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Discover Agriculture Careers — One Problem at a Time (Grades 9-12)

Grade Level
9 - 12
Purpose

Explore agricultural career pathways from a lens of problem solving to recognize the challenges that will need to be addressed in the next generation of careers. Students will also use a decision matrix to assess job characteristics and determine which career aligns best with their preferences and goals. Grades 9-12

Estimated Time
2 hours
Materials Needed

Engagement:

Activity 1: Discover Agriculture Careers Webquest

Activity 2: Career Engagement Through Problem Solving

Activity 3: Careers 101

Activity 4: Using a Decision Matrix to Find a Career Match

Vocabulary

career: an occupation undertaken for a significant period of a person's life and with opportunities for progress; generally a profession requiring special training

Did You Know?
  • A 2023 study in the United States indicated that 65% of employees are satisfied with their job and 20% are passionate about their job.1
  • It is valuable for an employer to have satisfied employees because if workers believe in what they're doing, they'll be more effective and efficient.1
  • Salary and job satisfaction have some correlations. If an employee cannot live comfortably on their salary, it will be very hard for them to feel fullfilled in their job.1
Background Agricultural Connections

Exploring careers by pathway, rather than focusing on specific careers, offers high school students a broader, more adaptable approach to planning their future. Career pathways group related occupations, allowing students to explore various roles within an industry without committing to a single career too early. This flexibility is valuable because it exposes students to a wide range of opportunities within a field, helping them identify their interests, strengths, and preferences over time. Additionally, by focusing on a pathway, students can develop a versatile skill set that applies to multiple careers within an industry, making them more adaptable to changes in the job market. It also reduces the pressure to choose a specific career prematurely, giving students the chance to explore and learn before making more focused decisions as they advance in their education or enter the workforce. This exploration helps students become more informed and prepared for a variety of roles, setting them up for long-term success and career satisfaction.

Agricultural Pathways

  • Agribusiness Systems Pathway: The agribusiness systems career pathway focuses on the business side of agriculture, encompassing areas like farm management, marketing, finance, and supply chain operations related to food production and distribution. Students in this pathway develop skills in economics, management, and agricultural technology, preparing them for careers in agricultural business, sales, or farm management.
  • Agriculture Education Pathway: The agriculture education systems career pathway prepares students to teach and promote agricultural practices and knowledge in educational settings, from high schools to community programs. Students in this pathway learn about agriculture science, teaching methods, and leadership skills, equipping them to inspire and educate the next generation of agricultural professionals.
  • Agriculture Technology Pathway: The agriculture technology career pathway centers on integrating advanced technologies like automation, robotics, and data-driven tools to enhance farming processes and increase agricultural productivity. Students in this pathway develop skills in technology application, systems management, and agricultural innovation, preparing them for careers in precision agriculture, agri-tech development, and sustainable farming solutions.
  • Animal Systems Pathway: The animal systems career pathway focuses on the care, management, and study of animals in fields like veterinary science, livestock production, and animal nutrition. Students in this pathway gain knowledge in animal biology, health, and welfare, preparing them for careers in veterinary medicine, animal husbandry, or animal research.
  • Biotechnology Pathway: The biotechnology career pathway emphasizes the use of biological systems and organisms to develop products and technologies that improve health, agriculture, and the environment. Students in this pathway learn about genetics, microbiology, and bioengineering, preparing them for careers in research, pharmaceuticals, and agricultural biotechnology.
  • Environmental Service Pathway: Careers in the environmental service pathway focus on protecting and improving the natural environment through fields such as conservation, pollution control, and sustainable resource management. Professionals in this pathway work as environmental scientists, conservationists, or environmental engineers, addressing issues like waste management, water quality, and ecosystem preservation.
  • Food Systems Pathway: Careers in the food systems pathway involve the production, processing, distribution, and marketing of food, emphasizing sustainable practices and food safety. Professionals in this pathway can work in various roles, including food scientists, supply chain managers, and agricultural economists, addressing challenges related to food security, nutrition, and the efficiency of food systems.
  • Natural Resources Pathway: Careers in the natural resources pathway focus on the management and conservation of natural environments and resources, such as forests, water, and wildlife. Professionals in this pathway can work as conservation biologists, forestry technicians, or natural resource managers, addressing issues related to sustainability, habitat preservation, and ecosystem health.
  • Plant Systems Pathway: Careers in the plant systems pathway involve the study, cultivation, and management of plants for various purposes, including agriculture, horticulture, and landscaping. Professionals in this pathway can work as agronomists, horticulturists, or plant breeders, focusing on improving crop yields, developing pest-resistant varieties, and promoting sustainable agricultural practices.
  • Power Systems Pathway: Careers in the power systems pathway focus on the generation, distribution, and management of energy and electrical systems, including renewable energy sources and traditional power generation. Professionals in this pathway can work as electrical engineers, energy analysts, or power plant operators, addressing challenges related to energy efficiency, grid management, and sustainable energy solutions.
  • Skilled Trades Pathway: Careers in the skilled trades pathway encompass a variety of hands-on professions that require specialized training and expertise, including carpentry, plumbing, electrical work, and welding. Professionals in this pathway often enjoy high demand and job security, as they contribute essential skills to construction, manufacturing, and maintenance industries, while also having opportunities for self-employment and entrepreneurship.
  • Sustainable Systems Pathway: Careers in the sustainable systems pathway focus on developing and implementing practices that promote environmental stewardship, resource conservation, and social responsibility across various industries. Professionals in this pathway can work as sustainability consultants, environmental planners, or renewable energy specialists, addressing challenges related to climate change, waste management, and sustainable development initiatives.

Education and Training

High school students should understand that post-high school education and training play a crucial role in shaping their future careers. There are multiple pathways, including four-year universities, community colleges, trade schools, apprenticeships, and specialized certification programs. Each option offers different opportunities depending on a student’s career interests and goals. It’s essential to research the educational requirements of desired careers, as some may require a college degree, while others may prioritize hands-on skills learned in vocational programs. Financial planning is equally important—students should explore scholarships, financial aid, and the cost differences between various educational institutions. Additionally, internships and part-time work during or after high school can provide valuable experience and insight into different professions. Developing soft skills like communication, teamwork, and time management is also critical for career success. Ultimately, students should view post-high school education as an investment in their future, not only academically but in terms of personal growth, skill-building, and career readiness.

Exploring Careers While in High School

High school students can prepare for careers they’ll enjoy and succeed in by exploring their interests, developing essential skills, and gaining hands-on experience. Self-assessment tools, such as personality tests and career interest surveys, can help them identify fields that align with their strengths and values. Researching careers, attending job fairs, and shadowing professionals provide real-world insights into various fields, helping students understand different job roles and what each entails. Extracurricular activities, part-time jobs, and internships allow students to test their interests while building transferable skills like communication, teamwork, and problem-solving. By taking career-oriented electives and meeting regularly with a guidance counselor, students can access tailored advice and educational resources to make informed choices. Remaining open-minded and flexible is key, as career interests often evolve through these experiences, guiding students toward fields where they’ll thrive.

Engage
  1. Project the Discover Agriculture Careers slide deck.
  2. Share the facts listed in the "Did You Know?" section of the lesson (slide 2).
  3. As you share the ag facts, ask questions and promote reflection and discussion on the topics of careers and job satisfaction.
    • What makes a career enjoyable?
    • What factors impact overall job satisfaction?
    • How do you identify a career path that will be enjoyable to you?
  4. Introduce students to career pathways. Pathways can be described as job categories. Many related careers can be found in each pathway. Exploring career pathways rather than individual careers is effective in finding topics and subject areas that students are most interested in.
  5. Go to the Discover Agriculture Careers website and project it for the class to see the 12 agricultural pathways. 
Explore and Explain

Activity 1: Discover Agriculture Careers Webquest

  1. Give each student one copy of the Discover Agriculture Careers Webquest.
  2. Divide the class into 12 small groups. Give each group the career cards from one career pathway.
  3. Set a timer for 5-10 minutes. During each station, students should:
    • Review the career cards for their pathway.
    • Visit the pathway webpage, read the information, and watch the career highlight videos.
      • Tip: Students can use the QR code on the cards if they have access to personal devices during class. Alternatively, you can make a tablet or Chromebook available to each group to navigate.
    • Answer the questions on their webquest

Activity 2: Career Engagement Through Problem Solving

  1. Ask students to think about times in their life when they feel genuinely happy. Record a brainstorm list on the board. Provide some prompts of common times to feel these positive emotions:
    • Earning a good grade on a project after you worked hard on it.
    • Finding a solution to a problem.
    • Helping another person.
  2. Once your brainstorm list is complete, ask students if they can think of any careers that have similar experiences. As you go through the list, emphasize that job satisfaction is improved when people:
    • Feel a sense of accomplishment.
    • See the positive impact of their work.
    • Solve problems and find solutions.
  3. Explain that most of the daily tasks accomplished in a job setting are solving problems. Use slides 4-6 to give examples.
  4. To further explore the concept of careers with a focus on problems and solutions, use the Interacty Memory game, Agricultural Careers - One Problem at a Time. This game can be projected on the board and played as a class or played individually using personal devices, ipads, or chromebooks.

Word cloud showing vocabulary associated with career exploration.Activity 3: Careers 101

  1. Write several career-related vocabulary words on the board. Select words that your students may not know. Use the career word cloud for ideas.
  2. Ask students if they know the definition of each word and how the words relate to a career search.
  3. Give each student a copy of the Careers 101 worksheet.
  4. Provide the students with the Careers 101 e-Magazine to read. You can share it digitally or print the PDF to share a hard copy.
  5. Students should complete the worksheet as they read the e-magazine. They will need internet access to research information to calculate career ROIs as part of question seven. Students will likely need guidance to complete the calculations for ROI. Use slides 7-8 to go through an example as a class.
Teach for Clarity

Help students recognize that average salaries for specific career paths can vary widely by location. Some states have higher and lower average salaries for the same positions. Educational expenses also vary widely depending on what type of school is attended. Vocational and tech schools or state colleges tend to have lower costs while universities and private schools tend to be more expensive.

Activity 4: Using a Decision Matrix to Find a Career Match

  1. Explain that selecting a suitable career is a complex decision. There are many factors that must be considered and that have a place in our ultimate decision. 
  2. Introduce students to a decision matrix, a tool used to help you evaluate and prioritize different options based on specific criteria to enable objective decision-making.
  3. Use slides 7-11 of the Discovering Agriculture Careers slide deck to teach them how to use a decision matrix.
  4. Give each student one copy of the Career Path Decision Matrix.
  5. Assign students to follow the instructions on slide 11 of the slide deck. They should select 2 careers to research and fill out a decision matrix for each career. 
Elaborate
  • Introduce Dave Ramsey to students. Explain that his career has been in finance. He has written books and hosts a radio show where people call in and ask for advice on how to eliminate debt and make sound financial choices. His career has led him to see the challenges that arise financially when too much money is spent on an education program. Preface the video clip by asking students to take note of what principles are smart in reference to a college education. Watch Is College Worth It?

     

Evaluate
  1. Review and summarize the following key concepts:
    • There are many careers related to agriculture that are necessary to our food system.
    • Problem solving is a key factor in career selection and engagement. 
    • Identifying a career pathway can help students discover an area of interest to take high school classes, internships, job shadow opportunities, and training or education.
    • Future careers have a variety of education and training requirements ranging from technical training on the job all the way to advanced degrees.
    • Attending a school or job training of any kind should be looked at as an investment to gain better employment. Calculating an ROI can help measure the value of specific education programs.
Sources
  1. 11 Surprising Job Satisfaction Statistics
Recommended Companion Resources
Author
Andrea Gardner
Organization
National Center for Agricultural Literacy
Powered by the National Agricultural Literacy Curriculum Matrix (agclassroom.org)