C.A.S.E. (Agriculture)

Curriculum for Agricultural Science Education:

CASE

The CASE program prepares students to be successful in numerous careers in the agricultural sciences, as well as preparing them to further their education at the post-secondary level. This inquiry-based program incorporates classroom learning, FFA leadership and career development, as well as outside-the-classroom experiences through Supervised Agricultural Experiences (SAE) and other internship opportunities. Students who select multiple offerings for CASE will be given priority scheduling over those students who select single courses as electives. Students must complete all CASE courses (Intro to AFNR, Principles of Ag - Animal, Principles of Ag - Plant, Plant Biotechnology & CAPSTONE.

CAREER EXPLORATION

IS IT THE RIGHT FIT FOR ME?
Agricultural careers are a good fit for people who like to be outside and appreciate nature. They are well suited for people who are problem solvers who like to work independently. Comfort with technology and software is helpful as most modern farm equipment is quite high-tech.The work can sometimes be physically demanding, so being in good shape can be important. Many jobs in the field start early in the morning, and animals must be cared for every day of the year.

Careers in the field include:
Farmer
Soil Engineer
Beekeeper
Forester
Landscaper
Park Ranger
Fishery Manager
These are just a few examples! Discuss additional career paths with your School Counselor or CCTC's Counselor.

Future Farmers of America (FFA)
Maryland Farm Bureau
BeginningFarmers.org
Farm Journal
National Association of Landscape Professionals
Organic Farmers Association

Course Descriptions

CTE Completer Requirements: Complete the sequence of courses below AND complete CASE assessment

Articulation Agreements: Chesapeake College, Institute of Applied Agriculture (UMCP), Rutgers University

Agriculture, Food and Natural Resources (AFNR)

Course 8160 | 5 periods/week/semester | 1 credit (CTE credit)

The course is structured to enable all students to have a variety of experiences that will provide an overview of the fields of agricultural science and natural resources so that students may continue through the sequence of courses. Woven throughout the course are activities to develop and improve employability skills of students through practical applications. Students participating in the AFNR course will experience inquiry-based activities, projects, and problems. Students’ experiences will involve the study of communication, sciences of agriculture, plants, animals, natural resources, and agricultural mechanics. While surveying the opportunities available in agriculture and natural resources, students will learn to solve problems, conduct research, analyze data, work in teams, and take responsibility for their work, actions, and learning. For example, students will work in groups to determine the efficiency and environmental impacts of fuel sources in practical learning exercise. Students will investigate, experiment, and learn about documenting a project, solving problems, and communicating their solutions to their peers and members of the professional community. Students will explore career and post-secondary opportunities in each area of the course. (First CASE course)

Principles of Agriculture Animal Science (ASA)

Course 8190 | 5 periods/week/semester | 1 credit (CTE credit)

This course serves as one of two principle courses within the CASE program sequence. The course is structured to enable all students to have a variety of experiences that will provide an overview of the field of agricultural science with a foundation in animal science so that students may continue through the sequence of courses in the CASE program. Students will explore hands-on projects and activities to learn the characteristics of animal science and work on major projects and problems similar to those that animal science specialists, such as veterinarians, zoologists, livestock producers, or industry personnel face in their respective careers. The knowledge and skills students develop will be used in future courses within the CASE program. In addition, students will understand specific connections between the Animal Science lessons SAE, FFA, and LifeKnowledge (a curriculum for leadership and career development) components that are important for the development of an informed agricultural education student. Students will build on the skills developed in the AFNR to investigate, conduct experiments, and document projects that solve real life problems. Students will communicate their solutions through reports and presentations to their peers and members of the professional community. (Second CASE course or Plant Science. Students are encouraged to take both)

Principles of Agricultural Plant Science (ASP)

Course 8190 | 5 periods/week/semester | 1 credit (CTE credit)

The course is structured to enable all students to have a variety of experiences that will provide an overview of the field of agricultural science with a foundation in plant science. Students will work in teams, exploring hands-on projects and activities, to learn the characteristics of plant science and work on major projects and problems similar to those that plant science specialists, such as horticulturalists, agronomists, greenhouse and nursery managers and producers, and plant research specialists face in their respective careers. Students will develop skills to investigate, conduct experiments, and document projects that solve real life problems. Students will communicate their solutions through reports and presentations to their peers and members of the professional community. (Second CASE course or Animal Science. Students are encouraged to take both)

Animal and Plant Biotechnology

Course 8550 | 5 periods/week/semester | 1 credit (CTE credit)

The Animal and Plant Biotechnology course is one of two specialized courses available to students through the CASE curriculum. Throughout the course students will explore the science of biotechnology and its agricultural and societal implications. Students will work in teams through inquiry-based projects exploring biotechnology research methodology, DNA/gene transfer, biofuels, micro propagation, embryo transfer, transgenic materials, and microbial biotechnology. As a foundation, biochemistry and the regulations, laws, and ethics governing biotechnology will be addressed. In addition, students will understand specific connections between the Animal and Plant Biotechnology lessons SAE, FFA, and LifeKnowledge components that are important for the development of an informed agricultural education student. Expanding on their knowledge and skills from previous courses, students will continue to investigate, conduct experiments, and document projects to solve problems that pose greater conceptual and technical challenges. Student’s presentations will communicate their solutions to their peers and members of the professional community. Prerequisites and other notes: CASE Plant (8540) or Animal Science (8190). (Third CASE course)

Agribusiness, Research and Development (Capstone)

Course 8555 | 5 periods/week/semester | 1 credit (CTE credit)

Capstone: The Agriculture Business, Research, and Development course will serve as the capstone course available to students through the CASE™ curriculum. Instruction and continued inquiry-based projects are designed to integrate key learning from previous CASE™ courses and have students apply them to real-world career situations through SAE projects or other internship/ work-based learning opportunities.

Agriculture Technology

Course 817 | 5 periods/week/semester | 1 credit (CTE credit)

Students will learn the basic principles involved in all types of agriculture and horticultural mechanics and technology. Students will be involved in basic carpentry, farm construction, electrical systems, arc welding, masonry, safe equipment operations and computer technology. Prerequisites and other notes: Recommended elective for CASE.