Course Syllabus

ARLINGTON AGRISCIENCE FAIR

Revised July 1, 2020

 

1. Competition is open to all students enrolled in an Arlington ISD agricultural science class. 

 

2. There are four divisions of the 6 categories:
3. Division 1 - individual member in grades 9 and 10.
4. Division 2 - team of two members in grades 9 and 10.
5. Division 3 – individual member in grades 11 and 12.
6. Division 4 – team of two members in grades 11 and 12.

 

3. Participants are limited to one individual entry and one team entry. A team is defined as two members working cooperatively on the same project. Successive year projects must indicate a change or growth in the project from the previous year. 

 

4. Upon receipt of research papers, the contest superintendents may suggest a category change for the project. Category changes will be done with the mutual agreement of the agricultural science teacher and contest superintendents. Category changes will not be made on-site.

 

5. Interview times with the judging panel will be posted by 4:00 p.m. on the day of set-up. Interviews may not exceed fifteen (15) minutes. Judging times for each participant will be posted at the set-up site. Projects of like category and division will be judged consecutively as a group unless precluded by scheduling conflicts. Students who are late for their interview appointment will not receive credit for the interview or display portion of the evaluation sheet. 

 

6. Each exhibit should include information relevant to the study. Agriscience fair participant(s)’ display show the results of the study utilizing a display board not to exceed the dimensions of:

- 36 inches high (from top of table to top of display)

- 48 inches (width)

- 30 inches deep (the distance from back to front)

Failure to meet these requirements will result in disqualification. Please note that the width of tables vary per convention location and are generally 24” wide.

 

7. 7. The student researcher(s) may also have the log book and up to five copies of the written report as part of the display. The log book and copies of the written report are optional. No additional props, handouts or electronics are permitted. No tablets, iPads, cell phones or other electronic devices will be permitted.

 

8. Results will be announced at an awards after judging has been completed.Each entry will also receive 3 complimentary dinner tickets. Extra tickets must be purchased by April 11th.

 

9. In cases of questions, National FFA rules will prevail. A three-person committee may be used to settle disputes. Policies regarding protests will be in effect.

 

10. Research papers are due April 2nd . Fair is April 28th 

 

11. The finalists from each category will be entered into the Texas FFA contest. 

 

12. The overall winner will receive $500 scholarship awarded at the chapter banquet. 

Animal Systems (AS) The study of animal systems, including life processes, health, nutrition, genetics, management and processing, through the study of small animals, aquaculture, livestock, dairy, horses and/or Poultry. Examples: • Compare nutrient levels on animal growth

• Research new disease control mechanisms
• Effects of estrous synchronization on ovulation
• Compare effects of thawing temperatures on livestock semen
• Effects of growth hormone on meat/milk production

 

Environmental Services/Natural Resource Systems (ENR) The study of systems, instruments and technology used in waste management; the study of the management of soil, water, wildlife, forests and air as natural resources and their influence on the environment. 

Examples: • Effect of agricultural chemicals on water quality

• Effects of cropping practices on wildlife populations
• Compare water movements through different soil types

 

Food Products and Processing Systems (FPP) The study of product development, quality assurance, food safety, production, sales and service, regulation and compliance and food service within the food science industry. Examples: • Effects of packaging techniques on food spoilage rates

• Resistance of organic fruits to common diseases
• Determining chemical energy stored in foods
• Control of molds on bakery products

 

Plant Systems (PS) The study of plant life cycles, classifications, functions, structures, reproduction, media and  nutrients, as well as growth and cultural practices, through the study of crops, turf grass, trees and shrubs and/or ornamental plants.

 Examples: • Determine rates of transpiration in plants

• Effects of heavy metals such as cadmium on edible plants
• Compare GMO and conventional seed/plant growth under various conditions
• Effects of lunar climate and soil conditions on plant growth
• Compare plant growth of hydroponics and conventional methods

 

Power, Structural and Technical Systems (PST) The study of agricultural equipment, power systems, alternative fuel sources and precision technology, as well as woodworking, metalworking, welding and project planning for agricultural structures.

 Examples: • Develop alternate energy source engines

• Create minimum energy use structures
• Compare properties of various alternative insulation products
• Investigation of light/wind/water energy sources

 

Social Systems (SS) The study of human behavior and the interaction of individuals in and to society, including agricultural education, agribusiness economic, agricultural communication, agricultural leadership and other social science applications in agriculture, food and natural resources.

Examples:        • Investigate perceptions of community members towards alternative agricultural practices

• Determine the impact of local/state/national safety programs upon accident rates in agricultural/natural resource occupations
• Comparison of profitability of various agricultural/natural resource practices
• Investigate the impact of significant historical figures on a local community 
• Determine the economical effects of local/state/national legislation impacting agricultural/natural resources

 

Updated Presentation Guidelines/Information

In lieu of an in-person judging, our Agri-Science Fair this year like everything else will go digital. This is not a negative at all! This will hopefully mean more students will be interested and we will be able to secure this $500. Below are the changes that the State made for the 2020 Texas State FFA Agri-Science Fair and we will be following this year. 

• Instead of a visual display, participants will make and submit a video presentation for the last "Area" on the rubric. To compensate for the visual display, all participants will receive the 15 points. (a change to rule #6 above)

• The video must include your name(s), division and category and will NOT exceed 2 minutes in length

• You will not be answering specific questions for the presentation.Instead, this will be a free response where you will fill the 2 - minute time frame with information from the scoring rubric regarding your project (a change to rule #5 above)

• The free response information should follow the "Area" section of the rubric located on the interview scoresheet (Knowledge Gained, Scientific Research, Collaboration, Thoroughness/Information & Results/Conclusion).  The interview score sheets can be found on the ASF webpage here (pages 12-14 of the ASF Rules & Guidelines). Texas ASF Rules link

• The video should be recorded inside using a neutral background with PARTICIPANT(S) ONLY. Participants must wear official FFA dress.

• If you are entered in a team division, both team members must participate in the presentation.

• The use of display boards, props, power points, electronic devices (except for the device you are recording on), equipment, etc. is prohibited.

• Staff will review videos as they are submitted to ensure that each presentation opens and that the video can be viewed and heard. Participants will be notified in the event a new presentation needs to be submitted.

• Due date and progress checks will be set in the AISD ASF Canvas Course (a change to rule #10)

Results will be announced prior to our chapter banquet where the scholarship will be awarded. (a change to rule #8)