Careers With Animals – Research-Based
This is the fourth in a series of six FFA quick lesson plans, “Careers with Animals: Research-Based,” created by the National FFA Organization with Purdue University. Students explore the importance of research-based animal careers and apply the scientific method by ordering scientific method cards, researching one of six USDA-NIFA animal research topics, completing a gallery walk, developing research questions, and creating a research roadmap with a laboratory procedure. It includes student worksheets, topic pages, and answer keys.
At a glance
- Learning objectives
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- Recognize the importance of research-based careers with animals.
- Develop a lab procedure using the scientific method.
- Time required
- 45 minutes
- Materials
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- One set of "Scientific Method Cards" per group
- A copy of one of the "Animal Research Topic" pages per group
- A copy of the "Animal Research Topics" worksheet for each student
- One copy of the "Animal Research Topics Poster" worksheet per group (or use poster materials)
- A copy of the "Animal Research Topics Gallery Walk" worksheet for each student
- A copy of the "Let's Break It Down" worksheet for each student
- A copy of the "Research Roadmap" worksheet for each student
- Computer access as desired
- Poster materials such as poster board, markers, old magazines, etc. (or use the "Animal Research Topics Poster" worksheet)
- Partnership for 21st Century Skills
- Communication; Critical Thinking and Problem Solving; Flexibility and Adaptability; Initiative and Self-direction; Leadership and Responsibility; Think Creatively
- This Quick Lesson Plan Would Work Well As
- 1. A component of an animal science career pathway unit. 2. A complement to any agricultural career unit. 3. A complement to a unit about the scientific method.
Downloads & Links
Aligned Standards
AFNR Career Ready Practices
- CRP.02Apply appropriate academic and technical skills. Career-ready individuals readily access and use the knowledge and skills acquired through experience and education to be more productive.
- CRP.04Communicate clearly, effectively, and with reason. Career-ready individuals communicate thoughts, ideas and action plans with clarity, whether using written, verbal and/or visual methods.
- CRP.06Demonstrate creativity and innovation.
- CRP.07Employ valid and reliable research strategies. Career-ready individuals are discerning in accepting and using new information to make decisions, change practices or inform strategies.
- CRP.08Utilize critical thinking to make sense of problems and persevere in solving them. Career-ready individuals readily recognize problems in the workplace, understand the nature of the problem, and devise effective plans to solve the problem.
Common Core – Literacy in Science & Technical Subjects: Writing
- CCSS.ELA-Literacy.WHST.9.10.1Write arguments focused on discipline-specific content.
- CCSS.ELA-Literacy.WHST.9.10.2Write informative/explanatory texts, including the narration of historical events, scientific procedures/experiments, or technical processes.
- CCSS.ELA-Literacy.WHST.9.10.4Produce clear and coherent writing in which the development, organization, and style are appropriate to task, purpose, and audience.
Common Core – Math Practices
Common Core – Reading: Informational Text
- CCSS.ELA-Literacy.RI.9-10.4Determine the meaning of words and phrases as they are used in a text, including figurative, connotative, and technical meanings; analyze the cumulative impact of specific word choices on meaning and tone (e.g., how the language of a court opinion differs from that of a newspaper).
Common Core – Speaking and Listening
- CCSS.ELA-Literacy.SL.9-10.1Initiate and participate effectively in a range of collaborative discussions (one-on-one, in groups, and teacher-led) with diverse partners on grades 9-10 topics, texts, and issues, building on others' ideas and expressing their own clearly and persuasively.
- CCSS.ELA-Literacy.SL.9-10.1.ACome to discussions prepared, having read and researched material under study; explicitly draw on that preparation by referring to evidence from texts and other research on the topic or issue to stimulate a thoughtful, well-reasoned exchange of ideas.
- CCSS.ELA-Literacy.SL.9-10.2Integrate multiple sources of information presented in diverse media or formats (e.g., visually, quantitatively, orally) evaluating the credibility and accuracy of each source.
- CCSS.ELA-Literacy.SL.9-10.4Present information, findings, and supporting evidence clearly, concisely, and logically such that listeners can follow the line of reasoning and the organization, development, substance, and style are appropriate to purpose, audience, and task.
Common Core – Writing
- CCSS.ELA-Literacy.W.9-10.2Write informative/explanatory texts to examine and convey complex ideas, concepts, and information clearly and accurately through the effective selection, organization, and analysis of content.
- CCSS.ELA-Literacy.W.9-10.9bApply grades 9-10 reading standards to literary nonfiction (e.g., "Delineate and evaluate the argument and specific claims in a text, assessing whether the reasoning is valid and the evidence is relevant and sufficient; identify false statements and fallacious reasoning").
FFA Precept
- FFA-CS-M.CommunicationEffectively interact with others in personal and professional settings.
- FFA.PG-J.Mental GrowthEmbrace cognitive and intellectual development relative to reasoning, thinking and coping.
- FFA.PL-A.ActionAssume responsibility and take the necessary steps to achieve the desired results, no matter what the goal or task at hand.
- FFA.PL-C.VisionVisualize the future and how to get there.
FFA Precepts
- FFA.CS-N.Decision MakingAnalyze a situation and execute an appropriate course of action.
NASDCTEc
- AGC02.02Employ the use of technical information effectively to maintain and communicate records and reporting procedures commonly used in the AFNR cluster.