2010 Group Study Projects
Group Study Projects, or GSPs, are small, specialized groups taught by expert faculty from various Tennessee agricultural schools. These hands-on projects allow scholars to experience firsthand the science and technology associated with agriculture and natural resources management. Students participating in TGSAS chose a GSP from the list below.
“Agricultural Engineering Technology: Biofuels, Alternative Energy, and Beyond”
Biofuels – 2 weeks
- Biodiesel – Students will study the science associated with the production of biodiesel from agricultural crops. Laboratory exercises will allow students to make their own biodiesel from waste vegetable oil.
- Ethanol – Students will study the basic sciences associated with ethanol production using various sugar sources as a feedstock. Students will conduct a research study on the ethanol production from three different sugar sources. Students will develop a written report on their research findings that follows all aspects of the Experimental Method. The laboratory exercises will also include students actually making ethanol from corn grain.
- Methane Gas Production – Students will study the science of producing methane gas from livestock wastes (manures). Laboratory exercise will allow students to produce methane gas from beef cattle waste.
- Students will develop individual written reports on other assigned topics associated with biofuels. These reports provide students with an opportunity to share findings with their peers, while expanding the scope of their biofuels/alternative-energy knowledge.
Wind & Solar Energy – 1 week
- Students will study the practical and theoretical aspects of generating electricity from wind and solar sources in Tennessee. Hands-on activities will include setting up solar panels and wind-based generators.
- Wind and solar energy data will be collected, assimilated, and presented at the conclusion of the TGSAS. A written report will be developed on the research findings of the solar and wind experiments.
- Students will develop written reports on other assigned topics associated with alternative energy.
Agricultural Engineering Shop Procedures – 1 week
- Shop Safety – students will learn proper safety techniques related to all aspects of agricultural mechanics lab, with specific instruction in the areas of metal and woodworking.
- Basics of wood technology – tool identification, machine use, wood fasteners, wood finishing, and wood identification. Estimating cost of construction using a bill of materials.
- Metal technology – basic electricity as it relates to welding, metal identification and basic properties, wire-feed welding, brazing, heat-treating, annealing, tempering, forging, fusion welding, arc welding, plasma cutter, drilling, and grinding.
- Students will be assigned specific writing assignments (literature reviews) on topics associated with metalworking, electricity, and general shop procedures.
“Veterinary Science”
The Veterinary Science GSP will present the students with the opportunity to observe and learn about the diversity of career opportunities, animal care concerns of both farm and companion animals, and recognized medical/ surgical techniques used in veterinary medicine. The project will include visits to humane shelters, veterinary clinics, equine breeding facilities, and the University of Tennessee at Martin Teaching Farm which is the home of cattle, sheep, goats, and horses. The objective of the veterinary science project is to allow students the opportunity to observe hands on care and treatment of a variety of species while also learning the nutritional and health needs of the individual animals themselves. Topics on different careers in veterinary medicine and different usages of our animal friends will also be discussed.
Hopefully, the group will leave with a greater understanding of and respect for the veterinary profession and the responsibilities involved in caring for companion and farm animals.
Natural Resources Management “Reelfoot Lake, Thriving or Dying?”
This group study project will investigate Reelfoot Lake and its watershed. Students will visit the lake, learn a bit of its history and investigate its water quality through biological, physical and chemical sampling. Our goal is to determine if this jewel of West Tennessee is healthy or “dying”. We’ll look at how to measure water quality and what influences water quality of lake systems. You’ll discover what lives and depends upon the lake and also what activities impact lake quality. You will learn about the scientific method and gain experience with study design, environmental sampling and water quality evaluation with respect to ecosystem management. The project will culminate with interpretation and presentation of your results.
“Geospatial Technology”
Students will be working with geospatial technology that will allow for a multi-disciplinary approach to problems faced in natural resource management. Students will study the basic sciences associated with Global Positioning Systems (GPS) and Geographic Information Systems (GIS). Laboratory exercises will include data collection and mapping using GPS and GIS. Hands-on, field based exercises will provide the context for working with this technology. This will include field trips to parks, forests, and study areas. In addition, students will be exposed to Internet based resources and learn how to creatively present data in a geographical way.
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