Ag Mechanics
Course Standards
Safety
1) Identify the benefits of knowing and applying basic safety procedures in both an agricultural laboratory and workplace. Interpret current Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) guidelines to conduct a compliance review of the agricultural laboratory, including a written summary justifying the findings with recommendations for improving the safety of working conditions. (TN CCSS Reading 1, 2; TN CCSS Writing 1, 4, 7, 9)
2) Review common laboratory safety procedures for tool and equipment operation in the agricultural mechanics laboratories, including but not limited to accident prevention and control procedures. Demonstrate the ability to follow safety and operational procedures in a lab setting and complete a safety test with 100 percent accuracy. (TN CCSS Reading 3)
Project Management
3) Outline the basic principles and procedures of effective project planning. Create and present a project plan for an agricultural mechanics project or a supervised agricultural experience program related to agriculture mechanics. (TN CCSS Reading 2; TN CCSS Writing 4)
4) Using industry-specific terminology, identify components for preparing a budget and cost estimate. Develop a budget using a scaled drawing or blueprint to construct or repair an agriculture mechanics project. (TN CCSS Reading 1, 7; TN CCSS Writing 8; TN CCSS Math N-Q, s- SSE)
Engine and Motor Mechanics
5) Compare and contrast the chief features, functions, and applications of two-cycle engines, four- cycle engines, and electric motors. Citing technical references, recommend a maintenance schedule specific to the working environment (such as indoor/outdoor conditions, exposure to heat or cold) of the engine and/or motor. Conduct the appropriate maintenance with adherence to specifications outlined in the schedule. (TN CCSS Reading 1, 2; TN CCSS Writing 2, 4, 7, 8, 9)
6) Identify and differentiate between the different types of fuel and power sources used in conjunction with engines and motors. Recommend the types and sizes of engines/motors best suited for a range of applications. Provide a written justification, citing specific textual evidence, to support the recommendation. (TN CCSS Writing 1, 7, 9)
Surveying
7) Using topographical maps and appropriate mathematical equations, determine the acreage of a specific plot of land. Document and defend the methods used to arrive at the result, annotating calculations and field notes in a manner easily retrieved by other readers. (TN CCSS Reading 3, 4; TN CCSS Writing 4, 7; TN CCSS Math N-Q, G-CO, G-MG)
8) Apply precision surveying processes and geographic information system (GIS) technology to calculate the acreage of a specific plot of property. Using field notes and digital data (such as GIS overlays), develop a written survey report of the designated plot to include, at minimum, measurements, degrees, markers, and other notable geographic parameters. (TN CCSS Reading 3, 7; TN CCSS Writing 2, 7, 9; TN CCSS Math N-Q, G-CO, G-MG)
Irrigation and Drainage
9) Analyze the interrelationships among plants, water, air, and soil to maximize the health and productivity of agricultural crops. Calculate the permeability rate, available water holding capacity, pH levels, and nutrient levels for a specific soil type. (TN CCSS Reading 4; TN CCSS Math N-Q, F-BF)
10) Apply physics concepts governing various pumping systems and delivery options to achieve the optimum irrigation and drainage required for row crop, greenhouse, and nursery operations in various soil-plant-climate combinations. Develop irrigation schedules to satisfy the design daily irrigation requirements (DDIR) for specific crops, citing specific textual evidence. (TN CCSS Reading 1; TN CCSS Writing 4; TN CCSS Math N-Q, A-CED, F-BF)
11) Compare and contrast irrigation methods for row crops, attending to such factors as water conservation, efficiency, and cost. Investigate and document findings on the effectiveness and efficiency of a surface irrigation versus a drip irrigation method, developing claim(s) and counterclaim(s) for scenarios in which each method would be most applicable. (TN CCSS Reading 1; Writing 1, 7, 9; TN CCSS Math N-Q, F-IF)
Agricultural Structures
12) Interpret plans and working drawings to select appropriate building materials for a given agricultural structure. Using correct units and measurements, draft a written bill of materials enumerating the quantities of each selection, including but not limited to concrete, masonry, wood, metal, and composite materials. (TN CCSS Reading 3, 4, 5; TN CCSS Writing 2, 4, 9; TN CCSS Math N-Q, A-REI, G-MG)
13) Applying construction principles pertaining to wood, concrete, metal, masonry, plumbing and electricity construct or repair an agricultural structure according to prescribed working plans. (TN CCSS Reading 3, 7; TN CCSS Math N-Q, G-MG)
Agricultural Metalworking
14) Compare and contrast the physical and chemical properties of arc welding, metal inert gas (MIG) welding, gas welding, soldering, and brazing. Demonstrate the ability to precisely follow operational and safety procedures for each fusion process across various applications. (TN CCSS Reading 3)
15) Classify the physical and chemical properties associated with various metal-cutting methods. Demonstrate adherence to operational and safety procedures for using oxy-fuel or plasma in applications involving mild steel, copper, sheet metal, and cast iron. (TN CCSS Reading 3)
16) Select and demonstrate the best method to construct, connect, or repair metallic and non- metallic materials for a variety of agricultural applications, including but not limited to plumbing, sheeting, and equipment. (TN CCSS Reading 3)