Agronomy for Beginners
In this 8-week self-paced course, students will explore the foundations of agronomy—learning how crops grow, how soil health matters, and how farmers use science to produce food, fiber, and fuel.
Hannah Poole
Average rating:
5.0
Number of reviews:(7)
What's included
8 pre-recorded lessons
8 weeks
of teacher support1 year access
to the contentAssignments
2-4 hours per week. 1-2 per weekProjects
1-2 throughout the classCertificate of Completion
1 after class completionClass Experience
This course introduces students to the science of agronomy, focusing on crop production, soil health, and the role of modern agriculture in feeding the world. Over nine weeks, learners will gain a foundational understanding of plant growth, soil types, cropping systems, fertilizers, and sustainable farming practices. Each week includes a video lesson (15–25 minutes), interactive notes or diagrams, a short assignment or worksheet, and discussion questions. Three hands-on at-home projects help students apply what they’ve learned, and a final project gives them the chance to design a crop plan using real-world principles. The class is ideal for students in upper elementary through high school with an interest in agriculture, science, or environmental studies. No prior experience required.
Learning Goals
Describe the life cycle and structure of crop plants.Identify major crops and where they grow.
Syllabus
Curriculum
Follows Teacher-Created Curriculum8 Lessons
over 8 WeeksLesson 1:
What is Agronomy?
Overview of crop science and why it matters. 2 assignments
Lesson 2:
Plant Parts & Life Cycle
Roots, stems, leaves, flowers, seeds.
Germination, growth stages, pollination. 2 assignments
Lesson 3:
Major Crops of the World
Corn, wheat, soybeans, rice, cotton, and more.
Warm vs. cool season crops. 3 assignments
Lesson 4:
Soil Basics
Soil layers, texture, structure, pH.
Importance of healthy soil. 2 assignments
Other Details
External Resources
Learners will not need to use any apps or websites beyond the standard Outschool tools.
Joined December, 2023
5.0
7reviews
Teacher expertise and credentials
Bachelor's Degree in Biology/Biological Sciences from Western Governors University
I bring over 10 years of hands-on experience in livestock and crop production, including managing my own cattle program and working closely with other producers across the agricultural industry. I hold a bachelor’s degree in Biological Sciences Secondary Education and am currently pursuing a master’s degree in Veterinary Science. My academic and real-world experience has given me a strong foundation in agronomy, soil science, and plant biology—along with the ability to explain these topics in a way that’s easy for students to understand and connect with.
In addition to my agricultural background, I have a decade of experience teaching and mentoring youth in both classroom and agricultural education settings. I’ve worked with homeschool students, 4-H and FFA members, and science learners of all ages to help them explore how agriculture and biology intersect with everyday life. My goal is to make learning engaging, hands-on, and meaningful—especially for students who are curious about where their food comes from and how science is applied in the real world.Reviews
Self-Paced Course
$30
weekly8 pre-recorded lessons
8 weeks of teacher support
Choose your start date
1 year of access to the content
Ages: 12-18
