Middle School Curriculum
Unit 19: Careers in Agriculture and Agribusiness
Lesson 3: Careers in Plant Science
Student Objectives
1. Define the term Plant Science Career.
2. Describe opportunities for careers in plant science.
3. List activities to help prepare for a career in plant science.
4. List five careers in plant science and the educational requirements for each.
Agriculture QCC:………………………………………………………5, 11, 17, 23, 29, 35
Language Arts QCC:……………………………………………………………………..6-71
7-67
8-67
References
Cooper, Elmer L. Agriscience: Fundamentals and Applications. Albany: Delmar Publishers, Inc.
Growing Futures-Career Opportunities in the Green Industry. (Video). Professional Plant Grower Association. Columbus: Ohio Agricultural Education Curriculum Materials Service.
Herren, Ray V. Exploring Agriscience. Albany, NY: Delmar Publishers, Inc.
Hoover, Norman K. Handbook of Agricultural Occupations. Albany: Delmar.
Equipment, Supplies, Materials
newspapers
magazines
job skills survey
job application
video or filmstrip
textbooks that include agriscience occupations
TV/VCR
Teaching Procedure
Introduction and Mental Set
Continued existence is not possible without food. As discussed in previous lessons, about 21 million people in the U.S. are employed in agriscience. About 400,000 people are needed each year to fill positions in this field, yet only 100,000 are currently being filled by trained people. Agriscience professionals provide many of the vital basic commodities. With ever increasing populations around the world, there will always be jobs available in plant science because there will always be a need for food and fiber.
Activities
1. Show a video about careers in plant science.
2. Use a survey to determine students' interests in plant science.
3. Have students read an article about future career opportunities in plant science.
4. Discuss working for a fast food chain vs. a professional career.
5. Tour a greenhouse or nursery in your area
Assignment.
1. Check the classified advertisements in a newspaper for job opportunities in plant science. Research the duties, educational requirements, salary, and opportunity for advancement for a specific advertised job.
2. Select a plant science career for a research paper, using an agricultural occupation textbook, the school library, and university materials as references.
3. Have students list as many plant science occupations as possible.
Discussion
1. Question: What is a career in plant science?
Answer: Any job that relates in some way to plant science.
2. Question: What areas of agriscience occupations could include a plant science career?
Answer:
production agriscience
agriscience processing
horticulture
agriscience sales
renewable natural resources
forestry
Have students give two examples of plant science careers for each of the areas listed above.
Other Activities
1. Compile a list of as many agriscience careers as possible and create an educational display.
2. Have a guidance counselor provide the high school requirements for college admission.
3. Have students create a resume.
4. Have students fill out an application for employment.
5. Invite a university official to talk about opportunities for graduates in agriculture/ agriscience.
ACADEMIC CONNECTIONS
Language Arts
Middle School Connections in Agriculture Education
Language Arts QCC: Grade 6-1, 21, 70
7-7, 74
8-7, 12,
Name______Period____ Date______
We have learned about the many different careers available in plant science. Now lets see how we can get a job by selling ourselves to the community.
Directions:
You have just moved into an unfamiliar community. You have excellent skills in Floral design/landscape design (choose one to write about), but in order to make the community aware of these skills, you find you need to advertise in the local newspaper. In the space provided below, write a 30-40-word advertisement identifying yourself, your particular skills and a way for prospective customers to contact you. You may check the advertisement section in your local newspaper for help. Be sure to use complete sentences and proper spelling and grammar.
Language Arts QCC: Grade 6-71
7-67
8-67
Summary
Conclusion
Plant science careers can involve most areas of agriscience. Preparation for a career in plant science may involve a degree from a 4-year college, but students can begin by enrolling in agriscience and other academic courses at the middle and high school level.
Evaluation
A test, quizzes, or a writing assignment can be used to evaluate the material in this unit.
Career Opportunities in Agriculture
Examples:
To accompany the Georgia Agricultural Education Curriculum Office
Course 01.012-12.1
Georgia Middle School Agricultural Education Curriculum, Unit 19 Lesson 3
Updated May 2004
Ag Accountant
Ag Chemical Dealer
Ag Electrician
Ag Investment Manager
Ag Journalist
Ag Lawyer
Ag Loan Officer
Ag Photographer
Ag Public Relations
Agribusiness Manager
Agriculture Teacher
Agriculturist
Agriscience Researcher
Agronomist
Ag Scientist
Animal Behaviorist
Animal Cytologist
Animal Geneticist
Animal Health Products Distributor
Animal Physiologist
Animal Nutritionist
Apiculturist
Arboriculturist
Bacteriologist
Beekeeper
Biochemist
Bioengineer
Botanist
Christmas Tree Producer
Computer Analyst
County Extension Agent
Crop Consultant
Crop Duster
Crop Scientist
Dairy Nutritionist
Ecologist
Economist
Embryologist
Entomologist
Environmentalist
Equipment Dealer
Farm Appraiser
Farm Broadcaster
Fiber Technologist
Field Inspector
Fire Warden
Fish Farmer
Fish Hatchery Manager
Floral Designer
Florist
Food Chemist
Food Process Supervisor
Food Scientist
Forester
Forest Ranger
Game Farm Supervisor
Game Warden
Geneticist
Golf Course
Superintendent
Grain Broker/Buyer
Grain Elevator Buyer
Greenhouse Management
Ground Water Geologist
Home Economist
Horticulturist
Hydraulic Engineer
Hydrologist
Ichthyologist
Insect & Disease Control
International Specialist
Irrigation Engineer
Lab Technician
Landscape Architect
Land Surveyor
Livestock Consultant
Livestock Rancher
Machine Engineer
Mammalogist
Marine Biologist
Meat Cutter
Meat Scientist
Meteorological Analyst
Microbiologist
Nematologist
Orchard Supervisor
Organic Chemist
Parasitologist
Park Ranger
Pest Control Technician
Pharmacologist
Poultry Scientist
Quality Control Supervisor
Range Manager
Safety Engineer
Salesperson
Scientific Illustrator
Scientific Writer
Seed Analyst
Silviculturist
Soil Conservationist
Soil Engineer
Soil Scientist
Tobacco Buyer
Turf Grass Management
USDA Inspector
Veterinarian
Wildlife Biologist
Winery Supervisor
Zoologist
Georgia Middle School Agricultural Education Curriculum, Unit 19 Lesson 3
Updated May 2004
6
Georgia Middle School Agricultural Education Curriculum, Unit 19 Lesson 3
Updated July 2003