Copyright: 2025

Virginia Assignment Code: 8086

Suggested Grade Level: 9, 10

Duration: 36 weeks

Hours: 140

Credits: 1

Prerequisites: None

CTSO: FFA

Course Description:

This course explores biological principles within the agriculture, food, and natural resources industries. Students will learn how biological and chemical interventions are foundational to sustainable crop, poultry, and livestock production practices, developing agricultural technologies, improving soil health and fertility, using selective breeding and genetic engineering in pest and disease management, minimizing crop loss and mitigating environmental degradation. The competencies in this course reinforce Biology Standards of Learning, and students will use project-based learning to develop the foundational knowledge and skills necessary to be successful in Biotechnology Foundations in Agricultural and Environmental Science (8085). Contextual instruction and student participation in co-curricular career and technical student organization (CTSO) activities will develop leadership, interpersonal, and career skills. High-quality work-based learning (HQWBL) will provide experiential learning opportunities related to students' career goals and/or interests, integrated with instruction, and performed in partnership with local businesses and organizations.

Note: Competencies within this course ensure compliance with the National FFA Organization's Federal Charter Amendments Act (Public Law 116-7). Through this legislation, students are provided opportunities for leadership, personal growth, and career success through agricultural education.

Credentials, Course Sequences, and Career Clusters/Pathways can be found here:

https://www.cteresource.org/career-clusters/agriculture-food-natural-resources/19230/