AgriScience & Technology Courses

Foundations of Agriscience and Technology

Half Year - 0.50 Credit

6655 - Level 2

This is a required course for ninth grade students entering the AgriScience program.  Foundations of AgriScience and Technology introduces students to the four main concentrations within the AgriScience and Technology program (Animal Science, Plant Science, Natural Resources and Agricultural Mechanics & Engineering) as well as current industry standard practices. STEAM disciplines are woven through the context of Agriculture and students learn, apply and master standards and skills across content areas. While surveying Animal Science, Plant Science, Natural Resources and Agricultural Mechanics & Engineering students: investigate, experiment, analyze data, problem solve and communicate their solutions and conclusions publicly. Students explore career and post-secondary opportunities in each AgriScience concentration. Completion of this required AgriScience course will prepare students for their SAE and to select an AgriScience concentration for their advanced studies. This is a required course for freshmen enrolled in the AgriScience program. 

There are two components to leadership courses listed below. Students in the AgriScience program must register for both the classroom (Leadership) and independent study (SAE) courses. 

1,  The classroom component will meet for one semester (0.5 credit). Students will develop the skills, interview for jobs, write resumes, public speak as well as discuss personal finance and other related topics. Students will also be required to meet the minimum expectations of the FFA degrees associated with each year to develop career and leadership skills via Career Development Events (CDE’s) and Leadership Development Events (LDE’s), which may occur as co-curricular field experiences.

2. The Supervised Agricultural Experience (SAE) is an independent study program completed year-round. It is outside of the scheduled leadership course (1.0 credit). Students must complete at least 125 hours each year and maintain an active SAE all four years. Activitites may include entrepreneurship, placement, or external research experiences. Various combinations of these may make up the work experience component. Students will be required to keep records of their activities and will be supervised by an AgriScience and Technology teacher. 

NOTE:  Agriscience students will meet the state required 1/2 credit  financial management and literacy course (required for the Class of 2027 and beyond) via the Leadership courses below. 

Agriscience Leadership 1/SAE 1

1.5 Credits, 6671 + 6771, Level 1

• Leadership, Half Year - .5 Credit 6671

• SAE (Independent Study), Full Year - 1 Credit 6771

Offered for 9th grade only 

This is a required course for all ninth graders entering the AgriScience program. Students will be introduced to the AgriScience center and gain an understanding of the GHS community. Students will be given an overview of the scope of AgriScience program requirements and experiences. Students will learn about the FFA, develop their Supervised Agricultural Experience Program (SAE), and work with their advisor to meet minimum expectations for Greenhand Degree and prepare for various CDE’s and LDE’s.

Agriscience Leadership  2/SAE 2

1.5 Credits, 6672 + 6772, Level 1

• Leadership, Half Year - .5 Credit 6672

• SAE (Independent Study), Full Year - 1 Credit 6772

Offered for 10th grade only

This is a required course for all AgriScience students in grade 10. The course builds on the concepts introduced in the AgriScience Leadership 1 course. Students will expand their knowledge related to the FFA and parliamentary procedure while completing an agriculturally related research paper, including an oral presentation. Students will work as a group to organize an FFA sales project and develop leadership skills. They will continue their comprehensive SAE portfolio minimum expectations for Chapter Degree and prepare for various CDE’s and LDE’s. 

Agriscience Leadership 3/SAE 3

1.5 Credits, 6673 + 6773, Level 1

• Leadership, Half Year - .5 Credit 6673

• SAE (Independent Study), Full Year - 1 Credit 6773

Offered for 11th grade only

This is a required course for all AgriScience students in grade 11. The course builds on the concepts introduced in the previous AgriScience Leadership courses. Students will expand their knowledge related to the FFA and parliamentary procedure while completing an agriculturally related research paper including an oral presentation. Students will work as a group to organize an FFA sales project and develop leadership skills. They will continue their comprehensive SAE portfolio, meet minimum expectations for State Degree and prepare for various CDE’s and LDE’s. This course meets the state Financial Literacy Requirement 

Agriscience Leadership 4/SAE4

1.5 Credits, 6674 + 6774, Level 1

• Leadership, Half Year - .5 Credit 6674

• SAE (Independent Study), Full Year - 1 Credit 6774

Offered to 12th grade only

This a required course is for all AgriScience students in grade 12. Students prepare for FFA Proficiency Awards, Scholarship opportunities, CDE’s, LDE’s and college/career life after high school. Students are expected to have completed a minimum of 500 SAE hours by the end of the course to complete their program requirement. 

Half Year – 0.50 Credit 

6450 - Level 2

Prerequisite: Biology & Introduction to Animal Science

This course will explore the reproductive physiology and anatomy of livestock, pets, and wildlife. It will look at the hormonal regulation of the reproductive process and explore the use of biotechnology in regulating reproduction in animal populations including its use in saving endangered species. Students will explore genetic principles and apply them to the selection, breeding and development of animal populations. Students will have the opportunity to explore particular areas of interest as they apply to reproduction and genetics through research and class activities. Career opportunities will be examined. 

Half Year - 0.50 Credit 

6445 - Level 1 (ECE)

Prerequisites: Biology & Introduction to Animal Science

This upper-level course is designed to give juniors and seniors opportunities to apply theories of behavior regarding cattle, horses, sheep, goats, swine, poultry, cats and dogs to their management, training and welfare. Basic principles of genetics and physiology of behavior, perception, training, learning, motivation, and stress with consideration of integrated behavioral management will be covered. Students will train an animal as a part of the class. Students must have successfully completed Biology and Introduction to Animal Science prior to registering for the course. It is recommended that students first take Introduction to Companion Animals, but is not required. Students taking this course may enroll in the UConn ECE program. 

Half Year – 0.50 Credit 

6570 - Level 2

This course will serve as an introduction to all animal science courses. It will include terminology associated with companion animals and livestock. Students will discover the relationship between people and animals as they study animals used as companions, food, fiber and in research. The course will cover basic animal nutrition, reproduction and behavior, handling and restraints. Students will learn to manage and provide care for the animal lab. This course serves as the basis for the advanced animal science courses. Students enrolled in this course may be eligible for college credit through the College & Career Pathways program through CT State Community College. 

Half Year – 0.50 Credit 

6501 - Level 1 (ECE)

Prerequisites: Biology & Introduction to Animal Science

This upper-level course is designed to give juniors and seniors a background in the care and management of the many breeds of cats and to explore other animals as companions. Students will have the opportunity to work with small companion animals. The course will explore the animal-people bond, animal care, selection of breeds, nutrition, reproduction, health and management of small animals such as reptiles, rabbits, ferrets. Students will also examine career opportunities with small animals. Students must have successfully completed Biology and Introduction to Animal Science prior to registering for the course. Students taking this course may enroll in the UConn ECE program.

Half Year – 0.50 Credit

6490 - Level 2

This course is designed to give students a background in the care and management of the many breeds of dogs. There will be opportunities for students to dialogue with guest speakers, interview individuals, and participate in various activities. The course will cover breeds, selection, reproductive management, health care and disease prevention, grooming, and training of dogs. Students will have the opportunity to perform several kennel related activities with dogs. Career opportunities will be explored. Field trips may be included. 

Half Year - 0.50 Credit 

6415- Level 2

Prerequisite: Introduction to Animal Science

This course will focus on several areas of Livestock Management (i.e. horses, cattle, poultry, swine, goat, sheep, etc.). Students will learn about the history and use of livestock, the development of breeds and their characteristics, and the functions of breed associations. Students will also learn how to select livestock based on conformation as it relates to performance, pedigree and personal preferences. Basic livestock behavior and training, basic nutrition and balancing of rations, restraint, and grooming will be studied. Career opportunities will be explored and students may have the opportunity to work with live animals. 

Half Year – 0.50 Credit 

6431 - Level 2

Prerequisite: Introduction to Animal Science

This course will examine the anatomy and physiology of animals as it relates to the understanding of veterinary medicine. Students will learn and apply veterinary terms, animal restraint techniques, and how to conduct physicals exams. Students will also learn how to identify and treat common animal diseases. Students will have the opportunity to work with live animals and conduct physical and virtual dissections. 

Half Year – 0.50 Credit 

6441 - Level 2

Prerequisite: Introduction to Animal Science

This course will focus on the causes, prevention and treatment of animal disease. The course will cover veterinarian and nursing roles in an animal hospital, health and wellness procedures, preventative healthcare, pharmacology, as well as veterinary laws and ethics. Students will have the opportunity to explore the various types of disease on a species of their choice. The course will explore opportunities in veterinary medicine and related fields. Students enrolled in this course may be eligible for college credit through the College & Career Pathways program through CT State Community College. 

Half  Year – 0.50 Credit 

6470 - Level 2

This course will survey fresh and marine species in both natural and managed systems, especially those in our local area. Students will explore careers, learn tank maintenance, assess water quality, fish anatomy and physiology, freshwater and marine ecology, and aquaculture system management. Students will perform on-site and off-site experiments related to fish and marine life management, including the regular maintenance of our on-site tanks. Guest speakers may be a part of this course. Emphasis in the course will be placed on local water systems such as the Connecticut River and the Long Island Sound. 

Half Year – 0.50 Credit 

6510 - Level 2

This course will provide an introduction to forestry as a science and a practice. Careers in forestry, dendrology, identification, harvesting procedures, timber cruising, orienteering, forest health, timber stand improvement, and sustainable forest management are explored. Emphasis will be put on local tree species and populations.  There will be several on-site and off-site experimental forestry related activities. Students should be prepared to utilize the outdoors as a laboratory space. 

Half Year – 0.50 Credit 

6525 - Level 2

This course covers a wide variety of topics related to our natural resources, including an exploration of the living and non-living components of soil, water, and ecosystems interactions. Students will gain an understanding of the diversity of natural resources and how they can be utilized and conserved. Through experimentation, discussions, and experiences students will discover the sustainable management of resources that seeks to preserve the integrity of the services that they provide. Students will also explore how the intentional blend of the principles of ecology into agricultural production and natural resource management can lead to a more sustainable outcome. This course will serve as an introduction to all Natural Resource courses. 

Half Year – 0.50 Credit 

6480  - Level 2

This course will survey the history of wildlife conservation in the United States and the world. It will cover habitats, wildlife population capacities, current methods of preserving endangered species, population genetics, factors influencing wildlife populations, and management practices. The course will focus on mammal and bird populations, especially those indigenous to Connecticut and New England. Students will be exposed to multiple wildlife species and will create a field guide throughout the semester. They will be involved in developing habitat plans, determining populations and carrying capacities of land areas, and surveying land for wildlife improvements. Class work may be supplemented by field trips, guest speakers, and exploration of related careers. 

Half Year– 0.50 Credit 

6550 - Level 1 (ECE)

Prerequisite: Floral Art and Design

This course allows full-time Agriscience students and students considering floral design as a career to have advanced experiences. Students will create more specialized and difficult arrangements including sympathy and wedding arrangements. Students will learn principles of design, costing, and marketing strategies as well as the planning and ordering of flowers. Students taking this course may enroll in the UConn ECE program. 

Half Year – 0.50 Credit

6541 - Level 1 (ECE)

This course seeks to introduce the student to the study of flower arrangement as an art form with emphasis on historical background, artistic principles, color harmony and care of perishable media. Individual expression is encouraged in the creation of floral composition. The student will gain practical experience in the making of arrangements while emphasizing the principles of design. The course will also focus on the merchandising and business areas of the floral industry. Students taking this course may enroll in the UConn ECE program. 

Half  Year – 0.50 Credit

6641 - Level 1 (ECE)

This course will focus on horticulture as both a science and practice with a blend of concepts ranging from plant physiology basics to practical applications in a diversity of plant science pathways. Topics will include a foundational understanding of plant structure, growth, and function. This will build towards more advanced physiological processes such as plant propagation and the role of environmental factors on production. Students will then apply their learning to applied understandings of production systems, the management, and the impact of emergent technology. Class time will include a blend of instruction, laboratory experience, and the management of our school’s greenhouse. Students taking this course may enroll in the UConn ECE program. 

Half Year – 0.50 Credit 

6615 - Level 2

This course will study sustainable landscapes and their aesthetic functionality. In this course, students will learn and then apply the foundations of landscaping to the rapidly growing field of green infrastructure and sustainable design. Students will use the elements and principles of design to draw landscapes for both commercial and residential settings. Students will first be introduced to many aspects of the traditional landscape industry including plant identification, site analysis, the elements of design, plant selection, the use of industry- standard technological design tools.

Students will integrate and apply their learning to the context of green infrastructure by exploring sustainable technology including but not limited to: green roofs, vegetative walls, and rain gardens. In doing so, students will connect their foundational knowledge to real-world problems. Career opportunities in landscape architecture and design may be explored through field trips and guest speakers. At the end of the course, students will have a portfolio of work that will serve as artifacts for the transferable skills and knowledge they have acquired throughout the semester. 

Half Year – 0.50 Credit

6660 - Level 2 

Prerequisite: Outdoor Power Equipment

Students enrolled in this course will study engine theory, comparison of different types of engines, hydraulics & pneumatics, and welding applications specifically as they relate to agriculture. Students will learn to take apart and rebuild small engines. Also included will be theories and applications of electric arc, MIG, TIG and oxyacetylene welding. This course will cover safety procedures associated with all these applications and emphasize hands-on laboratory activities in each of the areas to be explored. Related career opportunities will be discussed.

Half Year – 0.50 Credit

6670 - Level 2

This course will cover the safe operation, maintenance, and care of small power equipment primarily used in grounds care and landscaping operations. Students will learn to operate and perform maintenance on equipment that may include lawn and garden tractors, lawn mowers, edgers, leaf blowers, rototillers, snow blowers, etc. The safe use, operation and maintenance of larger tractors (those with horsepower over 20) will be studied and practiced. An opportunity to receive National Safe Tractor and Machinery Operation Program certification will be available.  Additionally, business procedures for managing a small outdoor power equipment business will be researched. Field trips to local businesses and guest speakers may be utilized to enhance the students’ understanding of job opportunities. This course meets the requirement of a basic Agriscience course.