Agricultural literacy of seventh and eighth grade science teachers

Abstract

The purpose of this study was to ascertain the Agricultural Literacy level of seventh and eighth grade science teachers in Arizona, New Mexico, Utah and Colorado. Respondents were tested in the eleven areas encompassing the definition of agricultural literacy as reported by Frick, Kahler and Miller study in the Agricultural Education Journal, Summer 1991. Findings of the study included: (1) science teacher in middle and junior high schools are not agriculturally literate according to the information gained from questions in the eleven concept areas proposed by Frick, Kahler, and Miller (1991); (2) There is no difference in the agricultural literacy level of science teachers in Arizona, Colorado, New Mexico, and Utah; (3) Gender does not affect the agricultural literacy level of science teachers; (4) Education in Agriculture does not affect the agricultural literacy level of science teachers; (5) There is no difference in agricultural literacy level of rural and urban science teachers; (6) Agricultural literacy is not changed in teachers who have lived on a farm or ranch after their eighth birthday.