Agricultural Environmental ScienceWVEIS Code 0153
This area of study is designed to provide students with core skill and competencies needed for pursing careers in environmental science and natural resources management. Students will utilize problem-solving techniques and participate in laboratory activities to develop understanding of course concepts.
Standard 1:Ecology and Ecosystem Management (Introduction to Environmental Science) (0153.S.1)
Students will explain basic ecological concepts.
Ecology and Ecosystem Management Objectives
Students will:
0153.1.1Explain the basics of ecology (history, food chains, niches, biomes, etc.).
0153.1.2Explain concepts in environmental management.
Standard 2:Leadership in Environmental Science (0153.S.2)
Students will show leadership skills necessary for success in environmental science.
Leadership in Environmental Science Objectives
Students will:
0153.2.1Define the function and history of the FFA.
0153.2.2Demonstrate parliamentary procedure skills to conduct a meeting.
0153.2.3Perform individual leadership skills in preparing and presenting a speech.
0153.2.4Prepare and identify components of a program of activities.
Standard 3:Computer Applications (0153.S.3)
Students will display skill involving computer application in environmental science.
Computer Applications Objectives
Students will:
0153.3.1Utilize keyboarding skills to operate environmental science software.
0153.3.2Search the Internet to secure environmental science information.
Standard 4:Water Resources (0153.S.4)
Students will understand the importance of water and need to protect its quality.
Water Resources Objectives
Students will:
0153.4.1Test, interpret, and analyze water test data.
0153.4.2Explain impact of agricultural practices on groundwater.
0153.4.3Identify the components of the hydrologic cycle.
0153.4.4Interpret water supply and demand charts.
0153.4.5Identify sources of water pollution.
0153.4.6Test water samples using water testing equipment.
0153.4.7Identify best management practices for water quality.
0153.4.8Explain the role and impact of water quality legislation.
0153.4.9Explain the interactions between fresh and saltwater.
0153.4.10Identify wetland types.
0153.4.11Explain criteria for a wetland.
0153.4.12Collect plant wetland plant species.
0153.4.13Understand relationship between soils and wetlands.
0153.4.14Use soil survey and maps to identify and delineate a wetland.
Standard 5:Soils and the Environment (0153.S.5)
Students will demonstrate soil science skills.
Soils and the Environment Objectives
Students will:
0153.5.1Test, interpret, and analyze soil test data.
0153.5.2Take soil samples.
0153.5.3Identify sources of soil pollution.
0153.5.4Understand geology and soil formation factors.
0153.5.5Identify best management practices of soil erosion and sedimentation.
0153.5.6Identify environmental uses of soil (sewage lagoons, landfills, etc).
0153.5.7Interpret and analyze soil survey information.
Standard 6:Forests (0153.S.7)
Students will understand the importance of the forest ecosystem.
Forests Objectives
Students will:
0153.6.1Explain the role forests have in the environment.
0153.6.2Identify forest regions in the U.S. and world.
0153.6.3Identify the major forest ownership categories of forest land.
0153.6.4Identify environmental tree diseases and forest insects.
0153.6.5Explain the impact and role of forest fires.
0153.6.6Identify tree harvest methods and explain their impact on the environment.
0153.6.7Use various pieces of forestry equipment (Biltmore stick, increment borer, GPS, etc.).
0153.6.8Interpret and analyze forestry data using topographic and aerial maps.
Standard 7:Environmental Grasslands and Crop Production (0153.S.8)
Students will demonstrate basic environmental grasslands and crop production skills.
Environmental Grasslands and Crop Production Objectives
Students will:
0153.7.1Identify major food crops of the world.
0153.7.2Collect and identify major grass species.
0153.7.3Explain the nutritional needs of crops.
0153.7.4Explain the aspects of organic gardening.
0153.7.5Create a school compost pile.
0153.7.6Collect and identify leguminous plants.
0153.7.7Describe the value of grass and leguminous plants.
Standard 8:Energy Sources and Uses (0153.S.8)
Students will identify different energy sources and explain their uses.
Energy Sources and Uses Objectives
Students will:
0153.8.1Explain the importance of energy conservation.
0153.8.2Identify non-renewable energy sources (coal, crude oil, and natural gas) and explain their uses.
0153.8.3Identify alternative fuel sources (methanol, ethanol, etc.).
0153.8.4Visit a local power plant for a tour.
Standard 9:Integrated Pest Management (0153.S.9)
Students will demonstrate basic integrated pest management skills.
Integrated Pest Management Objectives
Students will:
0153.9.1Explain the role of IPM in the world today.
0153.9.2Identify and understand the major types of pest control (chemical, biological, cultural).
0153.9.3Collect and identify agricultural pests; insect and weed species.
0153.9.4Conduct an IPM field activity to determine the need for pesticides.
0153.9.5Analyze and interpret pesticide labels.
Standard 10:Waste Management (0153.S.10)
Students will discuss the importance of managing various waste products.
Waste Management Objectives
Students will:
0153.10.1Explain the impact of fertilizer and animal manure on the environment.
0153.10.2Calculate actual nutrient amounts in commercial fertilizer.
0153.10.3Identify best management practices of using fertilizer and animal manure (nutrient management, soil testing, etc.).
0153.10.4Identify the alternatives of disposing of human waste.
0153.10.5Explain the procedure for nutrient and pathogen testing of human waste.
0153.10.6Tour a local waste water treatment plant.
0153.10.7Identify various ways that solid waste can be handled (incinerated, landfill, etc.).
0153.10.8Conduct a recycling project.
0153.10.9Relate the role of toxic chemical laws.
0153.10.10Identify poisonous plants.
0153.10.11Identify household hazardous waste.
Standard 11:Air Pollution, Noise and Global Temperature (0153.S.11)
Students will discuss air and noise pollution and global warming issues.
Air Pollution, Noise and Global Temperature Objectives
Students will:
0153.11.1Identify sources of air pollution.
0153.11.2Identify compounds in air pollution.
0153.11.3Describe the impact of air pollution on global warming and acid rain.
0153.11.4Test, interpret, and analyze rain water sample data.
0153.11.5Describe the impact of noise on human hearing.
0153.11.6Explain the role agriculture holds in global warming.
0153.11.7Identify factors affecting global temperature.
0153.11.8Explain seasonal and orbital variations on global temperature.
0153.11.9Explain El Nino and La Nina.
0153.11.10Explain the greenhouse effect.
0153.11.11Identify greenhouse gases.
Standard 12:Biodiversity (0153.S.12)
Students will understand the role of biodiversity in the environment.
Biodiversity Objectives
Students will:
0153.12.1Understand the effects of plant and animal species loss to biodiversity.
0153.12.2.Explain the impact of human activities on biodiversity.
0153.12.3Identify areas of the world rich in biodiversity.
0153.12.4Explain genetic diversity and human food supply.
0153.12.5Write a press release on the importance of biodiversity.
0153.12.6Visit a zoo or wildlife facility to observe the diversity.
Standard 13:Human Population and Sustainable Living (0153.S.13)
Students will define the human population issue and the role of sustainable living.
Human Population and Sustainable Living Objectives
Students will:
0153.13.1Explain the dynamics of population growth.
0153.13.2Analyze information on the human population growth issue.
0153.13.3Explain the role of agriculture and population growth.
0153.13.4Define the concept of sustainability.
0153.13.5Explain different ways to be a responsible environmentalist.
Standard 14:Careers in the Environment (0153.S.14)
Students will research careers options in the environment.
Careers in the Environment Objectives
0153.14.1Set life and career goals.
0153.14.2Identify occupations and careers in the environment.
0153.14.3Research colleges that offer environmental programs of study.