Introduction to Agriculture and Life Sciences (Elective)

Grade Level: 9-10 1 Credit

Prerequisite: None

Introduction to Agriculture and Life Sciences is the first of the high school courses in the agriculture education program. In this course, students learn the fundamentals of agriscience and technology. This course provides each student with an understanding of the industry and business of agriculture. Students develop competencies in animal science, leadership development and natural resource conservation. Students develop agricultural mechanics skills in the areas of woodworking and metalworking. Membership in the co-curricular organization, FFA, is encouraged.

 

Ecology and Natural Resources I (Elective)

Grade Level: 10-12 1 Credit

Prerequisite: None

This course is designed to provide a conceptual framework of environmental, ecological and natural resource conservation content and develops scientific and technical competencies required to deal effectively with environmental and natural resources management problems. Instructional content includes care, management and preservation of soil, water, air, forestry, and wildlife with the integration of biology, chemistry, physics, and other physical sciences, math, English and history. Topics included are current environmental problems, methods, and practices and the application of science and technology to natural resources and environmental management. Specific environmental concerns and issues common to the local school community and of national importance are incorporated into the instructional program. Leadership activities and opportunities to participate in FFA functions are included in this course.

 

Ecology and Natural Resources II (Elective)

Grade Level: 11-12 1 Credit

Prerequisite: Natural Resources I

This course is the second in the Ecology and Conservation series and includes instruction in forest protection and harvesting, fish pond ecology and management, maintenance of wildlife and aquatic resources, soil and water management systems, construction of Best Management Practices and leadership training. Much of the instruction in this course may be individualized. Because of the emphasis on different facets of natural resources management, the course varies to meet local needs and interests.

 

Agriculture Business and Technology I (Elective)

Grade Level: 10-11 1 Credit

Prerequisite: Intro. To Agriculture & Life Sciences

This course is designed to assist students in developing the necessary knowledge, skills, habits, and attitudes for employment in off-farm agriculture businesses. These businesses provide supplies and services to the agriculture community and process and/or market agriculture products. Where training centers are available, cooperative arrangements are made with local agricultural businesses to provide occupational experience for students. When training centers are not available, simulated experiences may be provided. Instruction in product knowledge relating to items such as feed, seed, fertilizer, machinery, and agricultural chemicals is provided. Leadership training is given through the co-curricular organization, FFA.

 

Agriculture Business and Technology II (Elective)

Grade Level: 11-12 1 Credit

Prerequisite: Part I highly recommended

Students develop the necessary knowledge, skills, habits, and attitudes for employment in agricultural businesses. Where training centers are available, cooperative arrangements with local businesses provide occupational experiences for students. When training centers are not available, simulated experiences may be provided. Leadership training is provided through the FFA.

 

Leadership Development (Elective)

Grade Level: 10-12 1 Credit

Prerequisite: None

This is a 36-week course designed to equip students with personal and group leadership skills. Course content includes units in principles of leadership, parliamentary law, speaking in public, developing effective communication and human relations skills, developing positive public relations, using proper etiquette and group leadership. Principles of organizing and conducting group meetings and activities are also included in the instructional program.

 

Agriculture Power & Technology I (Elective)

Grade Level: 10-12 1 Credit

Prerequisite: Intro. To Agric. & Life Sciences preferred

This course prepares students for entry-level employment and advancement in the agricultural equipment industry, and for the operation and maintenance of farm equipment. Students learn to use selected hand tools, precision measuring tools, and testing equipment. The course also includes instruction in safety, human relations, small engines, farm tractor maintenance, and introduction to tractor engine analysis.

 

Agriculture Power & Technology II (Elective)

Grade Level: 11-12 1 Credit

Prerequisite: Agriculture Power & Technology I

This course includes operating procedures in a parts department, newly developed agricultural machines, engine analysis and trouble shooting, basic hydraulics, mechanical power transfer systems, the implement industry, metal fusing and fabrication welding, and adjustment and repair of tillage equipment.

 

Small Engine Repair (Elective)

Grade Level: 10-12 1/2 Credit

Prerequisite: None

Small Engine Repair is an 18-week intensive study of the operation, maintenance, and repair of small gasoline and diesel engines. Instructional topics include principles of operation of gasoline and diesel engines, tune up and maintenance procedures, and disassembly, overhaul, and reassembly. Instructions may include topics relative to two cycle and four cycle engines commonly found on lawn mowers, garden tractors, snow blowers, rototillers, chain saws, and other equipment. Most of the instruction includes hands-on laboratory experiences. Leadership activities and other FFA activities are encouraged.

 

Horticulture I (Elective)

Grade Level: 10-12 1 Credit

Prerequisite: None

This course is designed to give an overview of horticulture and career and business opportunities. The curriculum includes hands-on instruction in growing medias, plant propagation, greenhouse operations, nursery planting and pest control. In addition, application of agriscience concepts will be included. Time will be dedicated to job analysis, opportunities, and requirements for horticulture employment. Co-curricular FFA opportunities, leadership activities and competition will be integrated into the course.

 

Horticulture II (Elective)

Grade Level: 11-12 1 Credit

Prerequisite: Horticulture I

This course is designed to provide instruction in the management of the greenhouse and landscaping business. Areas to be covered include maintenance of greenhouses, time management, seeding and planting rates, fertilizer application and pesticide application. The preparation of income statements, cash flows and net worth statements will be taught. This course will meet the needs of students planning to pursue further education in the horticulture field.

 

Equine Management Production (Elective)

Grade Level: 10-12 1 Credit

Prerequisite: None

Students learn how to care and manage horses.  Equine health, nutrition, management, reproduction, training, evaluation, and showmanship are the major instructional areas.  Course content includes instruction in the tools, equipment, and facilities for equine enterprises.  Business management topics include the economics of boarding, training, and merchandizing horses.  Leadership development activities are included, and participation in FFA activities is encouraged

 

General Agriculture (Elective)

Grade Level: 9-12 1 Credit

Prerequisite: None

This one credit class is offered to any student that is identified as a special needs student. Instruction is provided to students for the development of mechanical skills and wood working and metal working. Students are also instructed in basic plant and animal care. Membership in the co-curricular club, FFA, is encouraged.

 

Agricultural Cooperative Education

Cooperative Education opportunities are available in the Agriculture program. Contact your school's Agriculture Teacher and/or Guidance Counselor if interested. Two credits are earned for a minimum of 396 hours of on-the-job work experience.

 

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