Parent and Student Portals 

Agriculture Course Syllabus

This syllabus is intended to guide you through this course. 

Instructor

Mrs. Robin Kelly

M. Ed

Email

rkelly@bcswan.net

Office Location

Classroom #414

Course Overview

This course focuses on the increasingly complex world of producing enough food and fiber to meet the growing world demand, and at the same time maintain ecological balance and conserve our natural resources. Students will explore implementing environmentally sound practices in agricultural production to satisfy the needs of a growing population for today and tomorrow. Topics discussed include crop and animal production, natural resource and energy management, agroforestry, food safety, and the farm to fork continuum.

 Course Materials

Organizational binder or folder of your choice

Pencil or pen

Grading

Course Grading                                                              Term Grading

70% Mastery (Projects, Tests)                                      1st Quarter    40% 

30% Artifacts (Labs, Classwork, Quiz)                         2nd Quarter   40%       

                                                                                           Final Exam    20%  

Course Description

Topics covered during Sustainable Agriculture 1 include, but are not limited to:

1. Leadership opportunities in sustainable ag.

2. Careers in sustainable agriculture.

3. Soil conservation practices.

4. Water conservation practices.

5. Sustainable crop production practices.

6. Agroforestry practices.

7. Animal husbandry in sustainable agriculture.

8. Integrated Pest Management (IPM) practices

These units could be taught and assessed in the following ways:

Projects Midterm/Final Exam Lab/Field Work

Quizzes Classwork Unit Tests

CLASSROOM RULES, BEHAVIOR AND SAFETY EXPECTATIONS

GENERAL EXPECTATIONS

Integrity: Doing the right thing, even when no one is looking. I expect this of myself, and of all who enter my classroom. It is one of the most honorable disciplines you can give yourself. 

Work Ethic: If a job is worth doing, it is worth doing right the first time. And if Mrs. Pineda has a job for you to do you can bet it's worth doing. Give it your all. It doesn’t mean you will succeed the first time every time. But it means you gave it our best shot.

Communication: Raise your hand to be heard and answered. And think before you speak. Spoken words in this classroom should pass all the following expectations with a “yes” before leaving the lips… Is it true? Is it needed? Is it kind? Is it helpful?

Golden Rule: Treat other people how you want to be treated. Regardless of bestie, worst enemy, or somewhere in between. We are all in this semester together. We will find ways to work through differences with respect and dignity. Need help? Ask me. 

POLICIES AND PROCEDURES

Entering Class:  Before Tardy Bell rings, students will enter the classroom and begin daily work. Tardy Policy for South Brunswick High School will be followed.

Restroom:  Students may use the bathroom one at a time under the following conditions:

• No bathroom visits during the first or last 15 minutes of class.

• No bathroom visits during instructional time, including videos.

• No cell phones in the bathroom.

You will  request a bathroom pass through the e-Pass system for approval. 

Cell Phones and Earbuds: Cell phones and earbuds are not to be used in class at any time. Cell phones are to be placed in the phone holder before class begins. If there is no cell phone in the holder, it is assumed the student did not bring a cell phone to school. If at any time a cell phone or ear buds are seen being used, they will be confiscated until the remainder of the school day. If a student refuses to hand over their phone/earbuds, Administration will be notified and a discipline referral will be made.  

Absent Work: You are responsible for missed work when you don’t make it to class. If you are absent, check google classroom for assignment, you have 3 days to turn in absent work.  No other late work will be accepted. 

AQUACULTURE LAB AND OUTDOOR AGRICULTURE FACILITIES

The Aquaculture Lab and outdoor agriculture facilities provide a unique opportunity for us to learn techniques related to raising fish and plants, maintaining aquariums, and natural resource management techniques. As with any field and lab work, safety is a priority. Rules for working safely are outlined below. Working in the lab and outdoors is a privilege, not a right. It is possible to lose that privilege if you intentionally damage equipment or supplies, and/or consistently endanger yourself or  other students with your behavior.

SAFETY RULES

No running.

Do not play with tools and equipment.

No climbing in/on tanks.

Do not bang on tanks.

Be aware of trip hazards.

Do not harass aquatic organisms.

Be aware of wet floors that are slippery.

No offensive language in the lab.

No tackling, shoving, taunting, or other horse-playing with your comrade.

Your voices carry in the lab.

Use appropriate language and voice level at all times.