Agriculture Course Descriptions

ANIMAL SCIENCE I 

Credit:  1 unit

Prerequisite:  None

CA:  9th – 12th Grade

This course is designed for students interested in learning how to care for animals and for those considering careers in the animal science industry. At the Pisgah High School Farm we keep sheep, goats, cattle, pigs and chickens for students to care for year round.  Students will change clothes (and MUST wear boots) and be expected to ride our bus to the farm in any type of weather. Management practices such as de-worming, vaccinating, trimming hooves, shearing, feeding, unloading hay, building fences, etc. are part of the hands-on approach to this class.  The classroom instruction includes units on animal physiology, breeding, health, care and nutrition of both livestock and companion animals. FFA activities are also encouraged through this course.  

Please be aware, students will be handling animals, shavings, hay and may be exposed to dust. Allergies should be considered.  Students should expect hands-on contact with animals.

ANIMAL SCIENCE II - FOOD ANIMAL HONORS

Credit:  1 unit

Prerequisite:  Animal Science I

CA:  10th – 12th Grade

Students will work in the barn with the animals as well as in the classroom expanding upon the skills developed in Animal Science I, focusing on food animals (cattle, swine, poultry, small ruminants).  Classroom topics include animal waste management, animal genetics, breeding, economics, etc.  Leadership opportunities through the FFA are also available and encouraged.  Students should expect hand-on contact with animals.

ANIMAL SCIENCE II - COMPANION ANIMAL HONORS

Credit:  1 unit

Prerequisite:  Animal Science I

CA:  10th – 12th Grade

Animal Science II Companion Animal is designed to enhance agricultural awareness with an emphasis on the broad field of small animals.  There are many uses for companion animals and pocket pets; these make up a multi-billion dollar industry.  Students will explore the industry and learn care techniques that will assist them regardless of future endeavors.  Work-based learning strategies appropriate for this course are provided through supervised agricultural experiences and field trips.  FFA leadership activities, meetings, conferences, and competitions provide opportunities for application of instructional competencies.  Students should expect hands-on contact with animals.  

ANIMAL SCIENCE II - MEAT SCIENCE & EVALUATION HONORS

Credit:  1 unit

Prerequisite:  Animal Science I

CA:  10th – 12th Grade

Students will explore processing, preservation, packaging, storage and marketing of meat products. Students will evaluate carcass and retail cuts for quality, assigning quality grades, and will examine value-added products. Students will focus on food safety principles and the regulations put in place by the FDA/USDA for meat safety. Students will identify and examine meat products from beef, pork, poultry, and lamb. Throughout the course, students will demonstrate customer service and sales techniques while understanding the scope and importance of business and safety regulations 

HORTICULTURE I -GREENHOUSE/INTRO TO PLANTS

Credit:  1 unit

Prerequisite:  None

CA:  9th – 12th Grade 

In this course students learn the basics of growing all types of plants.  Class topics include plant growth, development, propagation, nutrition, soil selection, and plant identification.  Students learn about pest management, as well as customer service skills.  All agriculture classes provide the opportunity for students to join the FFA, which provides several leadership activities and contests.    FFA membership is highly recommended to get the most out of Agriculture classes.  Please be aware that all students will be exposed to plants, pollen, insects and soil.  Participation is a required part of the course, and students with allergies should consider this before taking the class. Students will be expected to work in the greenhouse, as well as at the school farm at our land lab.

HORTICULTURE II - PLANT PRODUCTION

Credit:  1 unit

Prerequisite: Horticulture I  

CA:  10th – 12th Grade 

This course expands skills from Horticulture I. Students will study topics such as greenhouse management, nursery management, landscape design, turf-grass management, and floral design.  All agriculture classes provide the opportunity for students to join the FFA, which provides several leadership activities and contests.  FFA membership is highly recommended to get the most out of Agriculture classes.  Please be aware that all students will be exposed to plants, pollen, insects and soil.  Participation is a required part of the course, and students with allergies should consider this before taking the class. Students will be expected to work in the greenhouse, as well as at the school farm at our land lab.

HORTICULTURE II - LANDSCAPE CONSTRUCTION HONORS

Credit:  1 Unit

Prerequisite:  Horticulture I

CA:  10th – 12th Grade

This course focuses on major components of the landscape industry.  Employability and business skills along with technical and practical knowledge of landscape design, landscape installation and maintenance provide students with the opportunity to secure the skills needed for a successful post-secondary landscaping education or entry level employment with the landscaping industry.  Students are instructed in the criteria for professional development and success within the industry and its many organizations.  Hands-on instruction and experiential learning are a major part of the instructional model for this course.  Students learn to perform calculations necessary to provide estimates and quotes as well as how to market a landscaping enterprise. Principles of landscape design and fundamentals of design development provide students the expertise they need to develop an effective landscape and/or irrigation plan.  However, the course does not culminate in the plan.  Students will apply procedures to install and maintain landscapes. Students will learn the science of a successful landscape and have the opportunity to become proficient in the use of equipment and practices to install and maintain turf and plants within a landscape.  Practices such as fertilization, pest control, staking/guying, mulching and hardscaping will give students many opportunities to excel in the landscape industry. Resources for this course include but are not limited to the North Carolina Landscape Contractors Association skill standards for Certified Landscape Technicians.

HORTICULTURE II - FLORAL DESIGN HONORS (new!)

Credit:  1 unit

Prerequisite: Horticulture I

CA:  10th - 12th Grade 

Floral Design introduces students to the basics of floral design including: design styles, career opportunities, principles and elements of design, handling and processing of flowers, design mechanics, corsage, boutonniere, wreaths, bouquets, arrangement techniques, and identification of floral materials. Students learn basic terminology used in the floriculture industry and this course also includes agricultural leadership and employability skills. The goal of Floral Design is to provide students with the knowledge, skills, and competencies to gain employment as a floral designer within the community.