Hello, my name is Sam Stanley and I came to Palestine school district in 2004 from Texas A&M University-Commerce. I started in the horticulture building and the next year I moved to the ag. mechanics shop. In the spring of 2008 we expanded into the old Auto Tech shop and made it the AG METAL SHOP.
My classes include Introduction to Ag. Mechanics, Metal Fab., Ag. Mechanics I&II, and Ag. Power & Machinery. I cover basic agricultural skills from carpentry to welding to engine repair. My goal is for my students to have the knowlege to build or repair anything that will rust or rattle. Also, if the student is interested in a career in agriculture, they can develope the advanced skills they will need to futher their education in Ag Mech.

Agriculture and Metal Fabrication Technology

COURSE SYLLABUS

FALL, 2008

INSTRUCTOR: Sam Stanley

________________________________________
OFFICE: CTE Building, Room 362
CONFERENCE HOURS: 9:00am-9:50am
OFFICE PHONE: 903-731-8081 (leave a message after six rings; please speak loud enough and clearly)
E-MAIL ADDRESS: sstanley@palestineschools.org
WEB PAGE: classroom.palestineschools.org/webs/samstanley
CLASS HOURS: 8:00-3:30 MON-FRI
________________________________________

A. DESCRIPTION
This course is recommended for students in grades 9-12. Upon satisfactory completion on this course you will receive ½ credits. In the class you will learn basic metal working skills and techniques used to manipulate metal materials. To be prepared for careers in mechanized agricultural systems, students need to attain academic skills and knowledge, to acquire knowledge and skills related to mechanize agricultural systems in the work place, and to develop knowledge and skills regarding career opportunities, entry requirements, and industry expectations. To prepare for success, students need to have opportunities to learn, reinforce, apply, and transfer their knowledge, skills, and technologies in a variety of settings.
B. ORGANIZATION
This is a lab-lecture course in which projects are presented by the instructor, practice drawings are explained, and assigned projects are completed by students both during class. There is a comprehensive final exam. The course is a prerequisite for AG MECH 1. Agricultural metal fabrication students generally have had Ag 101/102 and Introduction to agricultural mechanics. So when students in this course proceed to the AG MECH 1, if they do, they will be at approximately the same level of expertise as those who have had previous training or experience. This course assumes no previous agriculture experience or training, so the initial emphases are on the use of equipment and basic procedures.
C. COURSE OBJECTIVES
1. The student learns the employability characteristic of a successful worker in the modern workplace.
2. The student knows metal joining technology and processes relating to assembly of equipment in agriculture mechanics operations.
3. The student uses appropriate bench metal techniques.
4. The student plans and performs cost-effective construction techniques.
D. COURSE TOPICS
The course will cover the following topics:
1. identify career developmental and entrepreneurship opportunities in the field of metal fabrication
2. apply competencies related to resources, information, interpersonal skills, and systems of operation in metal fabrication
3. demonstrate knowledge of personal and mechanical safety practices in the workplace
4. identify employers’ expectations, appropriate work habits, and good citizenship skills
5. plan and manage supervised agricultural experience programs
6. utilize appropriate tools, equipment facilities
7. identify and determine properties, types, and uses of metal
8. select and use oxy-fuel equipment
9. select and use electric arc welding equipment
10. demonstrate the lay-out process
11. utilize computer-assisted design techniques
12. read and interpret designs and sketches
13. prepare bills of material
14. measure, mark and cut material
15. perform specialized nonmetallic fabrication techniques
E. TEXT AND REQUIRED SUPPLIES
1. IMS Text provided
2. Supplies: pen or pencil, paper, and safety glasses
F. GRADING PLAN
Coursework will be weighted as follows:
1. Daily work(shop,classroom,cleanup) 50%
2. Major Test (safety) 50%

____ ____
50% + 50% = 100%

DAILY WORK:
Daily work will be graded in two different forms. They will show in the grade book as shop grades and cleanup grades. The shop grade will reflect the amount of effort u put into your project. If the effort is there the quality will be there. If the class is not working in the shop, the grade will be based on the work you do in the classroom scrutinized in the same manner as shop work. Clean up grades will be taken on the basis of how well you clean up at the end of each period in the shop. The last 5 to 10 minutes of the period is reserved for this task. When in the classroom, this will become your class participation grade. Make up work is per PISD policy.
Major Test:
There will be a major test grade taken every week. While in the shop this grade will reflect how well you adhere to safety procedures. If you fail to wear your safety glasses at any time while in the shop you will not be able to receive a safety grade no higher than a 50. This complies with industry standards as in most work places; failure to wear proper safety gear is means for automatic termination. When in the classroom, your performance on major exams will reflect this grade.
FINAL EXAM:
The final exam will be comprehensive and hand-on. It will be given the scheduled time at the end of the semester.
ATTENDANCE:
Attendance is per PISD policy. Please refer to your student handbook for details.
GENERAL:
Your recorded grades will be available for your review on Skyward Family Access. Do remember to keep all work returned to you so that any discrepancies can be easily and fairly straightened out. Except in cases of actual error, final grades are permanent.
Final "I" grades will not be permitted after the amount of make up time has passed. Any work that is not made up will be recorded as a 50.
G. CLASSROOM RULES OF CONDUCT
 . BE ON TIME
 BEPREPARE TO WORK
 BE POLITE
 HAVE PRIDE! THROW AWAY ALL OF YOUR TRASH
 NO FOOD OR DRINKS
 ASK FOR PERMISSION TO LEAVE CLASS
H. EMERGENCY PROCEDURES
1. Evacuation procedures -- see instructions posted in the classroom.
2. First aid kit -- located in Room 362. All instructors have a key to the room.
3. Emergency ambulance -- from any instructor's office, phone "9" to get an outside line, then "911."
I. YOUR IDEAS, EVALUATIONS, ETC.
In general, your ideas, comments, suggestions, questions, grade challenges, etc. are welcome. Your discretion in these matters is expected, however. No part of your grade will be based on anything other than your coursework and attendance.
You are encouraged to take advantage of instructor office hours for help with coursework or anything else connected with the course and your progress.
J. SUGGESTIONS FOR SUCCESS
For most students this will not be a "difficult" course. However, there will probably be some students who did well in academic courses where information was most important and who will be surprised at the relative difficulty of this course where manual skills and visualization are most important. So do not think that if you are a "B" student you will probably get a "B" in this course. You might get an "A" with relative ease . . . or a "C" with difficulty, and still be (and correctly so) a "B student" in your information-heavy, mainly lecture-type courses. The courses that follow this will be significantly different.

Agriculture Mechanics 2

COURSE SYLLABUS

FALL, 2008

INSTRUCTOR: Sam Stanley

________________________________________
OFFICE: CTE Building, Room 362
CONFERENCE HOURS: 9:00am-9:50am
OFFICE PHONE: 903-731-8081 (leave a message after six rings; please speak loud enough and clearly)
E-MAIL ADDRESS: sstanley@palestineschools.org
WEB PAGE: classroom.palestineschools.org/webs/samstanley
CLASS HOURS: 8:00-3:30 MON-FRI
________________________________________

A. DESCRIPTION
This course is recommended for students in grades 11-12. Upon satisfactory completion on this course you will receive 1 credit. In the class you will learn advanced agricultural mechanics skills. To be prepared for careers in mechanized agricultural systems, students need to attain academic skills and knowledge, to acquire knowledge and skills related to mechanize agricultural systems in the work place, and to develop knowledge and skills regarding career opportunities, entry requirements, and industry expectations. To prepare for success, students need to have opportunities to learn, reinforce, apply, and transfer their knowledge, skills, and technologies in a variety of settings.
B. ORGANIZATION
This is a hands-on lab-lecture course in which competencies are presented by the instructor, materials are explained, and assigned projects are completed by students during class. There is a comprehensive final exam. Agricultural Mechanics students generally have had Ag 101/102, Introduction to Agricultural Mechanics, Metal Fabrication, and Agricultural Mechanics 1. This course assumes previous agriculture experience or training, so the initial emphases are on the use of equipment and advanced procedures.
C. COURSE OBJECTIVES
1. The student learns the employability characteristic of a successful worker in the modern workplace.
2. The student demonstrates technical knowledge and entry level workplace skills in the interrelated mechanized agricultural systems.
3. The student demonstrates mechanized agriculture repair skills
4. The student demonstrates principles and practices relating to agricultural structures
5. The student demonstrates skills related to water management
D. COURSE TOPICS
The course will cover the following topics:
1. identify career developmental and entrepreneurship opportunities in the field of mechanized agriculture
2. apply competencies related to resources, information, interpersonal skills, and systems of operation in mechanized agriculture
3. demonstrate knowledge of personal and mechanical safety practices in the workplace
4. identify employers’ expectations, appropriate work habits, and good citizenship skills
5. plan and manage supervised agricultural experience programs
6. identify and select agricultural power systems and equipment
7. diagnose power system conditions
8. service and repair small gasoline engines
9. explain the operation of an service electrical, air conditioning, cooling, fuel, air, clutch, tires, wheels, and brake systems and power units
10. set up, adjust, operate, and maintain agricultural machinery and equipment
11. explain the operation of electric and oxy-fuel welding and cutting processes and perform procedures
12. perform soldering and cold metal skills and tool maintenance
13. identify, plan, and construct agricultural structures
14. demonstrate the use of concrete and masonry in the agricultural construction
15. perform electrical wiring skills
16. select and maintain electrical motors and controls for agricultural applications
17. plan, establish, and maintain water management and irrigation systems
18. perform skills in land measuring and leveling
E. TEXT AND REQUIRED SUPPLIES
1. IMS Text provided
2. Supplies: pen or pencil, paper, and safety glasses
F. GRADING PLAN
Coursework will be weighted as follows:
1. Daily work(shop,classroom,cleanup) 50%
2. Major Test (safety) 50%

____ ____
50% + 50% = 100%

DAILY WORK:
Daily work will be graded in two different forms. They will show in the grade book as shop grades and cleanup grades. The shop grade will reflect the amount of effort u put into your project. If the effort is there the quality will be there. If the class is not working in the shop, the grade will be based on the work you do in the classroom scrutinized in the same manner as shop work. Clean up grades will be taken on the basis of how well you clean up at the end of each period in the shop. The last 5 to 10 minutes of the period is reserved for this task. When in the classroom, this will become your class participation grade. Make up work is per PISD policy.
Major Test:
There will be a major test grade taken every week. While in the shop this grade will reflect how well you adhere to safety procedures. If you fail to wear your safety glasses at any time while in the shop you will not be able to receive a safety grade no higher than a 50. This complies with industry standards as in most work places; failure to wear proper safety gear is means for automatic termination. When in the classroom, your performance on major exams will reflect this grade.
FINAL EXAM:
The final exam will be comprehensive and hand-on. It will be given the scheduled time at the end of the semester.
ATTENDANCE:
Attendance is per PISD policy. Please refer to your student handbook for details.
GENERAL:
Your recorded grades will be available for your review on Skyward Family Access. Do remember to keep all work returned to you so that any discrepancies can be easily and fairly straightened out. Except in cases of actual error, final grades are permanent.
Final "I" grades will not be permitted after the amount of make up time has passed. Any work that is not made up will be recorded as a 50.
G. CLASSROOM RULES OF CONDUCT
 . BE ON TIME
 BEPREPARE TO WORK
 BE POLITE
 HAVE PRIDE! THROW AWAY ALL OF YOUR TRASH
 NO FOOD OR DRINKS
 ASK FOR PERMISSION TO LEAVE CLASS
H. EMERGENCY PROCEDURES
1. Evacuation procedures -- see instructions posted in the classroom.
2. First aid kit -- located in Room 362. All instructors have a key to the room.
3. Emergency ambulance -- from any instructor's office, phone "9" to get an outside line, then "911."
I. YOUR IDEAS, EVALUATIONS, ETC.
In general, your ideas, comments, suggestions, questions, grade challenges, etc. are welcome. Your discretion in these matters is expected, however. No part of your grade will be based on anything other than your coursework and attendance.
You are encouraged to take advantage of instructor office hours for help with coursework or anything else connected with the course and your progress.
J. SUGGESTIONS FOR SUCCESS
For most students this will not be a "difficult" course. However, there will probably be some students who did well in academic courses where information was most important and who will be surprised at the relative difficulty of this course where manual skills and visualization are most important. So do not think that if you are a "B" student you will probably get a "B" in this course. You might get an "A" with relative ease . . . or a "C" with difficulty, and still be (and correctly so) a "B student" in your information-heavy, mainly lecture-type courses. The courses that follow this will be significantly different.

Agriculture Power and Machinery

COURSE SYLLABUS

FALL, 2008

INSTRUCTOR: Sam Stanley

________________________________________
OFFICE: CTE Building, Room 362
CONFERENCE HOURS: 9:00am-9:50am
OFFICE PHONE: 903-731-8081 (leave a message after six rings; please speak loud enough and clearly)
E-MAIL ADDRESS: sstanley@palestineschools.org
WEB PAGE: classroom.palestineschools.org/webs/samstanley
CLASS HOURS: 8:00-3:30 MON-FRI
________________________________________

A. DESCRIPTION
This course is recommended for students in grades 11-12. Upon satisfactory completion on this course you will receive 1 credit. In the class you will learn advanced agricultural mechanics power and machinery skills. To be prepared for careers in mechanized agricultural systems, students need to attain academic skills and knowledge, to acquire knowledge and skills related to mechanize agricultural systems in the work place, and to develop knowledge and skills regarding career opportunities, entry requirements, and industry expectations. To prepare for success, students need to have opportunities to learn, reinforce, apply, and transfer their knowledge, skills, and technologies in a variety of settings.
B. ORGANIZATION
This is a hands-on lab-lecture course in which competencies are presented by the instructor, materials are explained, and assigned projects are completed by students during class. There is a comprehensive final exam. Agricultural Power and Machinery students generally have had Ag 101/102, Introduction to Agricultural Mechanics, Metal Fabrication, and Agricultural Mechanics 1. This course assumes previous agriculture experience or training, so the initial emphases are on the use of equipment and advanced procedures.
C. COURSE OBJECTIVES
1. The student learns the employability characteristic of a successful worker in the modern workplace.
2. The student knows the relationship between maintenance, repair, and reconditioning of agricultural vehicles and machinery
3. The student develops technical skills in agricultural power and machinery
D. COURSE TOPICS
The course will cover the following topics:
1. identify career developmental and entrepreneurship opportunities in the field of mechanized agriculture
2. apply competencies related to resources, information, interpersonal skills, and systems of operation in mechanized agriculture
3. demonstrate knowledge of personal and mechanical safety practices in the workplace
4. identify employers’ expectations, appropriate work habits, and good citizenship skills
5. plan and manage supervised agricultural experience programs
6. demonstrate safe practices related to operation and repair of agricultural power and machinery
7. explain the basic principles of operation of agricultural power and machinery
8. explain the use of lubricants and coolants
9. service and repair internal combustion engines
10. service and repair power train systems
11. service and maintain hydraulic systems
12. service and repair cooling, braking, and steering systems including wheels and tires
13. service and repair lubricating systems
14. service and repair fuel and air systems
15. service and repair machinery and equipment electrical systems
16. service and maintain air conditioning systems
17. explain the use of electronic instruments, such as monitors, onboard computers, and sensors
18. service and repair agricultural machinery and equipment
19. demonstrate work ethics, customer relations skills, and management competencies consistent with industry expectations
E. TEXT AND REQUIRED SUPPLIES
1. IMS Text provided
2. Supplies: pen or pencil, paper, and safety glasses
F. GRADING PLAN
Coursework will be weighted as follows:
1. Daily work(shop,classroom,cleanup) 50%
2. Major Test (safety) 50%

____ ____
50% + 50% = 100%

DAILY WORK:
Daily work will be graded in two different forms. They will show in the grade book as shop grades and cleanup grades. The shop grade will reflect the amount of effort u put into your project. If the effort is there the quality will be there. If the class is not working in the shop, the grade will be based on the work you do in the classroom scrutinized in the same manner as shop work. Clean up grades will be taken on the basis of how well you clean up at the end of each period in the shop. The last 5 to 10 minutes of the period is reserved for this task. When in the classroom, this will become your class participation grade. Make up work is per PISD policy.
Major Test:
There will be a major test grade taken every week. While in the shop this grade will reflect how well you adhere to safety procedures. If you fail to wear your safety glasses at any time while in the shop you will not be able to receive a safety grade no higher than a 50. This complies with industry standards as in most work places; failure to wear proper safety gear is means for automatic termination. When in the classroom, your performance on major exams will reflect this grade.
FINAL EXAM:
The final exam will be comprehensive and hand-on. It will be given the scheduled time at the end of the semester.
ATTENDANCE:
Attendance is per PISD policy. Please refer to your student handbook for details.
GENERAL:
Your recorded grades will be available for your review on Skyward Family Access. Do remember to keep all work returned to you so that any discrepancies can be easily and fairly straightened out. Except in cases of actual error, final grades are permanent.
Final "I" grades will not be permitted after the amount of make up time has passed. Any work that is not made up will be recorded as a 50.
G. CLASSROOM RULES OF CONDUCT
 . BE ON TIME
 BEPREPARE TO WORK
 BE POLITE
 HAVE PRIDE! THROW AWAY ALL OF YOUR TRASH
 NO FOOD OR DRINKS
 ASK FOR PERMISSION TO LEAVE CLASS
H. EMERGENCY PROCEDURES
1. Evacuation procedures -- see instructions posted in the classroom.
2. First aid kit -- located in Room 362. All instructors have a key to the room.
3. Emergency ambulance -- from any instructor's office, phone "9" to get an outside line, then "911."
I. YOUR IDEAS, EVALUATIONS, ETC.
In general, your ideas, comments, suggestions, questions, grade challenges, etc. are welcome. Your discretion in these matters is expected, however. No part of your grade will be based on anything other than your coursework and attendance.
You are encouraged to take advantage of instructor office hours for help with coursework or anything else connected with the course and your progress.
J. SUGGESTIONS FOR SUCCESS
For most students this will not be a "difficult" course. However, there will probably be some students who did well in academic courses where information was most important and who will be surprised at the relative difficulty of this course where manual skills and visualization are most important. So do not think that if you are a "B" student you will probably get a "B" in this course. You might get an "A" with relative ease . . . or a "C" with difficulty, and still be (and correctly so) a "B student" in your information-heavy, mainly lecture-type courses. The courses that follow this will be significantly different.

Introduction to Agriculture Mechanics

COURSE SYLLABUS

FALL, 2008

INSTRUCTOR: Sam Stanley

________________________________________
OFFICE: CTE Building, Room 362
CONFERENCE HOURS: 9:00am-9:50am
OFFICE PHONE: 903-731-8081 (leave a message after six rings; please speak loud enough and clearly)
E-MAIL ADDRESS: sstanley@palestineschools.org
WEB PAGE: classroom.palestineschools.org/webs/samstanley
CLASS HOURS: 8:00-3:30 MON-FRI
________________________________________

A. DESCRIPTION
This course is recommended for students in grades 9-12. Upon satisfactory completion on this course you will receive ½ credits. In the class you will learn basic agricultural mechanics skills. To be prepared for careers in mechanized agricultural systems, students need to attain academic skills and knowledge, to acquire knowledge and skills related to mechanize agricultural systems in the work place, and to develop knowledge and skills regarding career opportunities, entry requirements, and industry expectations. To prepare for success, students need to have opportunities to learn, reinforce, apply, and transfer their knowledge, skills, and technologies in a variety of settings.
B. ORGANIZATION
This is a hands-on lab-lecture course in which competencies are presented by the instructor, materials are explained, and assigned projects are completed by students during class. There is a comprehensive final exam. The course is a prerequisite for AG MECH 1. Introduction to Agricultural Mechanics students generally have had Ag 101/102. So when students in this course proceed to Agricultural Metal Fabrication and Technology, if they do, they will be at approximately the same level of expertise as those who have had previous training or experience. This course assumes no previous agriculture experience or training, so the initial emphases are on the use of equipment and basic procedures.
C. COURSE OBJECTIVES
1. The student learns the employability characteristic of a successful worker in the modern workplace.
2. The student identifies and safely uses tools and equipment
3. The student identifies and performs basic electrical wiring skills.
4. The student performs basic plumbing skills.
5. The student performs basic concrete construction skills
6. The student performs basic carpentry skills
7. The student identifies fencing methods
8. The student performs cold and hot metal skills.
D. COURSE TOPICS
The course will cover the following topics:
1. identify career developmental and entrepreneurship opportunities in the field of mechanized agriculture
2. apply competencies related to resources, information, interpersonal skills, and systems of operation in mechanized agriculture
3. demonstrate knowledge of personal and mechanical safety practices in the workplace
4. identify employers’ expectations, appropriate work habits, and good citizenship skills
5. plan and manage supervised agricultural experience programs
6. identify and use hand and power tools
7. select and use measuring and marking devices
8. indentify basic principles of electric wiring and wiring technology
9. perform basic wiring skills
10. maintain electric motors
11. identify plumbing tools and fixtures
12. install pipe and plumbing fixtures
13. maintain water systems
14. estimate materials and construct forms
15. reinforce, place, finish, and cure concrete
16. identify building materials
17. plan cost effective construction
18. apply basic carpentry skills
19. apply paints and preservatives
20. select fencing materials
21. plan and construct fences
22. identify types of metal
23. cut, file, shape, and drill metal
24. select and operate oxy-fuel equipment
25. select and operate electric-arc equipment
E. TEXT AND REQUIRED SUPPLIES
1. IMS Text provided
2. Supplies: pen or pencil, paper, and safety glasses
F. GRADING PLAN
Coursework will be weighted as follows:
1. Daily work(shop,classroom,cleanup) 50%
2. Major Test (safety) 50%

____ ____
50% + 50% = 100%

DAILY WORK:
Daily work will be graded in two different forms. They will show in the grade book as shop grades and cleanup grades. The shop grade will reflect the amount of effort u put into your project. If the effort is there the quality will be there. If the class is not working in the shop, the grade will be based on the work you do in the classroom scrutinized in the same manner as shop work. Clean up grades will be taken on the basis of how well you clean up at the end of each period in the shop. The last 5 to 10 minutes of the period is reserved for this task. When in the classroom, this will become your class participation grade. Make up work is per PISD policy.
Major Test:
There will be a major test grade taken every week. While in the shop this grade will reflect how well you adhere to safety procedures. If you fail to wear your safety glasses at any time while in the shop you will not be able to receive a safety grade no higher than a 50. This complies with industry standards as in most work places; failure to wear proper safety gear is means for automatic termination. When in the classroom, your performance on major exams will reflect this grade.
FINAL EXAM:
The final exam will be comprehensive and hand-on. It will be given the scheduled time at the end of the semester.
ATTENDANCE:
Attendance is per PISD policy. Please refer to your student handbook for details.
GENERAL:
Your recorded grades will be available for your review on Skyward Family Access. Do remember to keep all work returned to you so that any discrepancies can be easily and fairly straightened out. Except in cases of actual error, final grades are permanent.
Final "I" grades will not be permitted after the amount of make up time has passed. Any work that is not made up will be recorded as a 50.
G. CLASSROOM RULES OF CONDUCT
 . BE ON TIME
 BEPREPARE TO WORK
 BE POLITE
 HAVE PRIDE! THROW AWAY ALL OF YOUR TRASH
 NO FOOD OR DRINKS
 ASK FOR PERMISSION TO LEAVE CLASS
H. EMERGENCY PROCEDURES
1. Evacuation procedures -- see instructions posted in the classroom.
2. First aid kit -- located in Room 362. All instructors have a key to the room.
3. Emergency ambulance -- from any instructor's office, phone "9" to get an outside line, then "911."
I. YOUR IDEAS, EVALUATIONS, ETC.
In general, your ideas, comments, suggestions, questions, grade challenges, etc. are welcome. Your discretion in these matters is expected, however. No part of your grade will be based on anything other than your coursework and attendance.
You are encouraged to take advantage of instructor office hours for help with coursework or anything else connected with the course and your progress.
J. SUGGESTIONS FOR SUCCESS
For most students this will not be a "difficult" course. However, there will probably be some students who did well in academic courses where information was most important and who will be surprised at the relative difficulty of this course where manual skills and visualization are most important. So do not think that if you are a "B" student you will probably get a "B" in this course. You might get an "A" with relative ease . . . or a "C" with difficulty, and still be (and correctly so) a "B student" in your information-heavy, mainly lecture-type courses. The courses that follow this will be significantly different.

Agriculture Mechanics 1

COURSE SYLLABUS

FALL, 2008

INSTRUCTOR: Sam Stanley

________________________________________
OFFICE: CTE Building, Room 362
CONFERENCE HOURS: 9:00am-9:50am
OFFICE PHONE: 903-731-8081 (leave a message after six rings; please speak loud enough and clearly)
E-MAIL ADDRESS: sstanley@palestineschools.org
WEB PAGE: classroom.palestineschools.org/webs/samstanley
CLASS HOURS: 8:00-3:30 MON-FRI
________________________________________

A. DESCRIPTION
This course is recommended for students in grades 11-12. Upon satisfactory completion on this course you will receive 1 credit. In the class you will learn advanced agricultural mechanics skills. To be prepared for careers in mechanized agricultural systems, students need to attain academic skills and knowledge, to acquire knowledge and skills related to mechanize agricultural systems in the work place, and to develop knowledge and skills regarding career opportunities, entry requirements, and industry expectations. To prepare for success, students need to have opportunities to learn, reinforce, apply, and transfer their knowledge, skills, and technologies in a variety of settings.
B. ORGANIZATION
This is a hands-on lab-lecture course in which competencies are presented by the instructor, materials are explained, and assigned projects are completed by students during class. There is a comprehensive final exam. Agricultural Mechanics students generally have had Ag 101/102, Introduction to Agricultural Mechanics, and Metal Fabrication. This course assumes previous agriculture experience or training, so the initial emphases are on the use of equipment and advanced procedures.
C. COURSE OBJECTIVES
1. The student learns the employability characteristic of a successful worker in the modern workplace.
2. The student demonstrates technical knowledge and entry level workplace skills in the interrelated mechanized agricultural systems.
3. The student demonstrates mechanized agriculture repair skills
4. The student demonstrates principles and practices relating to agricultural structures
5. The student demonstrates skills related to water management
D. COURSE TOPICS
The course will cover the following topics:
1. identify career developmental and entrepreneurship opportunities in the field of mechanized agriculture
2. apply competencies related to resources, information, interpersonal skills, and systems of operation in mechanized agriculture
3. demonstrate knowledge of personal and mechanical safety practices in the workplace
4. identify employers’ expectations, appropriate work habits, and good citizenship skills
5. plan and manage supervised agricultural experience programs
6. identify and select agricultural power systems and equipment
7. diagnose power system conditions
8. service and repair small gasoline engines
9. explain the operation of an service electrical, air conditioning, cooling, fuel, air, clutch, tires, wheels, and brake systems and power units
10. set up, adjust, operate, and maintain agricultural machinery and equipment
11. explain the operation of electric and oxy-fuel welding and cutting processes and perform procedures
12. perform soldering and cold metal skills and tool maintenance
13. identify, plan, and construct agricultural structures
14. demonstrate the use of concrete and masonry in the agricultural construction
15. perform electrical wiring skills
16. select and maintain electrical motors and controls for agricultural applications
17. plan, establish, and maintain water management and irrigation systems
18. perform skills in land measuring and leveling
E. TEXT AND REQUIRED SUPPLIES
1. IMS Text provided
2. Supplies: pen or pencil, paper, and safety glasses
F. GRADING PLAN
Coursework will be weighted as follows:
1. Daily work(shop,classroom,cleanup) 50%
2. Major Test (safety) 50%

____ ____
50% + 50% = 100%

DAILY WORK:
Daily work will be graded in two different forms. They will show in the grade book as shop grades and cleanup grades. The shop grade will reflect the amount of effort u put into your project. If the effort is there the quality will be there. If the class is not working in the shop, the grade will be based on the work you do in the classroom scrutinized in the same manner as shop work. Clean up grades will be taken on the basis of how well you clean up at the end of each period in the shop. The last 5 to 10 minutes of the period is reserved for this task. When in the classroom, this will become your class participation grade. Make up work is per PISD policy.
Major Test:
There will be a major test grade taken every week. While in the shop this grade will reflect how well you adhere to safety procedures. If you fail to wear your safety glasses at any time while in the shop you will not be able to receive a safety grade no higher than a 50. This complies with industry standards as in most work places; failure to wear proper safety gear is means for automatic termination. When in the classroom, your performance on major exams will reflect this grade.
FINAL EXAM:
The final exam will be comprehensive and hand-on. It will be given the scheduled time at the end of the semester.
ATTENDANCE:
Attendance is per PISD policy. Please refer to your student handbook for details.
GENERAL:
Your recorded grades will be available for your review on Skyward Family Access. Do remember to keep all work returned to you so that any discrepancies can be easily and fairly straightened out. Except in cases of actual error, final grades are permanent.
Final "I" grades will not be permitted after the amount of make up time has passed. Any work that is not made up will be recorded as a 50.
G. CLASSROOM RULES OF CONDUCT
 . BE ON TIME
 BEPREPARE TO WORK
 BE POLITE
 HAVE PRIDE! THROW AWAY ALL OF YOUR TRASH
 NO FOOD OR DRINKS
 ASK FOR PERMISSION TO LEAVE CLASS
H. EMERGENCY PROCEDURES
1. Evacuation procedures -- see instructions posted in the classroom.
2. First aid kit -- located in Room 362. All instructors have a key to the room.
3. Emergency ambulance -- from any instructor's office, phone "9" to get an outside line, then "911."
I. YOUR IDEAS, EVALUATIONS, ETC.
In general, your ideas, comments, suggestions, questions, grade challenges, etc. are welcome. Your discretion in these matters is expected, however. No part of your grade will be based on anything other than your coursework and attendance.
You are encouraged to take advantage of instructor office hours for help with coursework or anything else connected with the course and your progress.
J. SUGGESTIONS FOR SUCCESS
For most students this will not be a "difficult" course. However, there will probably be some students who did well in academic courses where information was most important and who will be surprised at the relative difficulty of this course where manual skills and visualization are most important. So do not think that if you are a "B" student you will probably get a "B" in this course. You might get an "A" with relative ease . . . or a "C" with difficulty, and still be (and correctly so) a "B student" in your information-heavy, mainly lecture-type courses. The courses that follow this will be significantly different.