The polarizing nature of many science-based topics often causes people to engage in a hostile manner with those who have differing perspectives. As the next generation of scientists and industry professionals, students studying in science-based disciplines must understand the value of civil discourse. Additionally, they need the skills necessary…

Sustainable agriculture practices are increasingly being used by farmers to maintain soil quality, increase biodiversity, and promote production of food that is environmentally safe. There are several types of sustainable agriculture practices such as organic farming, crop rotation, and aquaculture. This lesson plan focuses on the sustainable…

Computer Assisted Instruction (CAI) is discussed briefly as it might apply to agricultural education in order to supplement both text and teacher. CAI format is shown in a typical tutorial program used to help students understand basic concepts of work, power, horsepower, and torque. The author points out other instructional uses of CAI, such as…

Sutphin and Richardson discuss finding software in other disciplines and adapting it for vocational agriculture. Makin, Chase, and Wonacott describe a National Center for Research in Vocational Education project to develop a procedural guide for microcomputer courseware evaluation. (SK)

Provides college level geography students with an example of the methods required for accurate use and interpretation of color infrared photographs in detecting crop health problems. The methods explained were used in a study of irrigation agriculture carried out in central Oregon during the 1979 crop season. (AM)

Plant tissue testing can be done to monitor plant nutrition levels during the growing season and diagnose nutrient deficiency problems. They can provide feedback on crop conditions and fertility needs. (Author)

This slide script to accompany the slide series, Ornamental Landscape Grasses, contains photographs of the 167 slides and accompanying narrative text intended for use in the study and identification of commercially important ornamental grasses and grasslike plants. Narrative text is provided for slides of 62 different perennial and annual species…

The major purpose of this study was to revise the basic production agriculture curriculum guide used by vocational agrculture teachers in Texas. A twenty-five member advisory committee for curriculum revision conducted the following activities: (1) obtained thirty-one curriculum guides for a technical agriculture program, (2) surveyed vocational…

Presents an assessment tool for agricultural educators and curriculum specialists to assess the acquisition of knowledge among undergraduate agriculture majors. Points out the increasing importance of agriculture and agricultural education. Explains the design process of this instrument and provides the instrument. (Contains 19 references.) (YDS)

Recognizing a student project of the month is one possible solution to the problem of motivating vocational agriculture students who are enrolled in supervised occupational experience programs. In small departments, a single winner could be selected; in departments with a large number of students, it is possible to select a winner in each class.…

This manual on belts and chain drives is one of a series of power mechanics texts and visual aids on theory, of operation, diagnosis, and repair of automotive and off-the-road agricultural and construction equipment. Materials provide basic information and illustrations for use by vocational students and teachers as well as shop servicemen and…

This manual on mowing and spraying equipment is one of a series of power mechanics texts and visual aids on servicing of automotive and off-the-road agricultural and construction machinery. Materials provide basic information and illustrations for use by vocational students and teachers as well as shop servicemen and laymen. Focusing on mowing…

This teacher's manual is arranged according to the four major categories that were identified as being necessary for a good foundation to an agricultural education program. Each section includes background information and activities for classroom use. Activities were designed to assist teachers in developing lesson plans for grades 4, 5, and 6;…

Defining the terms middle school and curriculum, the author then gives suggestions for planning the agricultural education curriculum for middle schools. Important responsibilities of the vocational agriculture teacher are discussed. (SK)

Discusses specific ways in which agricultural mechanics instructors can improve safety awareness and instill safe-working attitudes in their students. (SK)