://www.theaet.com
This class provides an overview of the agricultural industry, the sciences involved in agriculture,
the technology used in agricultural fields, and future careers available in the industry, which
currently encompasses over 25% of all jobs in the United States.
CLASS REQUIREMENTS
1. Complete all assignments and tests.
2. Participate in all lab and class activities.
3. Have all assignments filed in chronological order in personal folder and filed in correct
file cabinet.
EXPECTATIONS
1. Carry yourself in a safe, responsible, and respectful manner.
2. Be ready to learn and willing to work together.
3. Be on time and prepared for any class activity.
4. Complete all assigned activities.
5. Participate in class discussion.
6. Demonstrate proper care of lab equipment and supplies.
7. Treat all projects with care and respect.
8. Adhere to legal and ethical standards
9. Class notebook and materials will be available for each class.
GRADES
Grades will be earned with the following:
90%-100%=A; 80%-89%=B; 70%-79%=C; 60%-69%=D; < 59%=F
Points will be available in the following categories:
Assignments/Labs
40%
Quizzes/Tests
40%
Participation
20%
COURSE OBJECTIVES
After successful completion of this course, students will be able to:
1. Describe the many different parts of the agriculture industry.
2. Explain how FFA and SAE are integral parts of agricultural education.
3. Preform the basic operations of a tractor safely
4. Successfully use skills for personal presentation, selling and marketing.
5. Successful evaluate a soil profile
6. Identify breeds and species of livestock.
7. Use proper record keeping practices
8. Prepare and present a speech.
9. Use parliamentary procedure to conduct a meeting
10. Demonstrate skills in horticulture and floriculture.
11. Successfully evaluate beef, sheep, and swine and give reasons for their evaluation.
12. Describe the importance of agricultural literacy.
FFA
Every student in an agricultural sciences course is able to be an FFA member. FFA is an intracurricular part of agricultural education, and provides numerous opportunities for applying
classroom learning in the real-world. Every year Sherman County FFA members travel the state
and even the nation participating in leadership development, competing with applied career
skills, and getting the experience that will make them successful after high school. In addition,
FFA members are eligible for literally millions of dollars yearly in scholarships.
Participation in FFA activities is worth up 10% of extra credit per semester. Dues of $20/year
can be paid directly to Mr. Collins by placing dues in attached envelope.
CLASSROOM RULES
1. I will come to class on time and prepared with all needed materials.
2. I will not talk when the teacher or other students are talking.
3. I will follow all directions, quickly and the first time they are given.
4. I will conduct myself in a courteous and respectful manner.
5. I understand that everyone must be seated before we are excused at the end of the
period.
6. I understand that the classroom is not the place to use cell phones or music players.
7. I will not interfere with another student’s right to learn or the teacher’s right to teach.
8 I will only use my Cell phone when deemed appropriate by the teacher and never
during lecture time.
8. I UNDERSTAND THAT WRITING ON OR DEFACING SCHOOL PROPERTY WILL RESULT IN A
DETENTION/SUSPENSION AND I WILL PAY FOR THE DAMAGES!
Assignment 1: Student and Parent Signatures (Required - 20 points DUE TUESDAY)
I have read and understand the expectations and requirements for being part of this course and
will follow them in order to successfully complete this class.
Student Signature
Parent Signature
Date
Sherman Jr. /Sr. HIGH SCHOOL
PERMISSION FOR FIELD TRIPS/ACTIVITIES
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My approval is hereby given for __________________________________________ to
attend in-class field trips, events, and activities that are part of this course and/or FFA
for this school-year.
I give the supervisor on the trip the authority to make any decisions concerning medical
treatment that may be needed for my child while on the trip.
I understand that there is some element of risk involved in taking children away from
the school building
My child is covered under the following medical insurance:
Company Name: ________________________________
ID Number: ___________________________________
Group Number: _______________________________
Insurance’s Name: ____________________________
Parent Signature
(Please sign both lines for permission)
Date
COMMUNICATION
Email makes it very easy to communicate between teachers and parents. If you have an email
address please put it down below. This email will be shared with no other group or person and
will only be used to provide information about upcoming activities or opportunities in the AST
program. If there is a need for more urgent contact you will be called.
You can also check the FFA website for course information, missed assignments. Theaet.com
every student will be given a username and a password to assess the web site.
Parent Email Address: _________________________________________________________
Mr. Collins
Sherman County Jr. / Sr. High School Classroom Expectations
Expectation
Safety
Responsibility
Respect
General
Expectations
 Do not assume; always
ask if you are unsure
 Know how to do what
you are doing
 Be willing to learn
 Push yourself to higher
standards
 Be ready to work together
 Communicate in a
positive way
Be Prepared
 Wear appropriate
clothing for the class
work when needed (no
open toed shoes if
driving tractor, etc.)
 Bring paper, writing utensil,
work/handouts to class
 Do not bother other
students for materials
 Do not disrupt group work
with your unpreparedness
Asking for
Help
 Raise your hand instead
of running up to the
teacher
 Ask for help when you are
confused on a question or
need clarification on
directions or expectations
 Raise your hand
 Wait for the teacher to
address you
Enter and Exit
 Walk in & out of the
classroom
 Keep walkways/exits
clear
 Be on time
 Do not exit until excused by
the teacher
 Push in your chairs
 Do not interrupt class if
you are tardy
 Sign the tardy notebook if
you are tardy
Labs
 Follow all safety
procedures during labs
 No horseplay!
 Clean up materials and work
area when you are done
 Let the teacher know of any
broken materials
 Give your attention when
the teacher asks
 Use proper tools for the
job and put tools away at
the end of class
Seat Work
 Keep hands and feet to
your self
 Keep bags out of the
aisles/under chairs
 Complete your own work
 Do your own work
 Turn ALL of your work into
your folder
 Do not mark on any
chairs, tables, or books
Bathroom Use
 Sign out in the notebook
on the teacher’s desk
 One person at a time
 Use the restroom before or
after class
 Do not take detours (lockers,
random wandering, texting
etc)
 You are only allowed five
passes each semester.
 Do not get up to use the
bathroom during
lecture/directions
Food and
Drinks
 Do not bring food or
drinks into the lab areas
 Only water is allowed in
class, and not during lab
activities
 Get drinks or snacks during
lunch and during breaks
 Throw any trash in the
cans or take it with you
 Wipe up any spilled water