Agriculture Science

This course is designed to introduce students to the world of agriculture. Upon completing this course, students will be able to understand and apply basic concepts in animal science, plant science, agriculture mechanics, record keeping, public speaking, and leadership. It will also give students the opportunity to compete in activities through the Future Farmers of America (FFA).

This is a one-credit course that builds upon the Agricultural Mechanics and Power courses. Students will develop competencies including meaning and use of agriculture power, personal and occupational safety, electrical wiring, concrete masonry, plumbing, product handling and processing equipment, farm buildings project construction, concrete and power tools. FFA and supervised experience will also be included as appropriate.

This course is designed to introduce students to horticulture as a field of study. Students will learn to apply scientific principles and concepts through classroom and hands-on experiments. This course will also strengthen the students’ knowledge of science and given them a better understanding of the environment, plant growth, plant classification and identification, and the importance of soil. It will also introduce the students to the careers and opportunities available in the field of horticulture.

This course is designed to introduce students to areas and concepts involved in Agriculture mechanics. Students will learn to apply scientific principles and concepts through classroom and hands-on experiments. This course will strengthen the students’ knowledge of shop safety, three types of welding processes, Oxy-fuel and plasma cutting, land measurement and surveying and metal project construction. It will also introduce students to the careers and opportunities available in Agriculture mechanics.

This course focuses on animals kept as service, companion, and laboratory animals, including dogs and cats. Content includes species and importance of small animals, anatomy and physiology, nutrition and feeding, disease and health management, reproduction, facilities and well being. Content areas related to veterinary assisting include asepsis, animal restraint and safety, animal positions and terminology, vital signs, equipment, laboratory testing, and administration of medications. FFA and supervised experience will be included as appropriate.

This is a one-credit course that builds upon the Introduction to Agricultural Mechanics and Power course. It is for students who wish to develop knowledge and skills in tractors, implements, engines and related technologies. Major content includes meaning and use of agricultural power, personal and occupational safety, kinds, uses and maintenance of agricultural tractors, kinds and uses of crop production equipment, internal combustion engine principles and maintenance, including those using gasoline, diesel, and alternative fuels, tractor power trains, electronics, including sensors, controllers, and onboard computers, and electric motors. FFA and supervised experience will also be included as appropriate.

This is a one-credit course for students interested in wildlife and its conservation and ecology as well as enjoying wildlife through sport hunting and fishing. Course content includes meaning and importance of wildlife species, history of wildlife conservation, safety with wildlife, species identification, endangered species, wildlife biology and ecology, habitat protection and establishment, protection of wildlife, legal regulations, and hunter safety. FFA and supervised experience will be included.

This is a one-credit course for students with interests in acquiring knowledge and skill in greenhouse plant production and floral design. Content includes the role and importance of greenhouse production and floral design, safety, plant anatomy and growth, plant propagation, growing structures, climate control, automation, media and plan nutrition, watering, disease and pest management, and cultural practices with bedding plants, including cuttings and layering, bulbs, corms, tubers, and seed-borne flowering crops. Content also includes the history and importance of floral design, care and handling of fresh flowers, principles and practices of design, floral tools and supplies, containers, corsages, boutonnieres, centerpieces, and holiday arrangements. FFA and supervised experience will be included as appropriate.

The course is designed for students interested in learning the fundamentals of science-based animal agriculture. The content includes the importance and scope of agricultural animals, taxonomy, anatomy, physiology, reproduction, nutrition, health and disease management, facilities and equipment, and production of popular species. Evaluation, fitting, showing, and marketing are included. Animal ethics and safety are also included. FFA and supervised experience are integral in the course, as appropriate.

This course is for students with interest in acquiring knowledge and skills in greenhouse production and floral design, safety, plant autonomy and growth, plant propagation, growing structures, climate control, automation, media and plant nutrition, watering, disease and pest management, and cultural practices with bedding plants, including cuttings and layering, bulbs, corns, tubers, and seed-borne flowering crops.

This course introduces the broad field of agricultural communications and provides for the development of knowledge and skill in specific areas related to communications theory and practice. Content includes the meaning and practice of communication, the role and history of print and electronic media, legal aspects of agricultural communications, news and feature writing in agriculture, news photography, layout and design, and ethics in agricultural communications. Content may also include web design and broadcast journalism in agriculture.