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Agricultural Teaching Labs: Background and Overview
Various types of career and technical education are offered in U.S. high
schools and many include training related to agricultural careers. According
to National Center for Education (NCE) statistics, 97% of public high school
graduates complete one or more courses in vocational education. There currently
are over 11,500 National FFA Organization advisors/agricultural education
teachers. One of every five jobs in private industry in the United States
is related to agriculture. By teaching agriscience and agribusiness topics,
teachers help students learn, grow and develop skills they will carry into
their careers.
Agriculture has evolved from a production-centered industry into a competitive
field which demands a blend of scientific, technological and business
skills. As agricultural and trade industries evolve to meet changing policies,
regulations and work force supply and demand, it is increasingly important
to train students to keep pace with recent developments.
A typical agricultural education program covers a variety of subjects
including biological sciences (animal, plant, horticultural, etc.), mechanics,
business management, and technology, among others. Development of critical
thinking skills and hands-on experience are enhanced in a laboratory setting.
From mechanics to plant growth, many of these teaching areas have the
potential to produce hazardous and harmful wastes. Common wastes produced
are listed in the following table:
Potential Wastes and Hazardous
Materials by Laboratory Area
Horticulture/ Floriculture |
Herbicides; insecticides; fertilizers
|
Carpentry/Woodworking |
Stains; solvents; wood preservatives; paints; stripping and cleaning
solutions; glues
|
Metalworking/Foundry |
Metal dust and shavings; acids; bases
|
Engine and Vehicle Repair |
Degreasing solvents; oil; grease; batteries; acids; alkaline waste;
paints; thinners; used filters |
Masonry |
Muriatic acid; alkaline waste; paints; additives |
Welding and Cutting |
Stripping and cleaning solutions; acids; bases; metal dust and shavings;
metal waste; compressed gasses; fluxes |
Livestock Production |
Manure; bedding; stormwater runoff from lots; pesticides; pharmaceuticals;
carcasses; tank sludge from aquaculture |
Adapted from: Guide
to Pollution Prevention: Research and Educational Institutions, EPA,1990
Though high school teaching labs typically produce small quantities,
a wide variety of wastes may be produced. Small quantities and large
variety can make waste tracking more difficult and may require additional expertise.
This hub provides an overview of waste-generating processes and operations in
teaching labs. It also presents options for minimizing waste through source
reduction and recycling. The agriculture industry benefits greatly from reuse,
recycling and byproduct use. Reduction of agricultural waste (before its creation)
in teaching labs and recycling or reusing small quantities on- or off-site will
be of equal benefit to educational institutions by reducing disposal costs and
increasing safety.
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