Courses

The following sequence of courses is offered as a core component of the AFNR program. Through hands-on learning experiences in these courses, students develop technical skills while also earning valuable industry-recognized certifications in every course. Select upper-level courses also offer the opportunity to earn direct college credit through Muskegon Community College, allowing students to graduate with both high school and college credentials while preparing for success in agriculture and beyond.

Students who complete Agricultural Science, Plant Science, and Animal Science with a grade of C or higher achieve Program Completer status, making them eligible to earn the Michigan FFA State Degree, 6 FREE college credits from Michigan State University, and enroll in advanced courses including Agricultural Business, Agricultural Leadership, and Agricultural Internship.

Agricultural science

1 Credit - 2 Semesters | 9th - 10th Grade Recommended

May be taken instead of Biology for a graduation requirement or as a science elective, but not both.

Agricultural Science engages students in learning about the agriculture, food, and natural resources industry through a biological lens. Students will learn about safety, agricultural ecology, animal and plant cells, animal and plant reproduction, as well as plant and animal genetics in a hands-on learning environment. Major projects may include the production of crops in a greenhouse setting and the production of market animals.

Certifications Offered: CareerSafe OSHA-10 Hr General Industry (Agriculture), US DOL Agriculture Work Exemption/Tractor Operators License, and iCEV Ducks Unlimited Ecology Conservation & Management Certification

Plant Science

0.5 Credit - 1 Semester (Fall)
10th - 11th Grade Recommended

Prerequisites: Agricultural Science or Biology.
Agricultural Science Recommended.

May be taken as a science elective or VPAA credit, but not both.

Plant Science is a one-semester course that continues students’ participation in learning about the agriculture, food, and natural resources industry with an emphasis on plant science. Students will engage in hands-on labs to learn more about safety, soil science, plant nutrition, plant anatomy and physiology, basic agronomy, and floriculture. Major projects may include hydroponics and poinsettia propagation.

Certifications Offered: iCEV BASF Plant Science Certification

Animal Science

0.5 Credit - 1 Semester (Spring)
10th - 11th Grade Recommended

Prerequisites: Agricultural Science or Biology.
Agricultural Science Recommended.

May be taken as a science elective or VPAA credit, but not both.

Animal Science is a one-semester course that continues students’ participation in learning about the agriculture, food, and natural resources industry with an emphasis on animal science. Students will learn about safety, animal anatomy and physiology, domestic animal production, and animal health and nutrition in a hands-on learning environment. Major projects may include the production of swine, cattle, sheep, and goats for market and breeding purposes.

Certifications Offered: Youth for the Quality Care of Animals, iCEV Elanco Fundamentals of Animal Science Certification

Agricultural Business

0.5 Credit - 1 Semester (Fall)
11th - 12th Grade Required

May count as a general elective, a VPAA or a senior math elective but not more than one.

Agricultural Business is a one-semester course that is open to AFNR program completers (students who have passed 2.0 credits of AFNR courses with a C or better). This course introduces students to business management in agriculture, food and natural resources industries. This course will also give students a hands-on learning experience in starting their own business, writing a business plan, understanding financial documents, and risk management. This class may be repeated with instructor approval.

Certifications Offered: Coming Soon
Direct Credit Offered: MCC BUS 131 Intro to Entrepreneurship

Agricultural Leadership

0.5 Credit - 1 Semester (Spring)
11th - 12th Grade Required

May count as a general elective or a VPAA credit, but not both.

Agricultural Leadership is a one-semester course that is open to AFNR program completers (students who have passed 2.0 credits of AFNR courses with a C or better). This course introduces students to leadership opportunities and skills development in agriculture, food and natural resources industries. This course will also give students hands-on learning in event planning, service learning, agricultural literacy, and advocacy. This class may be repeated with instructor approval.

Certifications Offered: RealCareer™

Leadership Soft Skills Program Certification

Direct Credit Offered: Coming Soon

Agricultural internship - Onsite

0.5 Credit - 1 Semester (Fall or Spring)
11th - 12th Grade Required

May count as a general elective or a VPAA credit, but not both.

This course is one semester and is open to agriscience program completers (students who have passed 2.0 credits of AFNR courses with a C or better). Students will be working independently to complete various projects at Coopersville High School under the supervision of the agriscience teacher and FFA advisor. Students will be required to complete an entrance and exit interview, in addition to creating a resume. Students will also be encouraged to use this time to prepare for additional agriculture career certifications, FFA activities and contests, prepare and maintain SAE records, and complete various applications and awards. This class may be repeated with instructor approval.

Certifications Offered: Dependent on Internship Plan
Direct Credit Offered: Coming Soon

Agricultural Internship - Offsite

0.5 Credit - 1 Semester (Fall or Spring)
11th - 12th Grade Required

May count as a general elective or a VPAA credit, but not both.

This course is one semester and is open to agriscience program completers (students who have passed 2.0 credits of AFNR courses with a C or better). This course will provide students with the flexibility to work off-site at a local agricultural employer during school hours. Students are responsible for identifying their employment at a qualifying site and maintaining at least four hours a week of work in their schedule. Students will also be encouraged to use this time to prepare for additional agriculture career certifications, FFA activities and contests, prepare and maintain SAE records, and complete various applications and awards. This class may be repeated with instructor approval.

Certifications Offered: Dependent on Internship Plan
Direct Credit Offered: Coming Soon

Page updated

Report abuse