Grade 15 - Agriculture, Food & Natural Resources
Introduction to Argriculture, Food, and Natural Resources (Credit: 0.50)This semester-length high school elective introduces students to the basic scientific principles of Agriculture and Natural Resources. Students will be recognizing and researching plant systems, animal systems, government policy, “green†technologies, agribusiness principles, and sustainability systems.
In this course, students will apply understanding of ecosystems and systems thinking to the management of natural resources to maximize the health and productivity of the environment, agriculture, and communities. Students will also analyze community practice or policy development related to sustainability in agriculture, food, and natural resources.
Communicating the impact of “green†and sustainability principles on agriculture, food, and natural resource systems will also be taught through the course, and students will learn to recognize the social, health, environmental, and economic costs and benefits of renewable energy production (e.g., solar, wind, and biofuels) in comparison to non-renewable energies (e.g., coal, oil, and natural gas).
Analyzing energy usage, renewable energy options, and renewable materials options to promote sustainable practices across AFNR will also be part of the course, and students will learn to use "green" technologies and sustainability practices to maintain safe and healthful working environments that sustain the natural environment and promote well-being in the AFNR workplaces.
Students will also demonstrate an understanding of "green" and sustainability trends that are influencing processes and markets in AFNR.
Finally, students will apply adaptive ecosystem management to a common pool resource (e.g., an irrigation system or fishing grounds) problem in a manner that addresses ecological (data, models, concepts, understanding, and scientific responsibilities), socioeconomic (values, interests, information, assets, private sector responsibilities), and institutional (law, policies, authority, assets, public sector responsibilities) contexts.
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