This career development event selects and awards those students and teams that demonstrate:
A. Mastery of the subject matter and skills common to the systems areas (2) effective communication skills
B. Superior problem solving techniques
 C. An understanding of modern technology
 D. The ability to function as team members working together and as individuals working alone.

EVENT RULES

TEAM OF: 4 FFA members

OFFICIAL DRESS APPROPRIATE:

No STATE PARTICIPANTS: 6 teams – top 2 teams per region

MATERIALS NEEDED: (ON THE DAY OF THE EVENT)
 Industrial-quality eye protection Appropriate clothing Clean, clear (see-through/transparent) plastic clipboard No. 2 pencils Calculator (must be battery operated, non-programmable and silent with only the following functions- addition, subtraction, multiplication, division, equals, percent, square root, +/- key and one memory register.) Laptop and printer (may be required, participating teams will be notified) Specialized or modified equipment due to disability as defined by the American Disabilities Act (must submit the appropriate special needs request form and documentation to be authorized for use in the event)

FORMAT
This event consists of the following components:
TEAM
A. Team Problem-Solving Activity
INDIVIDUAL
B. Individual Problem-Solving Activities
 C. Written Exam

A. Team Problem-Solving Activity
The individuals on each state team will work together and be evaluated as a team while solving complex, multi-system agricultural problems. The problem scenario is presented to the team on the day of the events and members utilize the materials and equipment provided to undertake and prepare a written, computer mechanics generated solution. Teams organize themselves, assigning duties and completing tasks together or separately depending on individual skills and abilities.

 B. Individual Problem Solving Activities
Each student is individually evaluated in each of the five systems areas. The specific activities occurring in each event are not publicized prior to the event. Each student is allowed 20 minutes to complete each of the five activities (100 minutes total).

Problem Solving System Areas:
1. Machinery and Equipment Systems: repair and maintenance, materials handling, processing, adjustments, metal fabrication
2. Electrical Systems: AC/DC power, electrical safety, electrical standards, sensing devices, electrical wiring, controls, electronics, motors and other electrical loads, operating instructions, and manufacturer’s recommendations
 3. Energy Systems: mechanical power, electrical power, chemical power, wind power, solar power, hydraulic power, engine operation, maintenance, trouble-shooting, repair
4. Structural Systems: structures, storage, concrete, masonry, plumbing, electrical, construction, building materials, ventilation, heating, air conditioning
5. Environmental-Natural Resource Systems: water quality, sustainable agricultural practices, soil and water conservation, waste handling

 C. Written examination
Each student completes an examination that consists of 100 multiple-choice questions. There are 20 questions from each of the five agricultural mechanics systems areas. Students will have 70 minutes to complete this portion of the career development event.