AgriScience Exploration
7th grade
60 days of instruction
Instructor – Mrs. Sally W. Shomo
In the course of 60 instructional days (two six weeks), seventh grade AgriScience students will receive the following instruction in the ‘AgriScience Exploration’ class.
Tasks/Competencies for AgriScience Exploration (8003) include:
Becoming Oriented to AgriScience Exploration
1. Explore ideas associated with agriculture.
2. Identify class routines and procedures.
Recognizing the Importance of Agriculture/AgriScience
1. Explain the importance of agriculture to Virginia, the United States and the world.
2. Describe the relationship to other segments of society.
3. Participate in an agricultural research project.
Exploring Plant Science
1. Determine the economic importance of agricultural crops.
2. Describe the photosynthesis process of plants.
3. Identify and explain methods of plant reproduction.
4. Demonstrate proper watering and fertilization of plants.
5. Identify and label plants.
6. Identify methods of planting and transplanting.
7. Explain the use of hydroponics and aquaponics in growing plants.
Exploring Animal Science
1. Determine the importance of animals to agriculture.
2. Identify key scientific terms used in the animal industry.
3. Explore the meat animal industry.
4. Explore the pet and companion animal industry.
5. Discuss new technologies in animal science.
6. Discuss ethical concerns related to animal welfare.
7. Explore career opportunities in animal science.
Introducing Basic Laboratory Skills
1. Apply safe practices in the shop laboratory.
2. Read and interpret simple woodworking plans.
3. Identify and use basic hand tools for woodworking.
4. Select and use measuring devices.
5. Select and use wood fasteners.
6. Finish and preserve wood.
Encouraging Personal Development
1. Identify effective leadership traits.
2. Identify personal development needs.
3. Develop oral communication skills.
4. Develop written communication skills.
5. Develop an understanding of the FFA.
6. Develop opportunities of the FFA.
7. Develop social skills.
Exploring the Field of Forestry (1st and 6th six weeks only)
1. Describe the economic importance of Virginia’s forest.
2. Identify the different ways of identifying trees.
3. List characteristics of forest trees in our area.
4. Identify local trees found in Virginia’s forest.
AgriScience Research (3rd and 4th six weeks only)
1. Understanding groundwater.
2. Exploring the water cycle.
3. Research groundwater contamination, problems and solutions.