Introduction to Careers With Plants
This is the first of eight lessons in an FFA/Syngenta plant science unit, introducing students to the wide variety of careers in plant science. Through researching stages of the AFNR value chain, a “day in the life” video, a career bingo activity, and AgExplorer career profiles, students explore the plant science field from research and development to production and marketing and identify careers that align with their interests.
At a glance
- Learning objectives
-
- Explore different careers in plant science and agriculture.
- Recognize the different stages of developing a new product in the plant science industry.
- Identify at least three plant science careers that align with personal interests.
- 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 "Plant Systems Careers" worksheet for each student
- Internet access to play the video in real time or embed it in a PowerPoint ahead of time
- Career cards: cut out ahead of time, one card per student
- Bingo card: one per student
- Timer
- Vocabulary
- Innovation; Plant Systems; Syngenta
- Cross-Curricular Connections
- English/Language Arts: Research careers and complete a career profile. Technology: Explore the different roles within Plant Systems.
- Partnership for 21st Century Skills
- Communication; Critical Thinking and Problem Solving; Initiative and Self-direction; Leadership and Responsibility
- Resources/References
- Video: "Life at Syngenta," https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Xhojdm6BibY; Website: AgExplorer (2023), AgExplorer.FFA.org
- SAE and FFA Connections
- Agronomy CDE; Floriculture CDE; Nursery/Landscape CDE; SAE Idea Cards
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.