Intro to Agricultural Design — Pacing Guide

Full-Year Course · High School CTE

160
Class Periods
8
Units
36
Weeks
24
Standards
How to Use This Pacing Guide — This project-based pacing guide is designed for a 36-week school year. Choose 1–2 project options per unit based on your students' interests and resources. If using an 18-week schedule, halve the weeks per unit.
Unit 1
Introduction to Agricultural Systems
20 periods · ~4.4 wks

Students explore the foundations of agricultural systems, examining how food production, land management, and sustainability interconnect in modern agriculture.

12.5%
Standards
AG-FDS-01 AG-FDS-02 AG-SYS-01 AG-NR-01 STEM.S1
Key Topics
Food Systems Sustainable Ag Soil Science Ag Careers
Core Activities
Farm Systems Map Project
Create a visual map of a local farm's interconnected systems, identifying inputs, outputs, and sustainability practices.
8 periods
Soil Analysis Lab
Hands-on soil sampling and nutrient testing using standard field methods.
6 periods
Agricultural Career Exploration
Research and present on three agricultural career pathways including education requirements and salary ranges.
4 periods
Unit 2
Plant Science & Crop Production
24 periods · ~5.3 wks

Comprehensive study of plant biology, growth requirements, and crop production techniques used in modern agriculture.

15%
Standards
AG-PL-01 AG-PL-02 AG-PL-03 AG-FDS-03 STEM.S2
Key Topics
Plant Anatomy Photosynthesis Crop Rotation IPM Propagation
Core Activities
Greenhouse Growth Experiment
Design and conduct a controlled experiment comparing growth variables across plant varieties.
10 periods
Crop Production Plan
Develop a season-long crop production plan including planting schedules, resource needs, and harvest timelines.
8 periods
Unit 3
Animal Science Fundamentals
22 periods · ~4.9 wks

Introduction to animal biology, husbandry practices, and the role of livestock in agricultural systems.

13.8%
Standards
AG-ANI-01 AG-ANI-02 AG-ANI-03 AG-FDS-01
Key Topics
Animal Anatomy Nutrition & Feeding Breeding Animal Welfare
Core Activities
Livestock Management Simulation
Simulate management decisions for a small livestock operation including feed costs, health protocols, and record keeping.
10 periods
Animal Breed Comparison Research
Research and present comparative analysis of breed characteristics suited to different climate zones.
6 periods
Unit 4
Agricultural Mechanics & Technology
22 periods · ~4.9 wks

Hands-on study of agricultural tools, machinery maintenance, and emerging precision agriculture technologies.

13.8%
Standards
AG-MEC-01 AG-MEC-02 AG-TEC-01
Key Topics
Shop Safety Small Engine Repair Precision Ag & GPS Drones
Core Activities
Small Engine Teardown & Rebuild
Complete disassembly, inspection, and reassembly of a small gas engine with documented procedures.
12 periods
Precision Ag Tech Demo
Hands-on demonstration with GPS mapping tools and drone imagery for field assessment.
6 periods