The goal of this curriculum is to build environmental literacy as it relates to agricultural production among future farmers and the educators that work within this field. The objective, scientifically-sound curriculum is for secondary students (career and technical centers, grades 8-12). It goes beyond simply sharing information and providing outreach to require students to problem-solve, think critically, have a systems approach, as budding farmers, and embody environmental stewardship with their management decisions. Topics include: watersheds, reading the soil, soil management practices, nutrient management planning, precision agricultural technology tools, agricultural and environmental policy, and a case study.
Each unit is complete with lectures, activities, scoring rubrics, proficiency standards, and field trips which helps make the curriculum widely accessible and adaptable to agricultural educators and their students. Students will learn practical, responsible agricultural management that minimizes impacts on water resources. We encourage all educators taking part in the implementing the curriculum to provide feedback and send additional resources they may be using to add to this resource library.
To access the Agriculture and Water Quality Curriculum (AWQC) online, create an account on Cooperative Extension's online campus, Extension Foundation. Log in, search for 'Agricultural Education' in the SEARCH COURSES on the homepage, then simply select the ENROLL button. You now have full access to view and download the comprehensive curriculum!
