Ag Careers Lesson

Careers in Agriculture Lesson (April Through June)

The Careers in Agriculture, or Ag Careers, Lesson will give students the opportunity to learn about the various careers associated with agriculture. Students will discover that Ag Careers include areas far beyond simply farming, and instead include subjects such as technology, business, science, production, and management. Through a variety of activities, students will be able to learn about what it takes to do an Ag Career and the diversity of subject within this field.

Learning Objectives:

After this lesson, students will be able to:

Know what factors constitute an Ag Career.
Envision themselves in an Ag Career.
Understand the basic tasks associated with various Ag Careers.

Learning Standards:

College and Career readiness.

Overview of Activities:

This brief overview of the various activities that can be completed for this lesson is split by age level. Each activity is given a time estimate and description. For more detailed information, click here. Note that all groups will have the chance to tour the Extension Learning Farm and eat a lunch (not provided) while visiting.

Introduction to Ag Careers (30 Minutes):

What is an Ag Career?:
- Students will learn about what the term "Ag Career" means and what types of careers are considered to be Ag. Through this lesson, they will discover that the category of Ag Careers is broad and often referred to as a "Career Umbrella"
Evolution of Ag Careers:
- Students will learn about how Ag Careers have changed over time. Additionally, they will discover how the need for people within Ag Careers has and continues to increase.

Ag Career Activities (Kindergarten to 4th):

Where Do Objects Come From? (1 Hour):
- Students will learn about the original sources of various, everyday items through an interactive relay race game. They will discover the impact that farms have on the creation of their items, and subsequently why Ag Careers are important.
Jobs of a Farmer (30 Minutes):
- Students will realize that the jobs of a farmer include more then just tending to animals and planting crops through envisioning a multitude of scenarios and classifying the subjects associated with those scenarios.
Garden and Farm Design (30 Minutes):
- Students will learn about the preparation associated with planning a farm or garden, and have the chance to plan their own garden.
Reflection and Evaluation (15 Minutes):
- Students will be given the chance to reflect upon their activities and what they learned during the lessons through a series of questions.

Ag Career Activities (5th to 8th):

Career Introductions (30 Minutes):
- Students will learn about various Ag Careers and their roles through an interactive matching game. Through this, they will have the chance to discover the brevity of careers associated with this field.
Agribusiness Lesson (1.5 Hours):
- Students will learn about what an Agribusiness is and be shown various examples. Then, they will have the chance to create their own Agribusiness and compete with others in an activity.
Reflection and Evaluation (15 Minutes):
- Students will be given the chance to reflect upon their activities and what they learned during the lessons through a series of questions.

Ag Career Activities (9th to 12th):

Career Introductions (30 Minutes):
- Students will be introduced to and learn about a variety Ag Careers through an interactive game.
Career Finder Discussion (30 Minutes):
- Students will use the information they received from the Career Finder quiz to engage in an activity that illustrates the brevity of Ag Careers.
Technology and Ag Careers (1 Hour):
- Students will learn through example about how technology has changed Ag Careers. Additionally, they will get the chance to problem-solve by "creating" new forms of technology that they will present to their classmates.
Reflection and Evaluation (15 Minutes):
- Students will be given the chance to reflect upon their activities and what they learned during the lessons through a series of questions.