Many teachers are really worried about increased science being integrated into the agricultural education curriculum. Experiments in agriscience are old and they are new. This is not new. We have always taught the scientific principles which form the foundation of agricultural mechanics. We have not always named the principle for the student.
Agricultural mechanics is a perfect vehicle to teach physical science.
Scientific experiments are directly translated into applications in agricultural mechanics. I would like to share some experiments I find useful in teaching scientific principles through agricultural mechanics. One experiment that develops student interest and can be directly translated into an agricultural mechanics wood construction activity, is the holding power of different fasteners. The lumber is placed in a device developed by Dr. Clinton Jacobs. This device consists of a lever arm that has a fulcrum with a 10 inch to 4 inch ratio.