Intro to Ag (8th Grade)

This 8th grade course introduces students to the opportunities available in FFA and the Lucas Agriculture program. In this class students will examine production Ag and its importance to our world economy today (and in the future). We will also introduce students to the FFA organization as well as start an Supervised Agricultural Experience program (of the students choice). Students will also learn how to work in the shop safely through metal working (and woodworking if there is time). Throughout the course, students will develop communication, leadership and business skills essential to the agriculture industry.

First Semester

  • Syllabus, Daily Agenda and Assignments, Google Classroom, 

    Log into and intro to theAET, fill out profile (basic profile complete 100%)

    FFA theme for the year, shirt designs, trips and opportunities in FFA

  • Intro to Soils (soil is not dirt PPT)

    Soil Suspension Lab and Soil Triangle intro and worksheet

    Soil Formation Process and How Dust Travels video/worksheet

    How to texture soil lab

    Soil Card walkthrough and intro to contest (flashcards for part one on back of card)

    Other activities and lessons as time permits. Students will judge pits including the county soils contest. Appropriate clothing is encouraged (old shoes, old jeans, old shirt...things you don't mind if they get dirty)

  • Intro to Parliamentary Procedure (main motion and seconding a motion, how to seek recognition from the chair)

    How to run a meeting and 6 of the more common abilities (main motion, amendment, point of order, question of privilege, division of assembly/house, adjourn)

    Opening Ceremonies (assign parts and memorize the all members in unison part)

    Parliamentary Procedure Multiple Choice Tests Bank of Questions (10 questions a week assigned - 15 a week extra available for team members)

  • Welding Safety - Arc Welding Safety review, test, and retakes

    Demonstrations and explanation of how to start and what to look for

    Welding - 3 days (first day learn to start and control a bead, day two continue to practice, day three is your welding test)

    Bolt Project

    Rebar Project

    Other

Second Semester

  • Syllabus, Daily Agenda and Assignments, Google Classroom, 

    Log into and intro to theAET, fill out profile (basic profile complete 100%)

    FFA theme for the year, shirt designs, trips and opportunities in FFA

  • Animal names and what do we call them

    Spring Contests (livestockjudging.com)

    Dairy Foods CDE

    • Milk Defects

    • Cheese ID

    • Dairy vs Non-Dairy

  • Welding Safety - Arc Welding Safety review, test, and retakes

    Demonstrations and explanation of how to start and what to look for

    Welding - 3 days (first day learn to start and control a bead, day two continue to practice, day three is your welding test)

    Bolt Project

    Rebar Project

    Other

  • Create a SAE

    Complete the project description and get signatures

    Fill out a proper budget

    Journal the activities

    Set up for birds arrival

  • Program Clean-up

    Career explorer