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Agricultural Teaching Labs: Background and Overview
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Teaching Lab Topic Hub - 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:
Potentially Hazardous Materials
by Laboratory Area
| Horticulture/ Floriculture |
Herbicides; insecticides; fertilizers
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| Carpentry/Woodworking |
Stains; solvents; wood preservatives; paints; stripping and cleaning
solutions; glues
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| Metalworking/Foundry |
Metal dust and shavings; acids; bases
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| 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 |
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 make waste tracking increasingly difficult thus requiring
additional expertise. This hub provides an overview of waste-generating
processes and operations in teaching labs. This hub also presents options
for minimizing waste through source reduction and recycling. Reduction
of waste before its creation and then recycling those wastes on- or off-site
will benefit educational institutions by reducing disposal costs and increasing
safety.
Hub Last Updated:
08/08/2003
The P2Rx Topic Hub Project was developed by:
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The Agricultural Teaching Labs Topic Hub was developed by:
Peaks to Prairies
Contact Laura Estes (Peaks)
406-994-3451 or laurae@montana.edu
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