Resources

Fair Program Materials & Instructions

• State Guidelines
• Agriscience Fair Handbook & Application
• Agriscience Fair Rules & Eligibility
• Agriscience Fair Judging Score Sheet
• Agriscience Project Components
• Agriscience Fair Special Needs Request
• Agriscience Fair Power Point

Student of the Year Scholarship

• Eligibility Requirements & Recognition levels
• Judging Criteria Sheet
• Student Application
• Student Power Point

Agriscience Award

Agriscience education is intended to enhance the image of agriculture by portraying to students that agriculture includes many careers that are not solely agricultural production or business-oriented. Such careers require a strong background in the biological and physical sciences - fiber technologist, water resource manager, plant geneticist, biochemist, etc.

Kansas FFA currently manages two programs that focus on Agriscience education:

• Agriscience Student Fair
• Agriscience Student of the Year

Agriscience Fair - Entries postmarked to State FFA Office by May 8

Open to students in grades 9-12. Students participate in research projects in their local communities and then prepare a scientific report and display for judging at the national level. Competition is divided into five categories:

1. Biochemistry/Microbiology/Food Science
   Biology of microorganisms-bacteriology, virology, protozoology, fungi bacterial genetics, yeast. This area also can include chemistry of life processes-molecular biology, molecular genetics, enzymes, photosynthesis, protein chemistry, food chemistry, hormones, etc.
   Examples:
   Compare different yeast fermentation techniques for converting sugars to alcohol. Research resistance of organic fruits to common diseases. Examine techniques for controlling molds on bakery products.
   
2. Environmental Sciences
   Study of pollution (air, water and land) sources and their control; ecology
   Examples:
   Study effect of agricultural chemicals on water quality. Compare water movements through different soil types. Examine effects of cropping practices on wildlife populations. Compare different irrigation systems for energy efficiency. Research uniform water quality standards.
   
3. Zoology (Animal Science)
   Study of animals-animal genetics, ornithology, ichthyology, entomology, animal ecology, paleontology, cellular physiology, animal husbandry, cytology, histology, animal physiology, invertebrate neurophysiology, studies of invertebrates, etc.
   Examples:
   Compare effects of different thawing temperatures on livestock semen. Compare effects of different nutrient levels on animal growth. Study effects of growth hormones on meat or milk production. Research new disease control mechanisms. Examine effects of estrous synchronization on ovulation.
   
4. Botany (Plant/Soil Science)
   Study of plant life-agriculture, agronomy, horticulture, forestry, plant taxonomy, plant physiology, plant pathology, plant genetics, hydroponics, algae, etc.
   Examples:
   Study effects of lunar climate and soil conditions on plants growth. Examine effect of substrate particle size on shiitake mushroom growth. Research effects of heavy metals such as cadmium on edible plants. Compare plant growth using hydroponics and conventional methods. Study effect of ultraviolet light on soil microbes.
5. Engineering (Mechanical/Agricultural Engineering Science)
   Technology; projects that directly apply scientific principles to manufacturing and practical uses-mechanical, chemical, electrical, environmental engineering, etc.
   Examples:
   Develop alternate energy source engines. Investigate light energy sources. Test absorption media for plant materials. Compare various tillage methods for energy efficiency.

Agriscience Student of the Year Scholarship & Recognition Program

The Agriscience Student Program recognizes high school students who are studying the application of scientific principles and emerging technologies in the agricultural industry. The program provides scholarships to FFA members planning to pursue a college degree in agricultural science while helping to provide a reliable supply of Agriscience graduates to meet the private and public agribusiness sectors' needs. It is also designed to educate parents, school officials and the public about career opportunities and placements available for Agriscience students. Recognition is available at Chapter, State and National levels.

Applications for state competition in the Agriscience Student of the Year are due at the State FFA office on or before May 8 each year.