Agriculture, Food, and Natural Resources is one of 16 Career Clusters within the CTE framework. Carolina provides hands-on kits, equipment, and free learning resources like infographics and activities to supplement existing agricultural science courses. This buying guide offers suggestions for materials, equipment, and free content in the career pathways of:
Animal Systems pathway provides knowledge and skills to students to develop better, more efficient ways of producing and processing meat, poultry, eggs, and dairy products. Studies include genetics, nutrition, reproduction, and growth and development of domesticated farm animals. Courses included are Animal Science series.
Students study major organs, organ systems, and basic feline anatomy and physiology through guided dissection. This can help your class discuss the role of the major systems in small animals.
The Carolina® Cat Dissection Mat is specially designed with clear, concise, step-by-step instructions to guide your dissection and aid in your study of the cat. Detailed color photographs help students examine and identify both internal and external structures.
Introduces students to basic mammalian anatomy and physiology through dissection of the pig. This can allow them to begin to understand the anatomy and physiology of agricultural animals.
The Carolina® Pig Dissection Mat is specially designed with clear, concise, step-by-step instructions to guide your dissection and aid in your study of the pig. Included on the mat are detailed color photographs that help students examine and identify both internal and external structures.
Learn structural anatomy and corresponding functions as students progress through each body system of the pig utilizing virtual dissection tools. This allows them to begin to understand the anatomy and physiology of the pig.
This 8-part model depicts hen anatomy in great detail. Its right side shows external morphology, while the left, longitudinally sectioned, reveals inner structures such as muscles, heart, liver, intestines, stomach, lungs, reproductive system, and an egg.
This 10-part model allows students to visualize the typical structures of a fetal pig. Removable parts include the ventral portion of the lungs, a 2-part heart, stomach, liver, intestines, and the ventral portion of a kidney.
This 9-part model allows great visualization to understand the major systems in small animals. The right side of the body is transparent for visualizing the skeleton, while the left side of the body depicts the muscular system, along with a lung, heart, liver, stomach, and intestinal tract.
This hands-on model allows students to view each of the 21 days of chick development. Realistic illustrations are inside of durable white plastic eggs for days 1 to 20. Final egg opens to reveal a plastic, 3-D chick. This set is perfect for teaching the chick life cycle and related vocabulary in animal science lessons.
This natural bone skeleton allows an in-depth look at the skeletal system of a chicken.
This natural bone skeleton allows an in-depth look at the skeletal system of a dog.
This natural bone skeleton allows an in-depth look at the skeletal system of a cat.
A great way to raise your chicks. Contains a heater in addition to feed and water troughs.
This complete incubator and hatcher offers an accurate digital thermostat with LCD display of temperature and humidity, as well as electronic egg turning, audio/visual alarms, and a standard easy-view door.
Provide warmth to newly-hatched chickens, ducks, or quail with a basic brooder lamp. The thick porcelain socket and heavy-gauge aluminum reflector resist overheating.
Ideal for viewing the incubation and hatching process in classrooms. It contains a fan for circulating air in the incubator and an automatic egg turner, eliminating temperature gradients and weekend turning.
Advance your study of the male reproductive system with a preserved bull testicle dissection. Testicle includes the spermatic cord, epididymis, and vas deferens.
Explore sheep anatomy of the thoracic and upper abdominal organs using the preserved sheep pluck with liver. This preserved sheep specimen includes the 4-chambered heart with a portion of the aorta, lungs with a portion of the trachea, and liver. These organs are connected, allowing students to explore the functional relationship between the organs.
Preserved cats allow for the study of the major systems in small animals. Students can easily examine all organ systems and perform an in-depth study of the muscular system.
Preserved dogs allow for the study of the major systems in small animals. Students can easily examine all organ systems and perform an in-depth study of the muscular system.
Preserved pigs allow for the study of the major systems in an agricultural animal. Students can easily examine all organ systems, learning about both anatomy and physiology.
Agribusiness Systems pathway provides the background for the coordination of activities that contribute to the production, processing, marketing, distribution, financing, and development of agricultural commodities and resources. Agribusiness is a high-tech industry that uses satellite systems, data management, biotechnology, and other innovations and emerging technologies to increase efficiency and profitability. The guide below will aid the selection of biotechnology kits that facilitate the development of career-ready skills, scientific process skills, and foundational biotechnology vocabulary and knowledge.
Train your students to measure, dispense, and mix liquids accurately with perfection every time. Using reusable practice gels that will last for years, students authentically practice pipetting.
Excellent for teaching basic electrophoresis principles. Students become familiar with general techniques, such as preparing agarose gels, loading samples into sample wells, using gel chambers and power supplies, observing results, and measuring migration distances.
Our simplest PCR kit is designed to offer unmatched versatility. This approachable protocol has been optimized for the classroom, and it works flawlessly with or without access to a thermal cycler.
Analyze the fundamental components of biotechnology, by using β-thalassemia as a medical example, as students explore the phenomenon of gene regulation. They investigate why changes in the DNA sequence in front of a gene affect how much functional protein is produced by the gene.
To facilitate the use and understanding of biotechnology applications, students complete procedures for preparing 3 agarose gels and separating samples of bromophenol blue, albumin, and hemoglobin.
To facilitate the use and understanding of biotechnology applications, students complete procedures for preparing 3 agarose gels and separating samples of bromophenol blue, albumin, and hemoglobin.
To facilitate the use and understanding of biotechnology applications in the environment, students clone promoters into the plasmids, pClone Red and pClone Blue, using the technique of Golden Gate Assembly (GGA). Then students are tasked with performing a transformation on E. coli cells to produce new ampicillin-resistant colonies expressing their designed plasmids.
Students discover CRISPR technology while understanding basic concepts and historical development of biotechnology with this truly unique, hands-on CRISPR gene-editing kit. As your students explore Nobel Prize-winning technology, they walk in the footsteps of science pioneers and use the same techniques that scientists across the world have used to solve the global problems of tomorrow.
Analyze the fundamental components of biotechnology as students conduct experiments and analyze data over the course of this 5-day lab to understand the relationship between a phage called Andhra and its staphylococcus host. Their goal is to answer the driving question: How can we use evidence to model phage-host interactions and therefore explain the impact of a CRISPR-Cas system on bacterial survival?
Analyze the fundamental components of biotechnology as students perform a foundational experiment to demonstrate cell communication in yeast reproduction. They study the yeast life cycle to determine if and how cells communicate by observing yeast morphology. They design an experiment using different mating types of yeasts, culturing techniques, and microscopy to provide evidence that single-celled organisms communicate.
Understand basic concepts and historical development of biotechnology. RNA interference (RNAi) is a technique that allows you to silence the expression of a chosen gene by specifically degrading the gene’s mRNA, making use of a Nobel Prize-winning technique to silence the dpy13 gene in the nonparasitic roundworm C. elegans.
Analyze methods for protecting the safety of biotech workers and the public by exploring infectious diseases using a hands-on simulated ELISA assay, a common laboratory technique used to test blood serum for antibodies against disease-causing agents including HIV, Lyme disease, avian influenza (bird flu), or West Nile virus with 1 simulated antigen.
Understand the science of plants in agricultural biotechnology by extracting DNA from wheat germ. Wheat germ is ground, the cells are lysed, and cellular contents are released. Extracellular protein is digested by enzyme treatment and heating, then spooled on a stirring rod.
Understand the use of biotechnology applications in the environment by exploring the evolution of fish species through protein analysis. Students perform gel electrophoresis on extracted muscle protein mixtures from 7 different types of fish, creating a unique protein fingerprint for each fish species, then hypothesize the degree of relatedness of the fish and compare their ideas to a standard evolutionary tree of fish.
Understand the use of biotechnology applications in the environment in the growing field of eDNA by challenging them to participate in ongoing research to monitor the prevalence of antibiotic-resistant bacteria in soil. Students collect soil samples, extract environmental DNA from soil, and use PCR and gel electrophoresis to test their samples for evidence of tetracycline resistance. This kit was created in conjunction with the PARE (Prevalence of Antibiotic Resistance in the Environment) project, and students contribute their final data to a national database of antibiotic resistance surveillance, making them modeling research scientists during a career-ready experience.
Students gain hands-on, career-ready experience in the biology and chemistry of cheesemaking. They learn about the connection between enzymes, pH, and microbes and study their role in the cheesemaking process. Kit supplies enough materials for 30 students working in pairs and includes free, 1-year access to digital resources.
Separate DNA fragments by size and charge by applying an electric current to a gel. This technique is a standard biotechnology technique required for many career options.
Select the equipment that best suits your classroom and students’ needs. Bundles include electrophoresis, gel viewing stations, and ancillary equipment.
Select the viewing and imaging equipment that your students need. Options include transilluminators, gel view systems, blue LED light transilluminators, and a light box photohood.
Compare thermal cyclers from Carolina, miniPCR, and MultiGene to find the best option for your students.
Select the water bath system that meets specifications for lab activities your students will perform.
Find a selection of centrifuges, centrifuge racks, tubes, and well blocks. This category also includes orbital shakers.
Easily find the pipet volume you need to run labs, tips, sterile transfer pipets, and glass sterile serological pipets.
Explore the skills and knowledge needed to support hydroponics and explain its uses and limitations as a tool to help sustain human populations and manage natural resources
Natural Resources Systems pathway provides the knowledge and skills needed for students to perform a variety of tasks from helping to develop, maintain, and manage the forest and natural environment to catching and trapping various types of marine life for human consumption, animal feed, bait, and other uses. Students gain understanding of the relationship between natural resources and the production of food and fiber, the role of alternative energy in the agricultural industry, and environmental stewardship within the agricultural industry.
Lichens are extremely sensitive to air pollution, and their decreasing numbers in a particular location are an indication of increasing air pollution, highlighting the importance of natural resource stewardship.
Students learn about the importance of clean water in human health, water treatment for microbial contamination, and one of the methods used to test the safety of water for human use.
Explore different types of chemical and physical air pollutants, research the sources of these pollutants, and learn about the health hazards associated with them. Students test for ozone and particulate matter in their area and observe the effects of gases on the pH of water
Explore the causes and effects of water pollution by performing a serial dilution to grasp the concepts of ppm and ppb and test area water for contaminants, including dissolved oxygen, nitrates, and phosphates. Students design and conduct their own experiment to determine the effects of water pollution on living organisms.
Students grow their own rye grass ecosystem and use it to experiment with different levels of pollutants so they can see firsthand how pollution impacts primary productivity and the flow of energy in the terrestrial system. Students also learn to estimate pollution’s impact on productivity by performing biomass measurements.
Students develop an understanding of the causes of ozone environmental pollution, the troposphere, and how ozone affects it.
An algal bloom scenario serves as the investigative phenomenon that students are tasked with explaining. To make sense of the phenomenon, students investigate growth in algae populations maintained in different concentrations of nutrient solution.
Researching local agricultural products and practices is the first step students take in this investigation of agricultural sustainability. Next, they experiment with several farming methods and consider alternative means of growing food, finally applying their findings to develop plans to meet the agricultural needs for a community.
Foster career-ready skills as students work in teams to explore soil formation, soil characteristics, and the effects of environmental conditions on soil microbes. Groups prepare and assess their samples using contact impression technique, dilution technique, root wash technique, and the Rossi-Cholodny buried slide contact transfer technique.
Students develop knowledge of the processes performed at a water treatment plant and learn the reasons for each process. On a small scale, they perform several of the procedures that occur in a water treatment plant on “polluted” water.
Students will understand the importance and value of fresh water and the need to protect and conserve this valuable resource as they learn that a variety of factors, including natural ones, contribute to the overall problem of water pollution. After completing this lab, students should understand the difference between point source and non-point source pollution, as well as the role of nitrates and phosphates in the process of eutrophication.
Students simulate the problems associated with acid rain and other forms of pollution and predict the effects of these pollutants on the ocean and its inhabitants.
Students investigate possible water source contamination by coliform bacteria and use sterile technique to collect water samples and plate them on selective media. They then apply what they have learned to a real-world scenario.
By performing simple colorimetric chemical analyses, students examine water samples for the presence of a wide variety of possible contaminants, including ammonia, chlorine, chromium, copper, cyanide, iron, nitrate, phosphate, silica, sulfide, and pH.
Investigate water quality using safe, simple TesTab® reagents. Each complete, economical kit contains easy-to-read, diagrammed instructions; a color chart; a test factor flashcard; and all the necessary apparatus and non-hazardous TesTabs.
Model sampling the diversity of macroinvertebrates in streams while in your classroom by using illustrated cards with printed biotic index value, a pollution tolerance value, and picture of the invertebrate. By making simulated streams using an assortment of cards, you can challenge your students to determine the health of a stream.
This collection of 14 organisms is an excellent tool for assessing the water quality of freshwater systems and a helpful guide for your water quality studies.
This portable lab measures 24 water quality parameters for pollution detection, environmental studies, and industrial water and wastes. The digital SMART®3 Colorimeter analyzes test sample color reactions and provides direct readouts for 15 factors (ammonia, chlorine, bromine, iodine, chromium, copper, fluoride, iron, nitrate, nitrite, phosphate, silica, sulfate, sulfide, and turbidity). Titration tests performed with LaMotte’s direct reading titrators provide results directly in parts per million (ppm) for 5 additional factors (alkalinity, carbon dioxide, chloride/salinity, dissolved oxygen, and hardness).
Water-resistant data sheet for recording data after sorting and identifying freshwater aquatic macroinvertebrates to the order level and some to the family level. Includes instructions and formulas for calculating the Pollution Tolerance Index (PTI) Score and Pollution Tolerance Index Rating.
For testing water and light needs of plants. Includes manual and 4 interchangeable colored filters.
Soil testing in 3 easy steps. Just mix soil with water, pour liquid into comparator, and add contents of capsule to instantly compare color for test reading.
This learning module provides a complete set of visual, digital, and hands-on resources designed to support teacher instruction and provide students with the skills to master key concepts of atmosphere and weather.
This experiment provides students with the experience of being a meteorologist. Students study pressure changes and create their own barometer, study wind speed and create their own anemometer, and develop the skills to confidently read a weather map.
A set of 9 photo cards of clouds and the weather each can produce.
Introduce basic weather concepts with this versatile apparatus by measuring temperature (in Fahrenheit and Celsius) and wind speed (in mph and kph), then reference the screen-printed chart to easily calculate wind chill. The device freely rotates to indicate wind direction, and its removable rain gauge allows for the quick assessment of rainfall. Weather station is designed to be mounted on a post or similar (not included).
This advanced, time-saving instrument is unique in that it has up to 1000 data point storage, graphing functions, and computer interface technology for measurements taken on barometric pressure; pressure trend; altitude; relative humidity (calibration guaranteed for 5 years); heat stress index; dew point; wet bulb temperature; density altitude; wind chill; air, water, and snow temperature; and wind speed (current, maximum gust, and average).
Students perform an experiment using choice chambers to determine the habitat preference of pill bugs. They then decrease the size of the pill bugs’ desired habitat and record the observed pill bug behavior.
Students explore and evaluate 4 different sampling techniques that are used to estimate population size: transects, quadrats, mark and recapture, and removal sampling. Conducting multiple runs for each method, students estimate population cover, density, and size using basic algebra and graphing skills.
Students construct a simulation of a small composting bin with both organic and inorganic waste items. They then analyze the process of decomposition in the composting bin over the course of a 4- to 5-week period.
Useful field-collecting items for easy collection, examination, and transportation of specimens during field trips and student excursions.
This professional-grade, student plankton net has been designed to provide quantitative analysis of plankton hauls in both fresh and marine waters. Net comes with a mouth-end fastener comprised of a brass ring with bridle. The cod-end assembly includes a plastic collecting bottle and a rubber-coated clamp. Net mouth is 8″ in diameter; net length-to-mouth diameter ratio is 3:1. Net mesh is 100 microns. Made in the USA.
This sturdy net has a 1 1/8″ × 60″ hardwood handle with a steel ferrule for added strength. The heavy-duty, D-shaped frame has a vinyl net guard to protect the extra-fine, 1/16″, green nylon netting.
The 16″-diam bag is made of muslin to catch the smallest specimens. With 36″ aluminum handle.
Nylon net with a 16″ × 9″ D-shaped frame and 34″ hardwood handle. Features a steel “net saver” guard that provides extra reinforcement to help extend the net’s useful life. Excellent for collecting in ponds and streams. Mesh size, 3/16″.
Used to sample for soil arthropods. Can be used with fumigants or heat. Large plastic funnel (21-cm diam) allows a large sample to be taken. Funnel includes plastic collecting vial, hardware cloth insert, and plastic funnel support.
The Beepodsâ„¢ Beekeeping Complete Education System helps you teach your students about pollination and colonial insects, providing a hands-on experience in beekeeping and a look into how insects communicate with one another. The education package includes digital classes and lessons that connect bees to various subjects, including math, physics, environmental science, and agricultural science.
Plant Systems pathway concentrates on plants and their growth, relating directly to the production of food, feed, and fiber crops necessary to feed a growing population while conserving natural resources and maintaining the environment. Improvement of the nutritional value of crops and the quality of seeds is emphasized in parallel with genetic engineering to develop crops resistant to pests and drought.
What does it take to grow a plant? Students discover that, when provided with a support system such as rock wool, a plant can grow by taking in nutrients from a nutrient-rich water supply. This simple, effective hydroponics kit provides an exciting demonstration of plant growth without soil.
This engaging hydroponics setup is sure to interest and excite your students as they observe complete plant development by growing herb plants from seed. Students develop a unique perspective and get hands-on experience in plant science by journaling, measuring and graphing plant growth, exploring the senses, observing root structures, cloning plants, and learning about water transpiration. The kit allows students to observe the aspects of plant development without the use of soil.
Make growth, development, and reproduction real for students with this Fast Plants® kit; studies include measuring and quantifying germination, pollination, and seed development.
Students explore the chemical characteristics of soil samples to discover how productive the samples might be for farming purposes.
Students affect plant growth and gain hands-on experience manipulating plants that affect productivity and plant growth.
Students learn to key out, identify, and classify tree leaves by shape, size, veins, margins, and position on twigs.
Students learn about the formation and physical characteristics of soils and parts of soil.
Students observe and collect real phenotype data from 2 plant generations.
Through 2 guided investigations students explore selection as a mechanism that can drive change in a population.
An excellent introduction to plant taxonomy. Includes 10 plants, each representative of one of the major plant kingdom groups: algae, liverwort, moss, fern, Selaginella, gymnosperm, 2 dicots, and 2 monocots.
This collection of 15 potted plants demonstrates the great diversity of forms found in the plant kingdom. Includes one or more representatives from among the ferns, gymnosperms, tropical foliage plants, and other flowering plants such as begonia, geranium, palms, cacti, and succulents. A great set to learn basic horticulture practices.
A versatile seed set containing a range of 18 plants from alfalfa to wheat. Great for an introductory horticulture class.
A versatile seed set of 6 different plants, including a monocot, gymnosperm, and 4 dicots. Great for an introductory horticulture class.
Self-contained growing system helps you start plants from seed and grow to maturity. A great way to start seeds early before starting your outdoor garden.
Plant the seeds and watch carrots, radishes, and onions take form before your eyes. This system allows you to see the roots as they form. Everything you need for growing a successful garden in the classroom.
Use these versatile kits as a stand-alone raised garden bed or as a module to extend any Frame It All Raised Garden Bed System. Almost any type of crop will do well, even root vegetables. A great tool to help you plant a school garden.
Grow more plants in your classroom with this compact, movable Plant Growth Cart. The square design takes up less room while providing maximum lighted shelf space for plants.
This adjustable light bank is a great way to provide light to plants in the classroom, allowing you to have your own classroom garden.
Work in the garden with this set of hand tools. Includes a trowel, transplanting trowel, cultivator, and dandelion digger.
Work in the garden with this set of tools. Includes a bowhead rake, garden hoe, cultivator, digging fork, and shovel.
Essential for precision sampling of all types of soil. Takes a 1″ core sample to a depth of 10″. Galvanized steel sampler has a saw-toothed cutting edge, tapered for easy core removal. Cutaway side of the tube permits inspection of soil core. A great tool to sample the soil in your garden.
Use pest control strips for effective control of whiteflies and fungus-gnats in the greenhouse. Developed by the USDA.
Allow your students to explore hydroponics, maintain the proper nutrient balances, and achieve optimum growing conditions in a soilless plant culture. They can monitor and test pH and 3 key nutrient factors: nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium.
Use this simple test kit to learn the specifics about your soil before starting your gardening project. Test nitrogen, phosphorous, potassium, and soil pH.
Quickly test your soil before starting your garden and during the growing process. Contains tests for pH, nitrogen, phosphorous, and potassium (potash).
Test your soil for the water and light needs of your plants. Includes manual and 4 interchangeable colored filters. Requires no batteries—unit is self-powered.
Test the soil pH in your garden to find out if growing conditions are optimal for your plants.
Test the nitrogen, phosphorous, and potassium in your soil and determine if your garden plants have everything they need to thrive.
Use this comprehensive introduction to the study of soil properties to learn preparation, extraction, and filtration techniques and procedures developed specifically for testing soil nutrients. This allows you to determine if your soils have the macronutrients needed for optimal plant growth.
This is a comprehensive introduction to the study of soil micronutrient properties. This allows you to determine if your soils have the micronutrients needed for optimal plant growth.
An excellent tool to illustrate the relationship between soil nutrients and plant health. Students perform colorimetric tests for nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium (N-P-K) by preparing liquid extracts from plants.
Students test soil samples by separating them into sand, silt, and clay fractions. This allows students to identify what might need to be added to create optimal growing conditions in a garden.
Carolina has the kits and supplies needed for your CTE students to master the essential knowledge and workplace skills required for careers in the healthcare industry.
Don’t see a specific item or content area covered that you need for your CTE Health Science I course? Contact us for special orders! We stand by our 100% customer satisfaction guarantee and will work with you to find what your students need.
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