POWER, STRUCTURAL, AND TECHNOLOGY SYSTEMS FUNDAMENTALS		
Course Syllabus, All Year 2024-2025 School Year

I.  Course Description
This course is designed to provide students with introductory level experiences in selected major areas of agricultural mechanics technology which may include woodworking, agricultural structures, electrical wiring, introductory arc welding, oxy/fuel cutting and welding processes, and power equipment operation and maintenance. Learning activities include information, skill development, and problem solving. Classroom and laboratory activities are supplemented through FFA supervised agricultural experiences, leadership programs, and activities.

II.  Instructor

Mr. Philip Simpson
Phone: (308) 201-0760
E-mail address: philip.simpson@burwellpublicscchool.com
Best times to contact: 7:30-8:15 a.m. & 3:45-4:30 p.m.

III.  Instructional Materials

Text:			Various	

Required Materials:	You need to have leather shoes/boots when welding. You need an old,
long sleeve shirt (not tattered or torn) to protect your arms. Gloves, pliers, and safety glasses will
be provided, but you are welcome to bring your own (at your own responsibility)

IV.  Course Outline

Class Topic:			                   	  		____________________________
•	AFNR.HS.26.1 Identify careers in the agricultural mechanics industry in the areas of agricultural construction, agricultural electrical systems, welding and metal fabrication, and agriculture power machinery.
o	AFNR.HS.26.1.a Identify career opportunities in Agricultural Mechanics in the local community.
o	AFNR.HS.26.1.b Identify professional organizations associated with agricultural mechanics skills and related occupations.
o	AFNR.HS.26.1.c Apply information in career planning and employment situations related to agricultural mechanics.

•	AFNR.HS.26.2 Model principles of a safe work environment, including safety practices.
o	AFNR.HS.26.2.a Identify potential hazards in the agricultural mechanics laboratory and/or work setting.
o	AFNR.HS.26.2.b Select safety equipment and procedures for various agriculture-related activities.
o	AFNR.HS.26.2.c Demonstrate safety procedures and behavior while working in the agriculture classroom, labs, and/or work sites.
o	AFNR.HS.26.2.d Identify personal protective equipment required for various activities conducted in the agricultural mechanics laboratory and industry.
o	AFNR.HS.26.2.e Safely operate all hand tools, power tools, and equipment in the agricultural mechanics laboratory.

•	AFNR.HS.26.6 Apply the operating principles of a four stroke engine, including components of and proper maintenance procedures, in accordance with the manufacturer’s recommendations. 
o	AFNR.HS.26.6.a Explain how a small engine operates. 
o	AFNR. HS.26.6.b Compare the similarities and differences between four-stroke-cycle engines and two-stroke-cycle engines. 
o	AFNR.HS.26.6.c Interpret service and parts manuals for small engines and identify operating instructions and safety procedures for operating small engines. 
o	AFNR.HS.26.6.d Identify tools commonly used for small engine service and repair.
o	AFNR.HS.26.6.e Create a maintenance calendar utilizing small engine owner’s manuals.
o	AFNR.HS.26.6.f Perform basic service procedures according to manufacturer’s recommendations.
o	AFNR.HS.26.6.g Compare proper maintenance procedures using service manuals from a variety of small engine manufacturers.
 
•	AFNR.HS.26.7 Demonstrate the safe and efficient operation of agricultural tractors and related equipment. 
o	AFNR.HS.26.7.a Identify common types of machinery used in the agricultural industry.
o	AFNR.HS.26.7.b Describe the functions and purposes of common types of machinery used in the agriculture industry.

•	AFNR.HS.26.5 Demonstrate knowledge of electrical principles, tools, and materials necessary for planning and installation of electrical circuits for agricultural and residential applications.
o	AFNR.HS.26.5.a Describe the basic principles of electrical theory.
o	AFNR.HS.26.5.b Describe types of electrical circuits.
o	AFNR.HS.26.5.c Define electrical terms and relationship between them (e.g., watts, volts, amps and resistance).
o	AFNR.HS.26.5.d Explain the purpose of the National Electrical Code.
o	AFNR.HS.26.5.e Identify electrical symbols used in electrical schematics and floor plans of agricultural facilities.
o	AFNR.HS.26.5.f Use appropriate electrical symbols and follow National Electrical Code requirements for electrical schematics
o	AFNR.HS.26.5.g Demonstrate commonly used electrical tools in the agricultural industry.
o	AFNR.HS.26.5.h Identify types of electrical cable used in agricultural applications.
o	AFNR.HS.26.5.i Calculate load for specific circuit applications and describe potential hazards of overloads on a circuit.
o	AFNR.HS.26.5.j Select conductors for circuit applications based on given load, location, temperature, and distance parameters.
o	AFNR.HS.26.5.k Compare and contrast switches, receptacles, lighting outlet devices, grounding conductors, solderless connectors, and related materials for use in agricultural and residential electric circuits.
o	AFNR.HS.26.5.l Identify steps in installing branch circuit enclosures, conductors and devices.
		
V.  Grading		
Student’s grades will be determined as follows:
90% --- Daily assignments, record books, projects, tests, quizzes, & presentation
10% --- SAE Record Keeping/Record Book

VI.  Homework	

For each assignment I will announce if it is due at the beginning or end of the next class. (if you are in doubt, assume that it is at the beginning of class.) If you do not have your homework in on time, you automatically lose 25% of the points and have until the beginning of the next class meeting to turn it in. If it is not turned in at that time, you lose all credit for that assignment.  

Some assignments are important enough to your success in this class that I believe you
must complete them and I will make arrangements with you to insure that you do.

If you miss class, we will follow the procedure in the student handbook. If it is lab 
activity, you will be required to make up a related assignment since the lab or field trip 
may not be reproducible.

VII. Course Content
FFA is a key component of Agricultural Education and students enrolled in agricultural education courses will spend a great deal of class time preparing for various FFA events.   Examples - - Range Judging – Study Plants, Livestock Judging – Judge classes and give oral reasons, LDE’s – preparing and presenting public speeches/demonstrations, SAE’s  - Students will work on record keeping and preparing applications.   

VIII.  Classroom Procedures

Student expectations will be outlined in an expectation contract given to the students 
the first week of school.