Agriculture MechanicsAgriculture Mechanics

By By

David p AndrewsDavid p Andrews

Exploring careers in Agricultural mechanicsExploring careers in Agricultural mechanics1 section1 sectionunit 1 mechanics in the world of agricultureunit 1 mechanics in the world of agricultureunit 2 career options in agriculture mechanicsunit 2 career options in agriculture mechanicshttp://www.delmarlearning.com/samplechapters/dl_display_sampchap.aspx?http://www.delmarlearning.com/samplechapters/dl_display_sampchap.aspx?isbn=0766814106&cid=3isbn=0766814106&cid=3

U N I T 1U N I T 1 Mechanics in the WorldMechanics in the World of Agricultureof Agriculture TERMS TOTERMS TO KNOWKNOW agricultureagriculture agriscienceagriscience agribusinessagribusiness renewable naturalrenewable natural resourcesresources occupational clusteroccupational cluster occupationoccupation businessbusiness profitprofit employmentemployment tradetrade

mechanicalmechanical mechanicmechanic techniciantechnician mechanicsmechanics agriculturalagricultural mechanicsmechanics efficiencyefficiency OBJECTIVEOBJECTIVE To determine how mechanical skills, To determine how mechanical skills,

concepts, and principles areconcepts, and principles are used in agriculture and related used in agriculture and related

occupations.occupations. Competencies to be developedCompetencies to be developed After studying this unit, you should be After studying this unit, you should be

able to:able to: Define agriculture and agriculturalDefine agriculture and agricultural mechanics.mechanics.

Define occupation and describe an occupationalDefine occupation and describe an occupational cluster.cluster. Describe the role of mechanics andDescribe the role of mechanics and mechanical applications in society.mechanical applications in society. Demonstrate knowledge of contributionsDemonstrate knowledge of contributions made by mechanical application to themade by mechanical application to the development of agriculture.development of agriculture. Name eight inventors of important agriculturalName eight inventors of important agricultural machines.machines. Materials ListMaterials List ✔ ✔ PencilPencil ✔ ✔ PaperPaper ✔ ✔ EncyclopediasEncyclopedias

4 SECTION 1 Exploring Careers in Agricultural 4 SECTION 1 Exploring Careers in Agricultural MechanicsMechanics

Historically, the word agriculture meant to farmHistorically, the word agriculture meant to farm or to grow plants or animals. Today, agricultureor to grow plants or animals. Today, agriculture may be defined as those activities concerned withmay be defined as those activities concerned with plants and animals and the related supplies, services,plants and animals and the related supplies, services, mechanics, products, processing, and marketingmechanics, products, processing, and marketing related to plants, animals, and the environment. Therelated to plants, animals, and the environment. The term AgriScience evolved during the current decadeterm AgriScience evolved during the current decade to clearly denote that agriculture is a science. to clearly denote that agriculture is a science.

Actually,Actually, modern agriculture covers so many activities thatmodern agriculture covers so many activities that a simple definition is not possible. The United Statesa simple definition is not possible. The United States Department of Education developed the phraseDepartment of Education developed the phrase ““agriculture/agribusiness and renewable naturalagriculture/agribusiness and renewable natural

resources” to refer to the broad range of activitiesresources” to refer to the broad range of activities associated with agriculture. Agribusiness refers toassociated with agriculture. Agribusiness refers to the network of commercial firms that have the network of commercial firms that have

developeddeveloped with or stem out of agriculture.with or stem out of agriculture. Renewable natural resources are theRenewable natural resources are the resources provided by nature that can replace orresources provided by nature that can replace or renew themselves. Examples of such resources arerenew themselves. Examples of such resources are wildlife, trees, and fish as well as their natural wildlife, trees, and fish as well as their natural

surroundings.surroundings. Some occupations in renewable naturalSome occupations in renewable natural resources are game trapper, forester, and resources are game trapper, forester, and

waterman. Awaterman. A waterman uses boats and specialized equipment towaterman uses boats and specialized equipment to harvest fish, oysters, and other seafood.harvest fish, oysters, and other seafood. All jobs and types of work in the field of agriculture/All jobs and types of work in the field of agriculture/

agribusiness and renewable natural resourcesagribusiness and renewable natural resources make up an occupational cluster. An occupationalmake up an occupational cluster. An occupational cluster is a group of related jobs. There are manycluster is a group of related jobs. There are many occupations that are related to agriculture as occupations that are related to agriculture as

illustratedillustrated in figure 1–1. Agricultural mechanics is onlyin figure 1–1. Agricultural mechanics is only one of the many careers that fall under the broadone of the many careers that fall under the broad term of agriculture.term of agriculture. Agriculture depends on many nonfarm workersAgriculture depends on many nonfarm workers for goods and services. For every farm worker in for goods and services. For every farm worker in

thethe United States, there are said to be four workers inUnited States, there are said to be four workers in nonfarm agricultural jobs, figure 1–2. Nonfarm nonfarm agricultural jobs, figure 1–2. Nonfarm

agriculturistsagriculturists

provide machinery, equipment, fertilizer,provide machinery, equipment, fertilizer, feed, seed, money, research, and government services.feed, seed, money, research, and government services. Similarly, marketing, transporting, processing,Similarly, marketing, transporting, processing, and distributing farm products are done by nonfarmand distributing farm products are done by nonfarm agriculturalists. This network of nonfarm agriculturalagriculturalists. This network of nonfarm agricultural workers helps the average U.S. farmer feed aboutworkers helps the average U.S. farmer feed about 128 people per year, figure 1–3. On the most productive128 people per year, figure 1–3. On the most productive and efficient farms, however, one farmer mayand efficient farms, however, one farmer may produce enough to feed more than 200 people.produce enough to feed more than 200 people. The term occupation means business, employment,The term occupation means business, employment, or trade. It is the work a person does regularlyor trade. It is the work a person does regularly to earn a living. Business generally refers to workto earn a living. Business generally refers to work done for profit. Profit refers to income made fromdone for profit. Profit refers to income made from the sale of goods or services after expenses have beenthe sale of goods or services after expenses have been taken out. An example of profit is the income madetaken out. An example of profit is the income made by a local machinery dealer or a local garden centerby a local machinery dealer or a local garden center minus expenses.minus expenses. Employment means work done for pay.Employment means work done for pay. Employees are paid by the hour, day, week, month,Employees are paid by the hour, day, week, month,

or year. A small-engines mechanic employed at theor year. A small-engines mechanic employed at the local machinery dealer is probably paid by the hour,local machinery dealer is probably paid by the hour, but the sales manager is probably paid an annualbut the sales manager is probably paid an annual salary with bonuses based on sales volume.salary with bonuses based on sales volume. Trade Trade refers to specific kinds of work or businesses,refers to specific kinds of work or businesses, especially those that require skilled mechanicalespecially those that require skilled mechanical work. work. Mechanical Mechanical means having to do with ameans having to do with a machine, mechanism, or machinery. A person who ismachine, mechanism, or machinery. A person who is specifically trained to perform mechanical tasks is aspecifically trained to perform mechanical tasks is a mechanic. mechanic. A mechanic who uses high technology isA mechanic who uses high technology is generally called a generally called a technician. technician. The mechanic mustThe mechanic must be skilled in the use of tools and machines. Thebe skilled in the use of tools and machines. The mechanic must also be able to select appropriatemechanic must also be able to select appropriate materials, use a variety of processes, and analyzematerials, use a variety of processes, and analyze

problems. The term problems. The term mechanics mechanics is defined as theis defined as the branch of physics dealing with motion, and thebranch of physics dealing with motion, and the action of forces on bodies or fluids.action of forces on bodies or fluids. The term The term agricultural mechanics agricultural mechanics is the selection,is the selection, operation, maintenance, servicing, selling, andoperation, maintenance, servicing, selling, and use of power units, machinery, equipment, structures,use of power units, machinery, equipment, structures, and utilities used in agriculture. Hundreds ofand utilities used in agriculture. Hundreds of different jobs are available in agricultural mechanics.different jobs are available in agricultural mechanics. A total of 99 out of 305 occupational entries in A total of 99 out of 305 occupational entries in AA Concise Handbook of Occupations Concise Handbook of Occupations are mechanical inare mechanical in nature.nature. AGRICULTURE—A BASICAGRICULTURE—A BASIC INDUSTRYINDUSTRY Agriculture is a very complex industry. The industryAgriculture is a very complex industry. The industry produces plant and animal products fromproduces plant and animal products from which thousands of commodities are made. Sincewhich thousands of commodities are made. Since every person and many industries depend uponevery person and many industries depend upon agriculture, it is said to be a basic industry. Someagriculture, it is said to be a basic industry. Some

products of agriculture are food, oils, fiber, lumber,products of agriculture are food, oils, fiber, lumber, ornamental trees and shrubs, flowers, leather, fertilizers,ornamental trees and shrubs, flowers, leather, fertilizers, feed, seed, and more. Basic agriculturalfeed, seed, and more. Basic agricultural products form the raw materials for many items ofproducts form the raw materials for many items of everyday living.everyday living. Fabrics for clothing, curtains, and floor coveringsFabrics for clothing, curtains, and floor coverings are made from oils such as corn oil, soybean oil, andare made from oils such as corn oil, soybean oil, and cottonseed oil. Plastics of all kinds are also madecottonseed oil. Plastics of all kinds are also made from vegetable oils. Products from animals are usedfrom vegetable oils. Products from animals are used to make materials such as glue, leather, and paint.to make materials such as glue, leather, and paint. Many medicines come from plants and animals. TheMany medicines come from plants and animals. The manufacture of automobiles, furniture, airplanes,manufacture of automobiles, furniture, airplanes, radios, stereos, and computers all depends on agricultureradios, stereos, and computers all depends on agriculture for certain raw materials. The construction offor certain raw materials. The construction of homes, boats, and factories all depends on agriculturehomes, boats, and factories all depends on agriculture for lumber, fiber, and other basic commodities.for lumber, fiber, and other basic commodities. Most dwellings in America are surrounded by lawn,Most dwellings in America are surrounded by lawn, shrubs, or other plants for beautification. These areshrubs, or other plants for beautification. These are also agricultural commodities.also agricultural commodities. Agriculture is, indeed, a basic industry uponAgriculture is, indeed, a basic industry upon which all people depend. It is the backbone of thewhich all people depend. It is the backbone of the American society.American society.

THE ROLE OFTHE ROLE OF AGRICULTURALAGRICULTURAL MECHANICSMECHANICS Mechanical applications are found throughoutMechanical applications are found throughout agriculture. Some of these applications are agriculture. Some of these applications are

shown inshown in figures 1–4 through 1–8. A few examples of figures 1–4 through 1–8. A few examples of

jobsjobs involving agricultural mechanics are:involving agricultural mechanics are: the engineer who designs tractors and otherthe engineer who designs tractors and other farm and ranch machinesfarm and ranch machines the forester who keeps chainsaws and otherthe forester who keeps chainsaws and other equipment goingequipment going

the builder of processing plants, farm buildings,the builder of processing plants, farm buildings, and aquaculture facilitiesand aquaculture facilities the electrician who installs climate controls,the electrician who installs climate controls, silo unlades, and milling equipmentsilo unlades, and milling equipment the soil conservationist who constructs terracesthe soil conservationist who constructs terraces to control erosionto control erosion the hardware store employee who must locatethe hardware store employee who must locate repair parts for agricultural tools and machinesrepair parts for agricultural tools and machines the air conditioning and refrigeration specialistthe air conditioning and refrigeration specialist in processing and storage facilitiesin processing and storage facilities the designer and installer of field, turf, the designer and installer of field, turf,

landscape,landscape,

the lawn equipment service mechanic whothe lawn equipment service mechanic who repairs lawn tractorsrepairs lawn tractors the welder who repairs farm machinerythe welder who repairs farm machinery the mechanic who keeps the diesel trucks andthe mechanic who keeps the diesel trucks and machines going.machines going. Processing plants for field crops, livestock, poultry,Processing plants for field crops, livestock, poultry, fruits, and vegetables all have machinery. Suchfruits, and vegetables all have machinery. Such machinery requires designers, engineers, operators,machinery requires designers, engineers, operators, maintenance and repair personnel, and constructionmaintenance and repair personnel, and construction workers. Even people with jobs in finance, publications,workers. Even people with jobs in finance, publications, and communications may need some knowledgeand communications may need some knowledge of mechanics when their assignments deal withof mechanics when their assignments deal with agriculture. All are likely to use computers and computeragriculture. All are likely to use computers and computer applications in their work.applications in their work. THE INFLUENCETHE INFLUENCE OF MECHANIZATIONOF MECHANIZATION

At the birth of the United States in 1776, over 90 percentAt the birth of the United States in 1776, over 90 percent of the American colonists were farmers, yetof the American colonists were farmers, yet many of General Washington’s troops at Valley Forgemany of General Washington’s troops at Valley Forge died for lack of food and clothing. Today, less thandied for lack of food and clothing. Today, less than 10 percent of all Americans work in agriculture, yet10 percent of all Americans work in agriculture, yet there are generally food surpluses in America. Thethere are generally food surpluses in America. The ratio of farm workers to nonfarm people in Americaratio of farm workers to nonfarm people in America approximately reversed itself in 200 years. In 1776,approximately reversed itself in 200 years. In 1776, the farm-to-nonfarm ratio was approximately 9 to 1.the farm-to-nonfarm ratio was approximately 9 to 1. Today, the ratio of agricultural workers to theToday, the ratio of agricultural workers to the remaining population is approximately 1 to 9. remaining population is approximately 1 to 9.

MechanizationMechanization has played a major role in this rise in productionhas played a major role in this rise in production efficiency. Efficiency means ability to produceefficiency. Efficiency means ability to produce with a minimum waste of time, energy, andwith a minimum waste of time, energy, and materials.materials.

America provided the inventors for many of theAmerica provided the inventors for many of the world’s most important agricultural machines. Cyrusworld’s most important agricultural machines. Cyrus McCormick invented the reaper in 1834 to cut smallMcCormick invented the reaper in 1834 to cut small grain crops. Later, the combine was invented, whichgrain crops. Later, the combine was invented, which cut and threshed the grain in the field. Today, onecut and threshed the grain in the field. Today, one modern combine operator can cut and thresh asmodern combine operator can cut and thresh as much grain in one day as 100 persons could cut andmuch grain in one day as 100 persons could cut and bundle in one day in the 1830s.bundle in one day in the 1830s. Two inventions had a profound influence on theTwo inventions had a profound influence on the settling of this country. The first was by a mansettling of this country. The first was by a man named John Deere who developed a steel plow thatnamed John Deere who developed a steel plow that replaced an iron plow invented by Thomas Jefferson.replaced an iron plow invented by Thomas Jefferson. The plow invented by Deere in 1837 allowed farmersThe plow invented by Deere in 1837 allowed farmers to break up the tough sod that previously had preventedto break up the tough sod that previously had prevented pioneers from cultivating the rich prairiepioneers from cultivating the rich prairie soils. This allowed settlers to inhabit all of the Midwestsoils. This allowed settlers to inhabit all of the Midwest and Plains region where so much of our food isand Plains region where so much of our food is grown today.grown today.

The other invention that affected settlementThe other invention that affected settlement was by Eli Whitney who developed a machine,was by Eli Whitney who developed a machine, called a gin, to remove seeds from cotton. Prior tocalled a gin, to remove seeds from cotton. Prior to his invention in 1793, seeds were removed from cottonhis invention in 1793, seeds were removed from cotton by hand. The seeds were easily separated fromby hand. The seeds were easily separated from the cotton, but it was still time consuming. Anotherthe cotton, but it was still time consuming. Another problem was the type of cotton grown. Cottonproblem was the type of cotton grown. Cotton with loose seeds was the Sea Island or long-staplewith loose seeds was the Sea Island or long-staple variety that would only grow along the coast ofvariety that would only grow along the coast of Georgia and the Carolinas. Upland cotton wouldGeorgia and the Carolinas. Upland cotton would grow anywhere in the South, but the seeds of thisgrow anywhere in the South, but the seeds of this type were almost impossible to separate by hand.type were almost impossible to separate by hand. Whitney’s gin not only saved labor, but opened upWhitney’s gin not only saved labor, but opened up the entire southern portion of the nation for cultivationthe entire southern portion of the nation for cultivation of upland cotton.of upland cotton. In 1850, Edmund W. Quincy invented theIn 1850, Edmund W. Quincy invented the mechanical corn picker. Joseph Glidden’s developmentmechanical corn picker. Joseph Glidden’s development of barbed wire permitted establishment ofof barbed wire permitted establishment of ranches with definite boundaries.ranches with definite boundaries. The internal combustion engine made machinesThe internal combustion engine made machines tremendously more efficient. Relatively lightweight,tremendously more efficient. Relatively lightweight, powerful engines revolutionized the production ofpowerful engines revolutionized the production of food and fiber by providing mechanization thatfood and fiber by providing mechanization that replaced the work of animals. Today, most of thereplaced the work of animals. Today, most of the machinery used in agricultural production is basedmachinery used in agricultural production is based on the internal combustion engineon the internal combustion engine..

One farm worker One farm worker (jobs involving the (jobs involving the

Product of food Product of food And fiber)And fiber)

SUPPLIES ANDSUPPLIES ANDSERVICESSERVICES

(JOBS THAT (JOBS THAT SUPPORTSUPPORT

PRODUCTIONPRODUCTIONAGRICULTURE)AGRICULTURE)

TWO JOBS INAGRICULTURAL

PROCESSING ANDDISTRIBUTION

(JOBS

THAT PROCESSAND MARKET THE

PRODUCTS OFPRODUCTION

AGRICULTURE)

Perhaps no invention has had more impact onPerhaps no invention has had more impact on agriculture and the lives of people than the inventionagriculture and the lives of people than the invention of refrigeration. Prior to this time, produce andof refrigeration. Prior to this time, produce and meats had to be sold fresh and the shelf life was verymeats had to be sold fresh and the shelf life was very short. With mechanical refrigeration, meats and short. With mechanical refrigeration, meats and

produceproduce could not only be stored much longer, butcould not only be stored much longer, but could also be transported long distances. Refrigeratedcould also be transported long distances. Refrigerated railcars and trucks allowed livestock, fruits, and railcars and trucks allowed livestock, fruits, and

vegetablesvegetables to be produced in one part of the country andto be produced in one part of the country and shipped across the country to large cities. For the firstshipped across the country to large cities. For the first time in history, people could have fresh meats andtime in history, people could have fresh meats and vegetables year-round.vegetables year-round.

Many of the early inventors worked alone orMany of the early inventors worked alone or with one or two partners. They all could be consideredwith one or two partners. They all could be considered workers in the area of agricultural mechanics. Byworkers in the area of agricultural mechanics. By the early 1900s, many people worked in factories orthe early 1900s, many people worked in factories or operated businesses. The companies that wereoperated businesses. The companies that were formed to produce agricultural machinery or processformed to produce agricultural machinery or process agricultural products turned to invention also. Foragricultural products turned to invention also. For instance, mechanical cotton pickers were developedinstance, mechanical cotton pickers were developed in the 1930s by several American companies.in the 1930s by several American companies. Agriculture has become highly mechanized inAgriculture has become highly mechanized in the developed countries of the world. For the undevelopedthe developed countries of the world. For the undeveloped countries, many engineers, teachers, andcountries, many engineers, teachers, and technicians have sought simple, tough, and reliabletechnicians have sought simple, tough, and reliable small machines to improve agriculture. In suchsmall machines to improve agriculture. In such countries, America’s highly developed, complex,countries, America’s highly developed, complex, computerized, and expensive machinery will not do.computerized, and expensive machinery will not do. Most countries do not have people trained for theMost countries do not have people trained for the variety of agricultural mechanics jobs that are neededvariety of agricultural mechanics jobs that are needed to support America’s agriculture.to support America’s agriculture. Many features, such as rubber tires, have beenMany features, such as rubber tires, have been standard equipment on American farms since thestandard equipment on American farms since the

1930s. Yet, a machine with rubber tires is useless 1930s. Yet, a machine with rubber tires is useless ifif

a tire is damaged and repair services are not a tire is damaged and repair services are not available.available.

This is the case in most undeveloped countriesThis is the case in most undeveloped countries in Central and South America, Asia, and Africa.in Central and South America, Asia, and Africa. Much of the world cannot compete with AmericanMuch of the world cannot compete with American agriculture because the related agricultural agriculture because the related agricultural

productsproducts and services are not available to support the farmand services are not available to support the farm worker.worker. The efficiency of American agriculture willThe efficiency of American agriculture will increase in the future as computer-controlledincrease in the future as computer-controlled machines and robotics play an important part. It ismachines and robotics play an important part. It is exciting to envision the changes in store for exciting to envision the changes in store for

agriculturalagricultural mechanization in the twenty-first century.mechanization in the twenty-first century.

SUMMARYSUMMARY Agricultural mechanics has been fundamental to theAgricultural mechanics has been fundamental to the development of the agricultural industry in thisdevelopment of the agricultural industry in this country. Much of the tremendous increase in thecountry. Much of the tremendous increase in the efficiency of the American producers is due to theefficiency of the American producers is due to the innovations in mechanics. The wiring of buildings toinnovations in mechanics. The wiring of buildings to supply power; the repairing of engines and equipment;supply power; the repairing of engines and equipment; the laying of pipe for water supplies; and thethe laying of pipe for water supplies; and the constructions of buildings are only a few examples ofconstructions of buildings are only a few examples of mechanics in agriculture. As further advances aremechanics in agriculture. As further advances are made the role of mechanics in agriculture will be asmade the role of mechanics in agriculture will be as prominent in the future as it has been in the past.prominent in the future as it has been in the past.

S T U D E N T A C T I V I T I E SS T U D E N T A C T I V I T I E S

1. 1. Define the Terms to Know in this unit.Define the Terms to Know in this unit. 2. 2. Interview a Cooperative Extension Specialist for Interview a Cooperative Extension Specialist for

Agricultural Resources in your county or city. Ask theAgricultural Resources in your county or city. Ask the specialist to describe the different jobs people do in your specialist to describe the different jobs people do in your

locality that are regarded as agricultural orlocality that are regarded as agricultural or agriculturally related.agriculturally related. 3. 3. Look up “inventors” or “inventions” in an encyclopedia. Look up “inventors” or “inventions” in an encyclopedia.

Pick out the inventions that relate to agriculturePick out the inventions that relate to agriculture and report your findings to the class.and report your findings to the class. 4. 4. Select three or five classmates to join you in a debate on Select three or five classmates to join you in a debate on

the role of agriculture in society. One teamthe role of agriculture in society. One team should support the position that agriculture is the should support the position that agriculture is the

backbone of society. The opposing team shouldbackbone of society. The opposing team should support the notion that it is not.support the notion that it is not. 5. 5. Consider an everyday product such as bread, milk, Consider an everyday product such as bread, milk,

leather gloves, or a corsage for Mother’s Day. Traceleather gloves, or a corsage for Mother’s Day. Trace the production, processing, and marketing of the item from the production, processing, and marketing of the item from

its source to finished product. List pointsits source to finished product. List points along the way where agricultural mechanics are used.along the way where agricultural mechanics are used.

S E L F - E V A L U A T I O NS E L F - E V A L U A T I O NMultiple Choice. Multiple Choice. Select the best answer.Select the best answer. 1. The production of plants and animals and the1. The production of plants and animals and the related supplies, services, mechanics, products,related supplies, services, mechanics, products, processing, and marketing definesprocessing, and marketing defines a. horticulturea. horticulture b. renewable natural resourcesb. renewable natural resources c. agricultural mechanicsc. agricultural mechanics d. agricultured. agriculture 2. Agribusiness is2. Agribusiness is a. the same as agricultural mechanicsa. the same as agricultural mechanics b. limited to the sale of agricultural productsb. limited to the sale of agricultural products c. business stemming from agriculturec. business stemming from agriculture d. special work done by medical doctorsd. special work done by medical doctors 3. Examples of renewable natural resources are3. Examples of renewable natural resources are a. oil, gas, and coala. oil, gas, and coal b. fish, trees, and wildlifeb. fish, trees, and wildlife c. rubber, steel, and waterc. rubber, steel, and water d. air, soil, and mineralsd. air, soil, and minerals

4. The term 4. The term occupation occupation meansmeans a. businessa. business b. employmentb. employment c. tradec. trade d. all of thesed. all of these

5. Agricultural mechanics stems mostly from5. Agricultural mechanics stems mostly from a. physicsa. physics b. biologyb. biology c. medicinec. medicine d. horticultured. horticulture 6. Agricultural products come from6. Agricultural products come from a. soil and coala. soil and coal b. plants and animalsb. plants and animals c. iron ore and aluminumc. iron ore and aluminum d. atomic fueld. atomic fuel

7. Products of agriculture include7. Products of agriculture include a. leather seat coversa. leather seat covers b. paintb. paint c. flower arrangementsc. flower arrangements d. all of thesed. all of these 8. Agricultural mechanics includes the occupation8. Agricultural mechanics includes the occupation ofof a. garden tractor repairpersona. garden tractor repairperson b. automobile mechanicb. automobile mechanic c. pile driverc. pile driver d. systems analystd. systems analyst 9. Mechanization of agriculture has resulted in9. Mechanization of agriculture has resulted in a. decreased soil productiona. decreased soil production b. decreased farm expensesb. decreased farm expenses c. increased production efficiencyc. increased production efficiency d. increased numbers of farm workersd. increased numbers of farm workers

10. Cyrus McCormick invented the10. Cyrus McCormick invented the a. steel plowa. steel plow b. cotton ginb. cotton gin c. milking machinec. milking machine d. reaperd. reaper 11. In 1776, the ratio of farm workers to nonfarm11. In 1776, the ratio of farm workers to nonfarm people was approximatelypeople was approximately a. 9 to 1a. 9 to 1 b. 1 to 1b. 1 to 1 c. 4 to 1c. 4 to 1 d. 1 to 9d. 1 to 9 12. Today, the ratio of agricultural workers to the12. Today, the ratio of agricultural workers to the remaining population is approximatelyremaining population is approximately a. 9 to 1a. 9 to 1 b. 1 to 9b. 1 to 9 c. 4 to 1c. 4 to 1 d. 1 to 1d. 1 to 1

EVALUATION PLANEVALUATION PLAN Person(s) responsible for the evaluation:Person(s) responsible for the evaluation:

Vasamillet Vasamillet 1. Evaluation scope1. Evaluation scope There is interest in a programme that prepares There is interest in a programme that prepares

agricultural mechanics. While the school does agricultural mechanics. While the school does not offer such a programme, the director would not offer such a programme, the director would initiate one if a real need is proven. The initiate one if a real need is proven. The objective of this evaluation is to determine the objective of this evaluation is to determine the need for an agriculture mechanics programme. need for an agriculture mechanics programme.

2. Programme description2. Programme description Appropriate documents will be reviewed to Appropriate documents will be reviewed to

determine programme goals, activities and determine programme goals, activities and required resources. Existing resources will also required resources. Existing resources will also be assessed to determine if they are be assessed to determine if they are compatible with programme requirements.compatible with programme requirements.

3. Measures and design3. Measures and design A random sample of potential students and prospective A random sample of potential students and prospective

employers will be surveyed to determine needs. employers will be surveyed to determine needs. Manpower reports and curriculum documents will also be Manpower reports and curriculum documents will also be reviewed. Complementary information will be analysed, reviewed. Complementary information will be analysed, similarities and discrepancies noted and conclusions similarities and discrepancies noted and conclusions drawn. drawn.

4. Data concerns4. Data concerns Questionnaires will be sent to students and employers on Questionnaires will be sent to students and employers on

15 September and again on 15 October to non-15 September and again on 15 October to non-respondents. Review of manpower reports, curriculum respondents. Review of manpower reports, curriculum documents and existing resources will start on 15 documents and existing resources will start on 15 September. Tabulation and analysis of data will September. Tabulation and analysis of data will commence on 15 November. Bar graphs will be used to commence on 15 November. Bar graphs will be used to present data. The final written report will be delivered to present data. The final written report will be delivered to the director by 1 December. the director by 1 December.

5. Budget5. Budget A total of US $ 700 has been set aside for evaluation. A total of US $ 700 has been set aside for evaluation.

Personnel expenses will be US $ 270. Test items will cost Personnel expenses will be US $ 270. Test items will cost US $ 30 and communications US $ 400. US $ 30 and communications US $ 400.

PLANNING SHEET 1PLANNING SHEET 1 SCOPE OF THE EVALUATIONSCOPE OF THE EVALUATION StepsSteps

1.1 What programme is to be evaluated?1.1 What programme is to be evaluated? Agricultural mechanics Agricultural mechanics 1.2 Who wants to know about the 1.2 Who wants to know about the

programme?programme? School director School director 1.3 What decisions will be based on the 1.3 What decisions will be based on the

evaluation?evaluation? Whether or not to start an agricultural mechanics programme Whether or not to start an agricultural mechanics programme 1.4 1.4

What information must be given to the audience?What information must be given to the audience? · Supply of and demand for agricultural mechanics· Supply of and demand for agricultural mechanics

· Pool of qualified students· Pool of qualified students· Programme goals, activities and required resources · Programme goals, activities and required resources 1.5 What 1.5 What is/are the objective(s) of the evaluation?is/are the objective(s) of the evaluation?

- To determine the need for an agricultural mechanics programme - To determine the need for an agricultural mechanics programme - To determine if the school has sufficient resources to implement - To determine if the school has sufficient resources to implement such a programmesuch a programme

PLANNING SHEET 2PLANNING SHEET 2 PROGRAMME DESCRIPTIONPROGRAMME DESCRIPTION StepsSteps 2.1 What are the programme outcomes?2.1 What are the programme outcomes? To be determined by assessment To be determined by assessment 2.2 What are the programme 2.2 What are the programme

activities?activities? To be determined by assessment To be determined by assessment 2.3 What are the required 2.3 What are the required

resources?resources? To be determined by assessment To be determined by assessment PLANNING SHEET 3PLANNING SHEET 3 MEASURES AND DESIGNSMEASURES AND DESIGNS StepsSteps

3.1 What will be measured?3.1 What will be measured? · Students and employers to be served by the · Students and employers to be served by the

programmeprogramme· The supply of agricultural mechanics· The supply of agricultural mechanics· The demand for agricultural mechanics· The demand for agricultural mechanics· The pool of qualified students· The pool of qualified students· Programme goals, activities and required resources · Programme goals, activities and required resources 3.2 What instruments will be used?3.2 What instruments will be used?

· Student and employer questionnaires· Student and employer questionnaires· Manpower supply and demand documents· Manpower supply and demand documents· Curriculum and facility documents · Curriculum and facility documents 3.3 How will 3.3 How will data be analysed?data be analysed?

· Descriptive analysis of observed · Descriptive analysis of observed agreement/differences between official statistics and agreement/differences between official statistics and employer and student responses · Descriptive analysis employer and student responses · Descriptive analysis of existing resources and those prescribed in of existing resources and those prescribed in curriculum documentscurriculum documents

3.4 What designs will be used?3.4 What designs will be used? · Informal comparisons of:· Informal comparisons of:

manpower data and student-employer responsesmanpower data and student-employer responses- existing resources and those prescribed in standard documents - existing resources and those prescribed in standard documents 3.5 What sampling strategy will be used?3.5 What sampling strategy will be used?

Random sample of employers and students Random sample of employers and students PLANNING SHEET 4PLANNING SHEET 4 DATA CONCERNSDATA CONCERNS StepsSteps 4.1 What are the deadlines?4.1 What are the deadlines? 1 September - Develop questionnaires, order documents 15 1 September - Develop questionnaires, order documents 15

September - Send questionnaires, read documents 15 October - September - Send questionnaires, read documents 15 October - Send second questionnaire to non-respondents 15 November - Send second questionnaire to non-respondents 15 November - Tabulate/analyse data 1 December - Final report Tabulate/analyse data 1 December - Final report 4.2 How will 4.2 How will data be presented?data be presented?

Bar graphs will be used to show employer, student and manpower Bar graphs will be used to show employer, student and manpower data data 4.3 How will data be reported?4.3 How will data be reported?

Written report delivered to the school director Written report delivered to the school director PLANNING PLANNING SHEET 5SHEET 5

BUDGETBUDGET StepsSteps

CostsCosts

EstimatedEstimated ActualActual - -

5.15.1 What are the personnel costs?What are the personnel costs?

Evaluator Evaluator

Consultant $ 200 Consultant $ 200

Clerical 20 Clerical 20

Typist 50 Typist 50

5.25.2 Travel/lodging/foodTravel/lodging/food

Transportation Transportation

Housing Housing

Meals Meals

5.35.3 Test items/analysisTest items/analysis

Test purchase 30 Test purchase 30

Test scoring Test scoring

Data processing Data processing

5.45.4 CommunicationCommunication

Telephone 100 Telephone 100

Postage 300 Postage 300

Telex Telex

5.55.5 Other costsOther costs

5.65.6 Total costsTotal costs $ 700$ 700 Discussion of case study 1Discussion of case study 1

This case study addressed curriculum planning - This case study addressed curriculum planning - whether or not to offer a TVE curriculum. To provide whether or not to offer a TVE curriculum. To provide appropriate information a needs assessment was appropriate information a needs assessment was proposed. This design uses complementary information proposed. This design uses complementary information to draw conclusions.to draw conclusions.

Information is drawn from different Information is drawn from different sources - employer and student sources - employer and student responses to questionnaires and responses to questionnaires and published manpower data. A second published manpower data. A second dimension looks at proposed programme dimension looks at proposed programme goals, activities and required resources goals, activities and required resources in terms of existing curricula and in terms of existing curricula and resources. This information helps the resources. This information helps the director decide if the school has director decide if the school has sufficient resources to implement the sufficient resources to implement the new programmenew programme

Needs assessments are highly Needs assessments are highly speculative. Decisions are subjective speculative. Decisions are subjective because reliable evidence about the because reliable evidence about the supply of and demand for workers is not supply of and demand for workers is not always available. Also, changes in always available. Also, changes in society, technology and the economy society, technology and the economy create an ever-changing job market. At create an ever-changing job market. At best, a needs assessment provides a best, a needs assessment provides a snapshot in time of the employment snapshot in time of the employment situationsituation

pictures of pictures of Agriculture Agriculture MechanicsMechanics

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