Agriculture Education

Plant Science Pathway

INTRODUCTION TO PLANT SYSTEMS

GRADES 9-12

Prerequisite(s): NONE

Credit: 1 ELECTIVE

Students develop competencies in each of the major areas of the Plant Systems career pathway, including applied botany, plant propagation, and plant care and selection. Instructional content also includes an introduction to the various aspects of the plant systems industry. Students learn agricultural mechanics applicable to plant systems. Additionally, students will be given instruction on the principles of leadership and provided Supervised Agricultural Experience (SAE) opportunities.

HORTICULTURE SCIENCES

GRADES 10-12

Prerequisite(s): INTRODUCTION TO PLANT SYSTEMS

Credit: 1 ELECTIVE

This course prepares students for postsecondary educational career programs and entry-level positions in the horticulture industry. Instruction includes safety in the horticulture industry, the science of horticulture and nursery plant production, greenhouse operation and management, landscape design, and turf management. Through hands-on activities, students will identify and manage plant-growing substrates and propagate and grow horticultural plants in the greenhouse and land laboratory. The Greenhouse Operators Certification Examination will be given towards the completion of this course.

TURFGRASS MANAGEMENT

GRADES 11-12

Prerequisite(s): HORTICULTURE SCIENCES

Credit: 1 ELECTIVE

Students begin to master the duties and tasks of professionals who establish and maintain turf in public areas such as golf courses; parks; athletic fields; school, industrial, and institutional campuses; and residential lawns.

LANDSCAPING I

GRADES 11-12

Prerequisite(s): HORTICULTURE SCIENCES

Credit: 1 ELECTIVE

Landscaping offers skilled workers satisfying career opportunities in varying working environments. The expanding and ever-evolving green industry requires skilled workers for high-demand occupations offering educational and leadership opportunities. This course focuses on preparing students for entry-level employment, postsecondary opportunities, and advancement in the landscape design, construction, and maintenance industries.

Animal Science Pathway

INTRODUCTION TO ANIMAL SYSTEMS

GRADES 9-12

Prerequisite(s): NONE

Credit: 1 ELECTIVE

Students develop competencies in each of the major areas of the Animal Systems career pathway including animal nutrition, reproduction, breeding, care, and management. Students also learn agricultural mechanics applicable to animal systems. As with all agricultural courses, students will be exposed to principles of leadership and opportunities within student organizations along with Supervised Agricultural Experience opportunities.

SMALL ANIMAL CARE I

GRADES 10-12

Prerequisite(s): INTRODUCTION TO ANIMAL SYSTEMS

Credit: 1 ELECTIVE

Students learn how to care for and manage small animals, focusing on instructional areas in animal health, nutrition, management, reproduction, and evaluation. Course content also includes instruction on the tools, equipment, and facilities for small animal care, and provides activities to foster leadership development. Live animal handling may occur. The National FFA Organization, Supervised Agricultural Experience (SAE), or related student organization activities are encouraged.

SMALL ANIMAL CARE II

GRADES 11-12

Prerequisite(s): SMALL ANIMAL CARE I

Credit: 1 ELECTIVE

Students develop skills in the training and grooming of companion animals, focusing on specific needs of various breeds. Instruction includes handling animals and grooming/caring for coats, as well as technical and maintenance functions related to animal health. Live animal handling will occur. The course also includes technical office-management instruction and affords students the opportunity to practice leadership skills. The National FFA Organization, Supervised Agricultural Experience (SAE), or related student organization activities are encouraged.

LIVESTOCK PRODUCTION MANAGEMENT

GRADES 11-12

Prerequisite(s): INTRODUCTION TO ANIMAL SYSTEMS

Credit: 1 ELECTIVE

Course includes instruction in agricultural mechanics, with emphasis placed on the application of mechanical skills to farm power and machinery, as well as on soil and water management, supervised farming programs, and leadership training.

Natural Resources Pathway

INTRODUCTION TO NATURAL RESOURCES AND ECOLOGY SYSTEMS

GRADES 9-12

Prerequisite(s): NONE

Credit: 1 ELECTIVE

This course serves as the introductory-level course for the Natural Resources Career Pathway. Students will explore environmental science, conservation management, and the study of natural resources to develop the knowledge and skills required for employment in occupations and careers related to ecology, forestry, and wildlife and natural resources management.

ECOLOGY AND ENVIRONMENTAL MANAGEMENT

GRADES 10-12

Prerequisite(s): INTRODUCTION TO NATURAL RESOURCES AND ECOLOGY SYSTEMS

Credit: 1 ELECTIVE

Students develop competencies and skills related to understanding environmental concerns, protecting natural resources and ecosystems, and practicing concepts of sustainability related to agricultural production. Instructional content includes the care, management, and preservation of land, soil, air, water, forests, fish, and wildlife resources for health, economic, and recreational purposes and career opportunities related to ecology and the environment. Students identify and discuss prevalent environmental problems and learn methods and practices used to preserve and use natural resources in a sustainable manner to ensure and maintain ecological health. Teachers incorporate specific environmental concerns and issues common to the local community. This course supports components of biology, chemistry, and incorporates classroom and laboratory activities to emphasize leadership through opportunities in FFA and supervised agricultural experiences (SAEs).

FORESTRY MANAGEMENT

GRADES 11-12

Prerequisite(s): INTRODUCTION TO NATURAL RESOURCES AND ECOLOGY SYSTEMS

Credit: 1 ELECTIVE

This course provides instruction in the management of the forest as a resource and as a business. Students develop knowledge in tree physiology, forest ecology, silviculture, and the management and marketing of forest products. Strong emphasis is placed on developing career skills for the forestry industry.

ADVANCED FORESTRY MANAGEMENT

GRADE 12

Prerequisite(s): FORESTRY MANAGEMENT

Credit: 1 ELECTIVE

This course offers students instruction in forestry ecology, map interpretation, and timber management practices. Additionally, students will investigate ways to protect and preserve forested land, including pest identification and management, identification of common tree diseases, and forest fire prevention.

Culinary Arts Pathway

The Culinary Arts Pathway provides the foundation for comprehensive knowledge of the food service industry with the opportunities to build technical skills.Students examine basic rules of kitchen safety and sanitation, of purchasing and receiving, and of fundamental nutrition. The curriculum incorporates math and science in culinary applications.

NUTRITION AND WELLNESS

GRADES 9-12

Prerequisite(s): NONE

Credit: 1 ELECTIVE

Students enrolled in Nutrition and Wellness focus on understanding wellness, investigating principles of nutrition, using science and technology in food management, ensuring food safety, planning menus and preparing food, and exploring careers in the field of nutrition and wellness. Critical thinking and practical problem solving are emphasized.

INTRODUCTION TO CULINARY ARTS

GRADES 9-12

Prerequisite(s): NONE

Credit: 1 ELECTIVE

Introduction to Culinary Arts students investigate food safety and sanitation, culinary preparation foundations, basic culinary skills, diverse cuisines, service styles, nutrition and menu development, and the economics of food. Students also explore postsecondary education options and career opportunities within the food service industry.

CULINARY ARTS I

GRADES 10-12

Prerequisite(s): INTRODUCTION TO CULINARY ARTS

Credit: 2 ELECTIVES- YEAR LONG CLASS

Culinary Arts I provides students with a foundational understanding of the food service industry and opportunities to build technical skills in food preparation and service. Students examine basic rules of kitchen safety and sanitation, of purchasing and receiving, and of fundamental nutrition. The curriculum incorporates math and science in culinary applications. Upon successful completion of the course, students may qualify to take the ServSafe Manager exam.

CULINARY ARTS II

GRADES 10-12

Prerequisite(s): CULINARY ARTS I

Credit: 2 ELECTIVES- YEAR LONG CLASS

This course prepares students for postsecondary educational career programs and entry-level positions in the horticulture industry. Instruction includes safety in the horticulture industry, the science of horticulture and nursery plant production, greenhouse operation and management, landscape design, and turf management. Through hands-on activities, students will identify and manage plant-growing substrates and propagate and grow horticultural plants in the greenhouse and land laboratory. The Greenhouse Operators Certification Examination will be given towards the completion of this course.Culinary Arts II students continue to acquire a comprehensive knowledge of the food service industry while refining their technical skills. Students apply kitchen safety and sanitation, nutritional principles, and advanced food-preparation techniques. Students complete work-based learning in venues such as the a la carte kitchen, the dining room, and catered functions.