However, its application and use today present some new and exciting possibilities for increased learning and the reinforcement of the problem solving method of teaching. Agriculture students have changed from the early sixties when they were very broad based in their fundamental agriculture skills. Since that time these values have changed along with those of society to the degree that it is difficult to apply today's instruction to prior learning experience. Students seem to be grasping for a sound basis of understanding from which they can apply their creative thought processes to the solution of an unknown. The application of experimentation as experiential education within the agricultural education process is very natural.
Agriculture is and has always been defined as a science.
Within the definition of science the philosophy of experimentation is assumed. Therefore, the utilization of this method can greatly enhance the experiential learning of the students in agriculture programs. In essence, it is the controlled application of learning skills in a variety of situations that allows for creative thinking from a basis of acquired learning. At Wauseon High School, a student's SAE program includes experimentation projects and activities that enhance learning in the classroom. The areas addressed in the curriculum are determined by the agricultural opportunities of our community.