Part of this research focused on the predecessors of the FFA by outlining the history and purposes of agricultural organizations formed since the late 1700s. The past two centuries of American agricultural history is rich with efforts to educate and improve agricultural practices through organized groups of farmers and other rural leaders. Early in the development of agricultural societies, experimentation and successful practices were shared with others in the local organization and works were often published in journals or newspapers for educational and informational purposes. Regular meetings and fellowship were also a major focus of the early groups. The national organizations that formed later such as the Grange, included the fraternal, social, and educational aspects while maintaining a focus on the economics of farming. The boys’ and girls’ club movement provided opportunities for youth to meet, learn, and participate in agricultural competitions. The center of activities for youth organizations quickly shifted from community groups to agricultural education programs in the public schools. Clubs that formed within agricultural education programs in Virginia soon united to create the Future Farmers of Virginia. The FFV and FFA that followed initiated the use of certain symbols, colors, and ritual ceremonies that can be traced directly to the agricultural societies. This research identified many agricultural societies and youth clubs that had a profound influence on the development of the National FFA Organization. The major purpose of this study was to describe the establishment of the Future Farmers of American and to document the accomplishments of Virginia FFA members at the state and national levels. The objectives of the study were: To describe the historical events and circumstances that led to the establishment of the Future Farmers of Virginia and the Future Farmers of America, To document Virginia FFA history by recording achievements of members and chapters at the state level, To document the achievements of Virginia FFA members and chapters at the national level, and To provide a history of the Virginia FFA Association from 1925 to the present. The Virginia FFA Association is rich with historical information that ranges from the formation of the Future Farmers of Virginia in 1925, the forming of a national organization in 1928, and 75 years of accomplishments by Virginia FFA members. / Ph. D.

The effects of mastering 1F (flat position-fillet) welds on carbon steel using a sequenced pattern of welding was examined. Participants (N = 71) were randomly assigned a specific sequence of welding between Gas Metal Arc Welding (GMAW) and Shielded Metal Arc Welding (SMAW). The hypothesis of teaching beginning welders the GMAW process before the SMAW process to improve the ability to master American Welding Society (AWS) welds was tested. A welding pretest was administered to determine any prior welding knowledge. Sixty minutes of welding instruction taught proper welding safety, machine set-up, arc length, travel speed, work angle, and correct bead formation. Two practice sessions of 60 minutes were given for participants to become familiar with each welding process, followed by two testing sessions of ten minutes. During the testing period, individuals were assessed on their ability to produce an AWS 1F (flat position- fillet) lap weld in a given sequence. Welds were graded according to the AWS rubric for fillets with a total of four criteria categories based on the following criteria: a) presence of cracks or porosity, b) complete fusion, c) fillet leg size is specified minimum, and d) undercut - not to exceed 1/32 inches. The study indicate that students perform welds that meet AWS quality standards when using the GMAW process, however, the results were not statistically significant.

The goal of farm field days in Utah is to show an increase in agricultural literacy among elementary aged children. Evaluations of student learning have not been adequately assessed. Students from two of the statewide farm field day events were assessed on what they already knew about agriculture, what they wanted to learn about agriculture, and then what they learned about agriculture as a result of the event they attended. Data was collected and analyzed using the National Agriculture Literacy Outcomes and Themes, to determine if the farm field day events had any impact on their awareness or understanding of agriculture. Results indicated that students were below an average awareness of younger grade-level appropriate agricultural concepts before they attend the farm field day event. However, after the event, results indicated that student awareness of grade appropriate agricultural concepts increased.

The purpose of this study was to determine if secondary agricultural education courses provide students with more experiential learning opportunities than other science-based courses in the high school curriculum. An ex post facto research design was employed for the study. A researcher created instrument was distributed to a sample of Alabama agriscience teachers (23), science teachers (35), and agriscience students (909). Based on the responses of 8 agriscience teachers, 12 science teachers, and 103 students, there was a statistically significant difference in the percentage of class time students spent participating in experiential learning activities. Teachers and students indicated that agriscience classes allowed students to spend a greater percentage of class time participating in service learning projects, and a lesser percentage of class time participating in teacher-centered activities and standardized test preparation and completion. Teachers and students also indicated that agriscience classes presented more opportunities for participation in service learning projects.

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