Middle School 8th Grade Agriculture

ONGOING - Daily Smart Starts (GSlides).  SAE Project (GDoc). SAE Rubric (GDoc). ​

Week One -  - Agriculture, FFA, SAE - The Three Circle Model 
M: I can name all classmates by first and last name 

• Fill out & return signed permission form (GDoc).
• Create a personal InstAGram for your teacher to get to know you and submit (GSlides).
• Take notes as a class on the 8 Pathways of agriculture (GSlides).

Tu: I can compare and contrast commodities in different states and regions. 

• With your group complete the Ag Commodities Lesson -Nasco (Link) and be ready to share tomorrow.  

W: I can explain 2+ careers in each pathway of ag

• Take the  Ag Career Explorer (Link) test in class, discuss in class and reflect. 
• OPTIONAL  Career task (GDoc) and/or make up work if you miss class discussion. 

Th: I can identify five or more opportunities for students in FFA. 

• Perform FFA scavenger hunt in class using the following links. National FFA Website (Link).  Wisconsin FFA Website (Link). Mishicot FFA Website (Link). 

F: I can engage in service learning

• Discuss the importance of service learning in class and create tie blankets to donate to  Project Linus (Link). 

Week Two - 1/30-2/3 - Food Science, Products & Processing Pathway
M: I can explain the farm to fork model for cheese. 

• Watch Art of Cheesemaking Video (Link) and take notes.
• Take notes on Intro Notes (GSlides). 

Tu: I can advocate for WI dairy farmers 

• In your team complete intro worksheet (GDoc).

W - F: I can compare and contrast cheese using sensory evaluation and research.

• Select a cheese variety slips (GDoc). to research following the research requirements (GDoc) using  Wisconsin cheese (Link) and other sites to research.  
• Present and prepare your cheese & information to perform sensory analysis. sensory chart (GDoc). 

Week Three - 2/6-2/10 - Plant & Soil Science Pathway
M & Tu: I can use the scientific method & engineering process to grow radishes.

• In a group work on your radish races packet (GDoc). 

W & Th: I can use principals of design to create a floral design

• If virtual go through slides and complete lab upon return -  Floral Basics Powerpoint (GSlides). 
• Floral lab in class. Design rubric (Doc). 

F: I can identify the role of soybeans in common products. 

• Perform a lab using soybeans in class or at home, be ready to reflect on your success or lack of.  Soybeans. Lab Options - Crayons (GDoc). Candles (GDoc). Lip Balm (GDoc). Hand Cream (GDoc).  Emlusion (GDoc). 

Week Four - 2/13-2/16 - Animal Science Pathway 
M: I can examine historical and future developments in animal science.

• Take Intro Notes (GSlides). and Reading (PDF) and be ready to discuss .

Tu: I can identify common vet tools & function.

• In Class Tool ID. 

W-Th: I can identify key components of animal body systems & disorders.

• Work in teams through Lesson Plan (Link).

F: I can explain what hormones are and why we care.

• Read through Reading (Link) and be ready to discuss. 

Week Five - 2/20-2/24 - Biotechnology Pathway
M-Tu:  I can explain eye parts and functions.

• Perform in class sheep eye dissection. Notes (PDF) 

W: I can extract DNA.

• Read through What is DNA Reading (Link).
• Perform in class lab or if virtual complete DNA Home Lab (GDoc). Lab Example Video (Link). 

Th-F: I can reflect on advancements in agriculture.

• Watch Ag Advancements Video and compare and contrast two ag technologies via an infographic. Link to FFA Lessons (Link). 

Week Six - 2/27-3/3 - Natural Resource Pathway
M: I can identify WI renewable and nonrenewable resources.

• In teams complete vocabulary collage (GDoc).
• As a class discuss into slides (GSlides) and take notes. 

Tu-Th: I can identify the role of invasive species.

• In class research document (GDoc). 

F: I can demonstrate outdoor safety.

• Lab day on MECCA.

Week Seven - 3/6-3/10 - Wildlife and Environmental Science Pathway 
M: I can compare and contrast abiotic & biotic environmental factors

• Take notes on intro slides (GSlides). 

Tu:I can explain how a food chain/web function. 

• In class discussion and  Oh Deer Activity (Link). 

W: I can perform timber cruising. 

• Lab day on MECCA

Th-F: I can explain the importance of sustainability.

• In class lab.  MECCA Nature Walk Document (GDoc).  Flora & Fauna in the School Forest Document (GSlides). 

Week Eight - 3/13-3/17 - Ag Mechanics - Power, Structural and Technical Pathway 
M-Tu: I can identify name and function of 10 common tools safely. 

• Discuss Tool ID & Safety. Tool ID (GSlides). 

W-F: I can use hand and power tools to fabricate a horticultural design.

• In class lab  Hypertufa Inquiry Lab (GDoc). 

Week Nine - 1/23-1/27 - Agribusiness/Communications Pathway
M: I can ID 5 local and 5 international agribusinesses.

• Research tools -  Agribusiness Research Steps (GDoc). Local Agribusiness Examples (GDoc). 

Tu: I can examine company goals/objectives.

• In class discussion and mafia activity (Link). 

W-Th: I can advocate for agriculture using professionalism.

• In class activity - tools - Advocacy Links from FFA Lessons (Link). Gallery Walk of Agribusinesses (GDoc). Reflection (GDoc).

F: I can reflect on my future in agriculture. 

• Complete class reflection

Older Resources: 
InstAGram template (PDF)