Introduction to Careers in Power, Structural and Technical Systems
This is Lesson 1 of an 8-lesson National FFA Organization series introducing careers in the Power, Structural and Technical Systems (PST) pathway. Students take the AgExplorer MyCareer Quiz, sort PST careers into categories, research John Deere careers, and watch a video on autonomous equipment, then form groups for a unit-long project. The resource includes a full lesson plan, student activity worksheets (“There’s a Career for That”), and an answer key.
At a glance
- Learning objectives
-
- Identify careers of interest.
- Compare careers of interest with careers offered in the Power, Structural and Technical Systems focus area.
- Time required
- 60 minutes (*Time requirements may vary based upon student understanding and class schedule.)
- Grade level
- Grades 9 and 10
- Materials
-
- A copy of the “There’s a Career for That” worksheet for each student
- Internet access
- Career Sort Cards: cut out ahead of time, one set per group
- Grouping Cards: cut out ahead of time, three of each card (based on class size)
- Unit-Long Project Assignment Sheet
- Vocabulary
- Autonomous; Power, Structural and Technical Systems; Quality control; Skilled trades
- Cross-Curricular Connections
- English/Language Arts: Research careers and complete a career profile. Technology: Explore the different roles within Power, Structural and Technical Systems.
- SAE and FFA Connections
- Agricultural Technology and Mechanical Systems CDE, FFA.org/participate/cdes/agricultural-technology/
- Partnership for 21st Century Skills
- Communication; Critical Thinking and Problem Solving; Initiative and Self-direction; Leadership and Responsibility
- Description of Lesson Series
- There are a wide range of careers available in the Power, Structural and Technical Systems pathway. Students might not even be aware of many of these careers. This lesson series will dive into the multitude of careers that are needed to take a precision agriculture product from idea to finished product and beyond. These lessons are designed to be used in order.
Downloads & Links
Aligned Standards
AFNR Career Ready Practices
- 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.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.
- CRP.10Plan education and career path aligned to personal goals. Career-ready individuals take personal ownership of their own educational and career goals, and they regularly act on a plan to attain these goals.
AFNR Cluster Skills
- CS.05Describe career opportunities and means to achieve those opportunities in each of the Agriculture, Food & Natural Resources career pathways.
Common Career Technical Core
- AG5Describe career opportunities and means to achieve those opportunities in each of the Agriculture, Food & Natural Resources Career Pathways.
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.9-10.2Integrate multiple sources of information presented in diverse media or formats (e.g., visually, quantitatively, orally) evaluating the credibility and accuracy of each source.
FFA Precept
- FFA-CS-M.CommunicationEffectively interact with others in personal and professional settings.
- FFA.PG-I.Professional GrowthAssume responsibility for attaining and improving upon the skills needed for career success.
- 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.PL-E.AwarenessUnderstand personal vision, mission and goals.
- FFA.PL-F.Continuous ImprovementAccept responsibility for learning and personal growth.
FFA Precepts
- FFA.CS-N.Decision MakingAnalyze a situation and execute an appropriate course of action.