2026 Curriculum for Agricultural Science Education (CASE) Institute
Agriculture, Food, and Natural Resources introduces students to the range of agricultural opportunities and the pathways of study they may pursue. Science, mathematics, reading, and writing components are woven in the context of agriculture and students will use the introductory skills and knowledge developed in this course throughout the CASE curriculum.
Teachers are provided detailed professional development to facilitate instruction. CASE provides extensive preparation for the teacher to be proficient and confident in their ability to provide proper instruction of agriscience skills and concepts. Every lesson is aligned to national standards for agriculture, science, mathematics, and English language arts.
This summer, we will be hosting Principles of Agricultural Science – Animal (ASA), Animal Health and Veterinary Science (AHVS), Introduction to Agriculture, Food, and Natural Resources (AFNR), and AgXplore (AgX).
The primary goal of the Principles of Agricultural Science – Animal (ASA) curriculum is to expose students to agriculture, animal science, and related career options. Throughout the course, students investigate the consumer perceptions and preferences related to animals in local, regional, and global markets. Students gain knowledge and skills related to animal anatomy, physiology, behavior, nutrition, reproduction, health, selection, and marketing through hands-on activities, projects, and problems. By mimicking work similar to that of animal science specialists, such as industry personnel, livestock producers, veterinarians, and zoologists, students learn to document work, solve problems, and communicate solutions to peers and members of the professional community.
Animal Health and Veterinary Science (AHVS) is a semester-long program emphasizing inquiry-based learning and technical skill development. This course provides an in-depth examination of veterinary science, focusing on the interplay of factors affecting animal health. Through structured inquiry activities, projects, and problems, students address practical challenges, fostering critical thinking and an understanding of the intricate relationships between animal health and care. The central focus of the curriculum is to cultivate technical skills crucial for effective animal health care. Proficiency in prevention, diagnosis, and treatment techniques will be achieved through hands-on skill practice. Integrating knowledge into CASE Study Problems will further develop problem-solving abilities and provide insight into the practical implications of veterinary science across diverse contexts.
Introduction to Agriculture, Food, and Natural Resources (AFNR) introduces students to the range of agricultural opportunities and the pathways of study they may pursue. CASE incorporates science, mathematics, reading, and writing components into the context of agriculture. Students use this course's introductory skills and knowledge throughout the CASE curriculum. Woven throughout the course are activities to develop and improve students' employability skills through practical applications. Students explore career and post-secondary opportunities in each area of the course. While surveying the opportunities available in agriculture and natural resources, students learn to solve problems, research, analyze data, work in teams, and take responsibility for their work, actions, and learning. Students investigate, experiment, and learn about documenting a project, solving problems, and communicating their solutions to their peers and members of the professional community.
Middle school students explore the daily impact of agriculture over 60 days of instruction. AgXplore introduces students to the plants, resources, energy, and animals we use and consume due to agricultural technologies. Every lesson includes unique and engaging hands-on activities and projects encouraging student exploration of the agricultural value chain from industry to consumer. In addition, the curriculum includes fresh and personalized assessment tools with laboratories, games, and questioning exercises.
Dates and Registration
The Principles of Agricultural Science – Animal (ASA) course will be taught as a five day in-person training. The event will occur June 8 – 12, 2026, beginning at 10:00 am on 6/8 and ending at 12:00 pm on 6/12.
The Animal Health and Veterinary Science (AHVS) course will be taught as a two day in-person training. The event will occur June 12 – 13, 2026, beginning at 1:00 pm on 6/12 and ending at 4:00 pm on 6/13.
The Introduction to Agriculture, Food, and Natural Resources (AFNR) course will be an in-person training. The event will occur July 20 – 24, 2026, beginning at 10:00 am on 7/20 and ending at 12:00 pm on 7/24
The AgXplore (AgX) course will be taught as a two day in-person training. The event will occur July 24 – 25, 2026, beginning at 1:00 pm on 7/24 and ending at 3:00 pm on 7/25.
Travel Information
Location
The institute will be located at Agricultural Hall each day of CASE.
Lodging and Meals
Lodging will be available for participants to purchase. Participants will be housed in Village FIT on the Oklahoma State University campus. Lodging will be single occupancy rooms with a shared bathroom. Linens, pillows, blanket, and towels will be provided. Check in times will be scheduled based on arrival time of participants. It is walking distance from the dorms to Agricultural Hall where the training will be held. Vans will be available for any participants staying on campus that do not have personal transportation.
Meals will also be available for participants to purchase. Your paid institute registration for ASA and AFNR includes lunch daily and one host dinner. Lunch is included for AHVS and AFNR. Meal packages are available by themselves or with lodging, meals include breakfast and dinner daily (5 breakfasts and 5 dinners). The tentative meal schedule is as follows:
Sunday
Dinner: Freddie Paul’s Steakhouse – Dinner of your choice
Monday
- Breakfast: Daylight Donuts - Donuts, Sausage Rolls, Fruit, yogurt, Coffee, and Juice
- Lunch: Raising Cane’s – Chicken fingers, fries, coleslaw, and Texas toast
- Dinner: Eskimo Joe’s – Cheese Fries and dinner entrée of choice
Tuesday
- Breakfast: Chick Fil A – Chicken Minis, Hashbrowns, Fruit, yogurt, Coffee, and Juice
- Lunch: Mexico Joe’s – Taco Bar
- Dinner: Empire Slice Pizza – Pizzas, salads, and appetizers
Wednesday
- Breakfast: Just Wafflin – Waffles, Sausage, Fruit, yogurt, Coffee, and Juice
- Lunch: Davinci’s – Pasta, Salad, and Rolls
- Dinner: Smokin Joe’s – BBQ dinner of choice
Thursday
- Breakfast: Red Rock – Breakfast sandwiches and pastries, Fruit, yogurt, Coffee, and Juice
- Lunch: Nikki’s Greek
- Dinner: The Garage – Dinner of your choice
Friday
- Breakfast: Just Wafflin – Waffles, Sausage, Fruit, Coffee, and Juice
- Lunch: Red Rock – Box lunches – sandwich, chips, pickle, and cookie
Lunches and 1 dinner are included with CASE AFNR/ASA registration, other meals listed are included as a part of the meal or lodging/meal package.
Meal schedule above is tentative and could change but provides a general idea of what is included. Snacks and drinks are also available throughout the day during the institute.
To book lodging and/or meals, view the OSU CASE Registration webpage and select your desired option.
For more information on housing or to address any specific questions/needs, please contact Chris Eck at (405) 586-4655 or chris.eck@okstate.edu.
Airport
Stillwater Regional Airport (SWO) offers flights through American Airlines. Tulsa International Airport (TUL) and Will Rogers World Airport (OKC) are both within a hour drive of Stillwater. Airport pickup and drop-off is available for those flying in and out of Stillwater Regional Airport.
Parking
Parking passes will be provided to all participants. Parking lot location TBD.
Maps
Things To Do
College Credit
Oklahoma State University will offer graduate course credit for successfully completing CASE trainings for those interested. Three credit hours are available for ASA and AFNR, while one credit hour is available for AHVS and AgX. For more information, please contact Chris Eck at (405) 586-4655 or chris.eck@okstate.edu.