Agriscience
THERE ARE WORK-BASED LEARNING OPPORTUNITIES AVAILABLE IN THE AGRISCIENCE DEPARTMENT:
SEE THE "WORK-BASED LEARNING" TAB TO FIND INFORMATION ON THE LOCAL WORK-BASED EXPERIENCE AND YOUTH APPRENTICESHIP OPTIONS
Special Course Conditions:
Each Agricultural student will complete an individual project of their choice in an area of their choice which will be supervised by the Ag instructor. They will gain both classroom credit and FFA recognition for their efforts.
Every student in an Agriculture course is automatically an FFA member. There are no dues, and it is not required to attend events. But this is an opportunity for students to grow in leadership, personal strengths, and careers.
Students can also take the following Agriscience courses in place of a science elective credit course:
10336 Plant Science
10528 Wisconsin Fish and Aquaponics
10440 Introduction to Veterinary Science
10527 Dairy Food Science
Agriscience Course Descriptions
10305 Wide World of Agriculture
0.5 credit - 1 semester
Grades: 9-12
Agriculture – It’s Alive and Growing! Agriculture is a dynamic and challenging field, producing food, fuel, and fiber for our world. Exciting new career opportunities in many areas are opening every day. You can be a part of this growing industry.
Priority Standards:
- Analyze career options and effectively communicate and apply agricultural leadership skills.
- Analyze agriculture within a global context.
- Apply reasoning from evidence to support a claim.
10336 Plant Science
0.5 credit - 1 semester
Grades: 9-12
SPECIAL CONDITION: SPRING SEMESTER ONLY
Students will learn the anatomy and physiology of plants while getting hands-on experience in planting and growing flowers and vegetables for a spring plant sale. Agricultural crops may also be investigated.
**Can be taken for Science elective credit.
Priority Standards:
- Analyze agriculture within a global context.
- Analyze/apply soil science principles to plants, food, and natural resources.
- Analyze plants, animals, and/or other products based on anatomical, physiological, and chemical characteristics.
- Provide appropriate healthcare to plants/animals.
10526 Small Animal Care
0.5 Credit - 1 semester
Grades: 9-12
This class explores the basic anatomy and physiology of small animals. Students have the opportunity to interact with small animals while learning proper handling and care techniques. Careers in pet sitting, grooming, and working at a pet shop or kennel, dog trainer or serving as a veterinary assistant may be discussed. Any field trips will be during class block and all students are expected to attend.
Priority Standards:
- Analyze plants, animals, and/or other products based on anatomical, physiological, and chemical characteristics.
- Provide appropriate healthcare to plants/animals.
- Prepare and implement safe animal handling procedures.
10440 Introduction to Veterinary Science
** LAUDE COURSE **
0.5 credit - 1 semester
Grades: 10-12
Prerequisite: Small Animal Care
*Intro to Veterinary Science is NOT NCAA-approved.
Students may explore the anatomy/physiology, disease diagnosis, treatments, nutrition, surgical procedures, clinical procedures, medicine on the market, and much more. Students may meet with local veterinarians and research post-secondary programs.
**Can be taken for Science elective credit.
Priority Standards:
- Analyze plants, animals, and/or other products based on anatomical, physiological, and chemical characteristics.
- Provide appropriate healthcare to plants/animals.
- Prepare and implement safe animal handling procedures.
- Apply reasoning from evidence to support a claim.
10527 Dairy Food Science
0.5 credit - 1 semester
Grades: 10-12
Recommended for 11th-12th grade students.
The Dairy Food Science course will allow students to explore the face of Wisconsin - the dairy industry! Students will learn about the chemical & physical properties of milk, production - processing of milk and make their own dairy products: ice cream, cheese, butter, etc...We may also take a look at dairy operations in foreign countries. This class may include field trips to local dairy farms and milk processing centers.
Priority Standards:
- Analyze agriculture within a global context.
- Analyze plants, animals, and/or other products based on anatomical, physiological, and chemical characteristics.
- Provide appropriate healthcare to plants/animals.
10528 Wisconsin Fish & Aquaponics
0.5 credit - 1 semester
Grades: 10-12
Prerequisite: None
**Can be taken for Science elective credit.
Wisconsin Fish & Aquaponics is just like it sounds - awesome! Students will have the opportunity to grow and market different species of fish and veggies in our aquaponics tanks. We will explore careers. This class may include a variety of field trips ranging from Devil's Lake to large scale fish farming businesses.
Priority Standards:
- Analyze agriculture within a global context.
- Analyze plants, animals, and/or other products based on anatomical, physiological, and chemical characteristics.
- Provide appropriate healthcare to plants/animals.
10523 Principles of Animal Production
0.5 Credit - 1 semester
Grades: 10-12
Prerequisite: Wide World of Agriculture OR Junior standing and above
Spend the semester investigating how animals and humans are dependent upon each other. Evaluate the management practices used by humans to keep animals safe and healthy. Design an animal facility for your chosen species of livestock animal and build a model. Brainstorm a business plan related to livestock animals. Throughout the semester, you will complete all of this and much more through the Principles of Animal Production course.
Priority Standards:
- Analyze plants, animals, and/or other products based on anatomical, physiological, and chemical characteristics.
- Provide appropriate healthcare to plants/animals.
- Prepare and implement safe animal handling procedures.
- Apply reasoning from evidence to support a claim.
10480 Natural Resources and Me
*Will not be offered in the 2025/2026 School Year*
0.5 credit - 1 semester
Grades: 11-12
*Natural Resources and Me is NOT NCAA-approved.
This is a class that is ideal for hunters, outdoor enthusiasts, and environmentalists alike. Students are guided through environmental science by considering the four main causes of extinction. Students spend a lot of time outdoors conducting tests, measuring ecosystem health, and assessing the quality of different wildlife habitats. They learn to identify invasive species, set game limits, and determine the sources of pollution. This course also may include the certification of the following DNR courses: Hunters Education, ATV, Snowmobile, Boat, and Trappers Education.
Priority Standards:
- Analyze career options and effectively communicate and apply agricultural leadership skills.
- Analyze/apply soil science principles to plants, food, and natural resources.
- Apply reasoning from evidence to support a claim.