The Agriculture Mechanics Laboratory – Safety and Capacities

The agricultural mechanics laboratory, that is a part of the agricultural science and technology instructional program in Texas public schools, has over the years become a key component of the instructional program. Four classes, as outlined in the Texas Essential Knowledge and Skills (TEKS) that focus on mechanical skills and include: Principles of Agricultural, Food, and Natural Resources, Agricultural Mechanics and Metal Technologies, Agricultural Facilities Design and Fabrication and Agricultural Power Systems. Most agricultural mechanics laboratories are used 4 to 5 class periods per day sometimes with more than one class at a time meeting in the facility,. The questions that arises is how safe are the labs and are they equipped to handle the classes and number of students in each class. This study was a preliminary study conducted as a part of the AGD 581 Methods of Teaching Agriculture in the Public School. Six graduate students visited 11 high schools and compiled data in the following areas: foot candles of light available, hours of use per day, and safety equipment, etc. The results will be shared with the participants