Pennsylvania Youth Institute and Program Curriculum

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1. Research and write a paper on a global challenge related to hunger and food insecurity.
2. Understand another culture and their challenges of acquiring nutritious food related to the factor chosen.
3. Apply the understanding to create local solutions for food security.

1. Enhance student understanding of basic animal science concepts with focus on: feeds/feeding, digestion, lactation, behavior, welfare, genetics, meat science.
2. Relate animal science to meeting needs of a growing population.
3. Recognize scientific concepts in hands-on laboratories.

1. Enhance student understanding of basic environmental resource system concepts with focus on: water/air quality issues, riparian buffers, soils, wetlands.
2. Experience successful environmental systems through place-based education.
3. Utilize concepts of natural resource systems to solve real-world problems.

1. Investigate the global food and fiber system.
2. Experience intercultural activities.
3. Identify opportunities for individuals to impact global agriculture.

1. Explain basic plant biology and role of environmental factors in plant growth and development.
2. Identify the role of plants in society and how humans have shaped the plant world.
3. Evaluate the importance of plants as foods, drinks, non-foods, and drug sources.
4. Determine how plants can be used in a sustainable, cyclical aquatic system.

1. Identify the major components of sensory evaluation and product development in the food industry.
2. Process meat products using proper laboratory techniques.
3. Recognize the major microbiological groups, their effects, and control in food.
4. Observe food texture and flavor and their relation to food chemistry.
5. Discuss the basic principles of food processing.

1. Understand the concepts of ecosystems and ecology.
2. Investigate and describe the dominant natural ecosystems of PA (forest, wetland, open water, farm)
3. Explore how humans influence ecosystems and foster understanding of the importance of ecosystems management and services.