Agricultural Biology/Chemistry (Grades 10 and 11) is a three-period block designed to offer students the opportunity to complete their life and physical science requirements within an agricultural frame of reference.
The biology portion of the course emphasizes problem-solving, decision making, critical thinking and applied learning utilizing the scientific link with examples from agriculture. Students will explore the principles of biology and apply these concepts and principles to issues in the workplace, in society, and in personal experiences. Areas of study will include the scientific method, cells, history of American Agriculture, cell processes, genetics, classification, biochemistry and genetically modified organisms, diversity and environmental issues.
The chemistry portion of the course is designed to convey an understanding of the structure, behavior, and interactions of matter at the atomic level, and the relationship between matter and energy. Topics of study include lab safety and scientific methods; the fundamentals of chemistry, chemical properties and analysis of water; chemistry of foods; organic compounds and their chemistry; plant biochemistry; soil chemical properties and testing; plant nutrition and fertilizers and pesticide chemistry.
Agricultural Lab: The Agricultural Lab component will focus on several enrichment areas in biology and chemistry relating to agriculture. Some past areas of study have included individual long-term projects, the evolution of agricultural equipment, colony collapse disorder in bees, etc. Learning will be completed through both classroom lectures and hands-on projects/activities utilizing the MSAD#1 Educational Farm. An effort to incorporate FFA will also be made.
Details
Location
This course is held in room 304.