The Agriscience Principles 40-Day Instructor Manual is a comprehensive, classroom-ready curriculum designed to guide students step-by-step through the scientific research process and successful completion of an Agriscience Fair manuscript. This resource equips both instructors and students with the foundational knowledge and technical skills needed to conduct high-quality scientific research in an agricultural education setting.

Over the course of 40-day instructor manual, which can either be facilitated start-to-finish or embedded in an already existing course, students are led through each stage of the scientific method, including:

• Research topic selection

• Identifying independent and dependent variables

• Writing research and null hypotheses

• Designing effective methodology and experimental procedures

• Securing credible sources for a literature review

• Data collection and statistical data analysis

Students learn how to calculate and interpret essential statistical measures such as mean, median, mode, range, standard deviation, correlation coefficient, t-tests (paired and independent), and single-factor ANOVA. The manual also provides guidance on manuscript formatting in AP style, along with a detailed breakdown of Agriscience Fair pre-qualifying and interview rubrics to help students prepare for competition at the state and national levels.

The Owl’s Nest collaborated with Stephanie Jolliff and Lori Romie of the Ridgemont FFA Chapter to develop this instructor manual. Their program has achieved exceptional success in the Ohio and National FFA Agriscience Fair, producing 62 national finalists in the past four years, with 25 earning Top Three in the Nation honors.

This instructor manual is ideal for agricultural education teachers seeking a structured, proven system to elevate student research, improve manuscript quality, and increase Agriscience Fair success.

This comprehensive curriculum is designed to have every minute of every lesson planned for you. Lessons contain all of the resources necessary to successfully deliver this engaging curriculum. Through detailed Instructor Guides, teachers will feel comfortable, no matter their experience, in teaching this mini-course. Instructor Guides include material lists, a time breakdown for each lesson designed to fill a 45 minute class period, national AFNR standards, instructor pre-work, and an explanation of each component of the lessons, including reflection and conclusion questions/answers. Instructor Resources include all handouts, visuals, keys and slides teachers need to facilitate learning in the classroom. Lessons also include a Student Handout to allow students to further engage in the lessons.