Title: Introduction to Natural Resources and Ecology Systems (18504)

Demonstrating Personal Qualities and Abilities
  Demonstrate creativity and innovation.
  Demonstrate critical thinking and problem-solving.
  Demonstrate initiative and self-direction.
  Demonstrate integrity.
  Demonstrate work ethic.
  WorkplaceReadinessSkillsPoster2019.pdf
Demonstrating Interpersonal Skills
  Demonstrate conflict-resolution skills.
  Demonstrate listening and speaking skills.
  Demonstrate respect for diversity.
  Demonstrate customer service skills.
  Collaborate with team members.
Demonstrating Professional Competencies
  Demonstrate big-picture thinking.
  Demonstrate career- and life-management skills.
  Demonstrate continuous learning and adaptability.
  Manage time and resources.
  Demonstrate information-literacy skills.
  Demonstrate an understanding of information security.
  Maintain working knowledge of current information-technology (IT) systems.
  Demonstrate proficiency with technologies, tools, and machines common to a specific occupation.
  Apply mathematical skills to job-specific tasks.
  Demonstrate professionalism.
  Demonstrate reading and writing skills.
  Demonstrate workplace safety.
Examining All Aspects of an Industry
  Examine aspects of planning within an industry/organization.
  Examine aspects of management within an industry/organization.
  Examine aspects of financial responsibility within an industry/organization.
  Examine technical and production skills required of workers within an industry/organization.
  Examine principles of technology that underlie an industry/organization.
  Examine labor issues related to an industry/organization.
  Examine community issues related to an industry/organization.
  Examine health, safety, and environmental issues related to an industry/organization.
Addressing Elements of Student Life
  Identify the purposes and goals of the student organization.
  Explain the benefits and responsibilities of membership in the student organization as a student and in professional/civic organizations as an adult.
  Demonstrate leadership skills through participation in student organization activities, such as meetings, programs, and projects.
  Identify Internet safety issues and procedures for complying with acceptable use standards.
Exploring Work-Based Learning
  Identify the types of work-based learning (WBL) opportunities.
  (Optional) Reflect on lessons learned during the WBL experience.
  Explore career opportunities related to the WBL experience.
  (Optional) Participate in a WBL experience, when appropriate.
Exploring Leadership Opportunities through FFA
  A Note About This Module
  Identify the role of supervised agricultural experiences (SAEs) in agricultural education.
  Participate in an SAE.
  Identify benefits and responsibilities of FFA membership.
  Describe leadership characteristics and opportunities as they relate to agriculture and FFA.
  (Optional) Apply for an FFA degree and/or an agricultural proficiency award.
Understanding Natural Resource Management
  Describe the types of employment opportunities in the natural resources and ecology industries.
  Define terms and key concepts related to natural resources, ecology, and environmental sciences.
  Identify the different types of natural resources.
  Research historical figures who played a prominent role in shaping how natural resources are viewed and used today.
  Explain principles and processes of ecological succession in different vegetation communities.
  Explain the concept of tragedy of the commons.
  Describe the principles, threats to, and benefits of biodiversity.
  Analyze how the level of biodiversity in an ecosystem influences the availability of natural resources.
  Analyze programs of supporting organizations and partners that play a role in natural resource management.
  Explain common ecological cycles as they relate to the environment.
  (Optional) Explain safety associated with hunting, fishing, and other outdoor activities.
  Analyze an agricultural industry’s effect on its surrounding ecosystems.
Protecting the Atmosphere
  Describe the composition of the atmosphere.
  Identify ecological concepts and principles related to atmospheric natural resource systems.
  Identify air pollutants, their sources, and their effects on the environment.
  Describe current methods used to reduce air pollutants and improve air quality.
Managing Soil Resources
  Describe the soil formation process and components of soil.
  Evaluate soil texture and soil properties.
  Demonstrate procedures for collecting soil samples and conducting soil tests.
  Explain techniques associated with soil best management practices.
  Describe erosion, its effects on the environment, and prevention methods.
  (Optional) Complete a water percolation test.
  Demonstrate how to use a soil survey.
Protecting Water Resources
  Describe the characteristics of water and the processes of the hydrologic cycle.
  Explain the ecological concepts and principles of aquatic natural resources.
  Delineate a watershed.
  Explain the importance of wetlands to an ecosystem.
  Explain the function, advantages, and disadvantages of flood-control structures and their impact on an ecosystem.
  Explain the various methods of water treatment to meet national drinking water standards.
  Analyze water quality indicators of a given body of water or aquatic habitat.
  Explain how total maximum daily load (TMDL) is calculated and its effects on watersheds.
  Examine methods of residential and municipal wastewater treatment systems.
Managing Forest Resources
  Compare the major types of forests in Virginia, the United States, and the world.
  Analyze basic tree structure and growth.
  Identify common trees native to Virginia.
  Examine the major threats to forests, including biotic, abiotic, and human-induced threats and their effect on the forest.
  Describe forest products, including those made from wood and other products from trees.
  Describe non-timber forest products (NTFPs).
  Demonstrate various methods of measuring standing timber.
  (Optional) Determine the value and volume of timber on a given tract of land.
  Analyze various silvicultural practices to include techniques associated with sustainable forestry (e.g., timber stand improvement, diversity improvement, reforestation).
  Explain safety practices used in the forest industry.
  Identify fire management strategies used in natural resource systems.
Managing Wildlife Resources
  Examine taxonomy to classify wildlife organisms.
  Analyze the status of wildlife populations.
  Identify types of native wildlife species and their habitat requirements.
  (Optional) Differentiate between population ecology, population density, and population dispersion and the importance of these concepts to natural resource systems.
  (Optional) Describe the steps in establishing and managing wildlife habitats.
  Describe methods for managing human-wildlife interactions.
Managing Aquatic Resources
  Describe fisheries in Virginia (e.g., commercial and sport fishing, farm-raised fish, hatcheries).
  Describe aquatic habitats.
  Describe common fish and aquatic species in a given area.
  Describe aquatic inventory/sampling methodologies.
Exploring Energy Resources and Consumption
  Analyze various energy sources.
  Contrast various forms of renewable and non-renewable energy sources.
  Explain the global economic impact of energy use and depletion.
Examining Land Use
  Demonstrate cartographic skills, tools, and technologies to aid in developing, implementing, and evaluating natural resource management plans.
  Explain the effect of major land development on the environment and ecosystems.
  (Optional) Explain zoning classifications and the effects of zoning.
  Analyze a comprehensive plan for a community.
  (Optional) Design a community to minimize adverse effects on the environment.
Exploring Government Policies, Agencies, and Regulations
  Describe current environmental policies/regulations.
  Identify local, state, and federal conservation, natural resource, and environmental regulatory agencies and programs.
  Describe water-use planning and water rights policies.
Developing Mechanical Skills Related to Natural Resources and Ecology Systems
  Explain the need for safety in natural resources and ecology systems.
  Demonstrate safe use of tools, materials, and equipment.
  Utilize tools in managing natural resources.
  Identify marked safety areas.
  Identify the location and use of eyewash stations.
  Identify the location of the posted evacuation routes.
  Demonstrate knowledge of SDS.
  Demonstrate the use of protective clothing and equipment.
  Demonstrate standard measurement techniques used in natural resources and ecology systems.
  (Optional) Demonstrate the use of hand tools, portable power tools, and equipment.
  (Optional) Demonstrate the use of chemicals.
  (Optional) Demonstrate metalworking operations as they relate to natural resources and ecology systems.
  (Optional) Demonstrate woodworking operations as they relate to natural resources and ecology systems.
  (Optional) Demonstrate electrical operations as they relate to natural resources and ecology systems.
  (Optional) Demonstrate small-engine operations as they relate to natural resources and ecology systems.
  (Optional) Demonstrate plumbing operations as they relate to natural resources and ecology systems.
Exploring the Use of Drones in Natural Resources and Ecology Systems
  Explain the uses of drones in natural resources and ecology systems.
  Research the types of drones used in natural resources and ecology systems.
  Identify safety precautions and standard operating procedures for flying drones.
  Describe the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) Part 107 guidelines and licensing requirements for flying drones.
  (Optional) Prepare a drone for flight.
  (Optional) Fly a drone, adhering to all safety requirements, industry recommended practices, and instructor guidelines.
ADDITIONAL COURSE INFORMATION
  8040_Student Competency Record_Copyright 2026.xlsx
  Printable Version with Standards Correlations
  Instructional Scenarios
  Acknowledgments and Copyright Information