Samoa School Syllabus - Agriculture Science

This syllabus outlines the curriculum for Agriculture Science in Samoan secondary schools, encompassing Years 9-12. The curriculum emphasizes practical skills, scientific knowledge, and an understanding of the agricultural landscape in Samoa. It also integrates awareness of climate change impacts and adaptation strategies throughout.

I. Agriculture

• Agriculture in Samoa: Students explore the history of agriculture in Samoa, its importance to individuals and communities (economic, social, cultural, religious), and the influence of climate change on agricultural practices. They investigate different agricultural systems (e.g., shifting cultivation, subsistence, commercial, organic) and their impact on the land and production. Adaptation measures to climate change are also examined.
• Variation and Genetics: Students compare characteristics of different crop varieties and livestock breeds, learning about the causes of variation (environmental and genetic). They use genetic charts (e.g., Punnett squares) to predict offspring characteristics in monohybrid crosses and explore the use of genetics in crop and livestock improvement. The syllabus also covers genetically modified organisms (GMOs), exploring arguments for and against their use and their potential impacts.

II. Soil

• Importance of Soil: Students learn about soil as a natural resource, its importance for plant growth, and the concept of soil fertility. They investigate soil components and properties (air, water, nutrients, organisms, texture, structure) and how local soil is formed.
• Soil Properties and Management: The curriculum covers the effects of chemical, physical, and biological soil properties on plant growth. Students learn about soil fertility management through practices like liming and fertilization (organic and inorganic). They also study soil conservation principles and apply them to suggest appropriate management strategies, considering the impact of climate change and adaptation methods.

III. Farm Management, Economics, and Marketing

• Managing Resources: Students learn about the role of a farm manager, including labor management, record keeping, and financial decisions. They explore the importance of record keeping for planning and forecasting and learn about different types of records (production, financial, labor). The syllabus also introduces economic concepts like scarcity, choice, supply, demand, and opportunity cost.
• Managing Resources Economically: Budgeting is a key topic, with students learning to prepare realistic budgets for farming enterprises, considering the impacts of climate change. Decision-making is emphasized, including the use of partial budgeting and gross margin analysis.
• Marketing Products: Students investigate marketing issues (price, quality, quantity, packaging) by analyzing local market products. They conduct market research, identify target markets, and develop marketing plans. The curriculum also covers processing, value-adding, and the role of agricultural grower organizations. Exporting is addressed, including planning, pricing, and biosecurity requirements.

IV. Crop Production

• Crop Production in Samoa: Students learn about the importance of plant crops in Samoa (food, feed, clothing) and interpret information on crop production trends and climate change impacts.
• Plant Features: They study external and internal plant structures, linking features to functions. They also learn to classify plants into major groups.
• Management of Plant Growth: The syllabus covers various techniques for optimizing plant growth, including drainage, irrigation, weed control, pest and disease management, and the use of support structures. Practical experience is gained through growing various vegetable and root crops.
• Plant Processes: Students investigate seed structure, germination, and factors affecting germination. They also explore plant reproduction, nutrient cycles, transpiration, photosynthesis, and the manipulation of plant growth for improved production.

V. Animal Production

• Breeds and Systems: Students learn about the importance of livestock production, exploring different poultry and pig production systems. They compare characteristics of various breeds and evaluate their suitability for different purposes. The impact of climate change on raising livestock is also considered.
• Management and Animal Welfare: The curriculum emphasizes safe handling procedures to minimize stress on animals. Students learn about husbandry practices (e.g., identification, drenching, castration) and the procedures for slaughtering and dressing animals for consumption.
• Growth and Reproduction: Students study the growth stages of different animals and learn about reproductive systems and management practices for maximizing production. They also explore artificial techniques like artificial insemination and hormone injections.
• Animal Health: The syllabus covers identifying healthy and unhealthy animals, disease symptoms, and appropriate actions for treating and managing animal health. The impact of climate change on animal health is also discussed.
• Nutrition and Feeding: Students learn about digestive systems and nutritional requirements for different growth stages. They compare feed sources, formulate feed rations, and investigate local feedstock.

VI. Tools, Equipment, and Facilities

• Safe Use and Maintenance: Students learn to identify and use various agricultural tools and equipment safely and correctly. They also learn about maintenance, storage, and safety regulations for handling equipment and chemicals. The curriculum covers calibrating and servicing equipment and developing maintenance programs.

VII. Communication in Agriculture

• Oral Communication: Students develop oral communication skills through discussions, presentations, reports, and debates. They learn to express ideas clearly, ask and answer questions, and give instructions.
• Written Communication: Students develop written communication skills through various writing activities, including descriptions, explanations, reports, summaries, and research papers. They learn to extract information from different sources, use technical vocabulary, and follow conventions of academic writing.