Updated: 12/12/2009

Resources:

Teachers:

• Ryan Patterson - Ripon High School
• Mike Spiess - Chico State
• Search for Ag Mechanics Teachers

Texts:

• Agriculture Mechanics Fundamentals and Applications – 6th Edition, Ray Herren
• Modern Agricultural Mechanics -- Burke, Stanley R., & Wakeman, T. J. (1990).  (2nd ed.). Danville, IL: Interstate Publishers.

Web Sites:

• Trimble - GPS Tutorial

• TX Department of Transportation Survey Manual

• Laser Level Video

Curriculum:

2154, 2155,  2700, 2701, 2702, 2703, 2704,

Methods:

• Be sure you are comfortable performing any of the skills you will be demonstrating to your class.

Standards:

4.0 Technology

Students know how to use contemporary and emerging technological resources in diverse and changing personal, community, and workplace environments:

4.1 Understand past, present, and future technological advances as they relate to a chosen pathway.

4.6 Differentiate among, select, and apply appropriate tools and technology.

5.0 Problem Solving and Critical Thinking

Students understand how to create alternative solutions by using critical and creative thinking skills, such as logical reasoning, analytical thinking, and problem-solving techniques:

5.1 Apply appropriate problem-solving strategies and critical thinking skills to work-related issues and tasks.

5.3 Use critical thinking skills to make informed decisions and solve problems.

B12.0 Students understand land measurement and construction techniques commonly used in agriculture:

B12.1 Understand common surveying techniques used in agriculture (e.g., leveling, land measurement, building layout).

Unit Topics:

1. Basic Information for Land Measurement (Word)
2. Surveying Distance (PPT)
   1. Teacher Reference (Word)
3. Differential Leveling (PPT)
   1. Teacher Reference (Word)
   2. Student Reference (Word)
4. Legal Descriptions (Word)
5. GPS (Teacher's Notes - PDF)

Worksheet

• Differential Leveling
• Land Measurement Exercise
• Field Note Practice (key)
• Calculating Pace
• Surveying Field Notebook (Excel)

Unit Assessment

• Land Measurement Quiz
• Survey Written Exam

Skill Assignments / Projects

• GPS (PDF)
• Pacing (PDF)
• Laser Level (PDF)
• Auto Level (PDF)

California Ag Mechanics Curriculum Project