Natural Resources/Forestry Career Path Cluster
Performance Standards
F. Natural Resources/Forestry
F.1 Energy and Nutrient Cycles
Students will understand the cycling of energy, water, and basic elements in the ecosystem.
Examples of
types of work students should be able to do to meet the standard:
*Observe and analyze the roles energy, water and basic elements play in various ecosystems and describe the influence of human activities on these systems.
F.2 Energy
Students will understand the importance of energy, including sources, conservation, and future needs.
Examples of
types of work students should be able to do to meet the standard:
*Compare the effects of using different kinds of energy and energy sources on air and water pollution.
F.3 Water and Water Pollution
Students will understand water use issues, cycles, management practices, conservation, pollution, and water quality.
Examples of
types of work students should be able to do to meet the standard:
*Analyze the role of water management in maintaining a healthy environment and lifestyle.
F.4 Soils
Students will understand soil composition and the factors which affect the use of different types of soil.
Examples of
types of work students should be able to do to meet the standard:
*Explain or demonstrate practices used to manage and conserve soil resources.
F.5 California Rangeland
Students will understand the role of rangelands, their use, and management practices in the economy and ecology of California.
Examples of
types of work students should be able to do to meet the standard:
*Outline the distribution of rangelands in California and the endangered plants and animals which inhabit them.
*Analyze a rangeland management plan and predict its impact.
Natural Resources/Forestry Career Path
Cluster
Performance Standards
F.6 Wildlife and Waterfowl
Students will understand the importance of wildlife including indigenous and migratory species, their physical and behavioral characteristics, habitat, and management.
Examples of
types of work students should be able to do to meet the standard:
*Compare habitat requirements for different species and identify factors that influence population dynamics.
*Identify the major species of migratory waterfowl, their characteristics, and migratory flyways, and explain the importance of maintaining waterfowl habitats.
F.7 Wetland and Aquatic Resources
Students will understand the principles of fisheries and marine resource management.
Examples of
types of work students should be able to do to meet the standard:
*Explain how water quality affects aquatic animals and their habitats.
F.8 Forestry Resource
Students will develop a historical and regional perspective of the forest industry. They will understand the concept of urban forestry.
Examples of
types of work students should be able to do to meet the standard:
*Discuss and analyze issues related to major forest areas of the United States and the world.
*Explain the costs and benefits of trees in the urban setting.
*Explain and give examples of how social, political, and economic factors can impact the use of forests.
F.9 Outdoor Recreation
Students will understand recreation from the perspectives of the recreational enthusiast and the resource manager. Students will understand how to handle outdoor emergency situations.
Examples of
types of work students should be able to do to meet the standard:
*Demonstrate basic survival skills and first-aid procedures.
*Identify the impact that outdoor recreation has on other natural resources and analyze how they influence resource management.
Natural Resources/Forestry Career Path
Cluster
Performance Standards
F.10 Plant Physiology
Students will understand the basic principles of plant physiology.
Examples of
types of work students should be able to do to meet the standard:
*Describe the factors which influence plant growth.
*Explain or diagram the process of photosynthesis and describe its importance to life.
F.11 Taxonomy
Students will understand the classification of plants and animals.
Examples of
types of work students should be able to do to meet the standard:
*Utilize a dichotomous key to identify plants and animals.
*Describe the scientific method of animal classification including: order, family, genus, and species.
F.12 Fire and the Forest
Students will be familiar with fire chemistry, fire behavior, and the role of prescribed burning and wildlife suppression in preventing forest fires.
Examples of
types of work students should be able to do to meet the standard:
*List the components of the “fire triangle” and describe the significance of each.
*Design a fire control plan for a simulated forest fire.
*Describe the importance of fire in the forest ecosystem.
F.13 Forest Management
Students will understand forest management practices. Students will understand the concept of forest health.
Examples of
types of work students should be able to do to meet the standard:
*Identify and diagnose damage from destructive insects and diseases and propose methods for their management.
*Analyze and discuss issues relative to the concepts of multiple use management.
F.14 Measurement, Surveying, and Mapping
Students will understand basic concepts of measurement, surveying, and mapping.
Examples of
types of work students should be able to do to meet the standard:
*Use a compass and a map, use surveying equipment, and measure timber.
Natural Resources/Forestry Career Path
Cluster
Performance Standards
F.15 Natural Resources and Forest Products
Students will understand the utilization, processing, and marketing of products from mines, rangeland and forests.
Examples of
types of work students should be able to do to meet the standard:
*Analyze and discuss different forest products and how they are marketed.
*Differentiate between softwoods and hardwoods, types of wood, and describe wood characteristics.
F.16 Record Keeping
Students will understand the principles of record keeping.
Examples of
types of work students should be able to do to meet the standard:
*Demonstrate record keeping utilizing a variety of methods and systems.
*Explain the differences between production and financial records.
F.17 Interpersonal Leadership Development
Students will recognize the traits of effective leaders.
Examples of
types of work students should be able to do to meet the standard:
Participate in leadership training activities associated with the FFA including public speaking, leading group discussions, working within a committee, conducting business meetings, and problem solving.
F.18 Supervised Practical Experience Project
Students will understand the relationship between a supervised occupational experience project (SPE) and their preparation for a career in agriculture.
Examples of
types of work students should be able to do to meet the standard:
*Participate in a supervised practical experience employing skills and knowledge learned in the classroom.
*Maintain an on-going record book.