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Agricultural Sciences classes prepare students for hundreds of careers in animal science, plant science, natural resources, biotechnology, mechanics, and business. Agriculture is Wisconsin’s number one industry in terms of dollars generated and overall employment. Agricultural Sciences classes also build strong foundations for careers in related fields - such as medicine, biology, construction, etc. Community leadership training is a strong component of the Agricultural Sciences curriculum.
Classes recommended for first year Agricultural Sciences students include Veterinary Science I, Veterinary Science II, Agricultural Mechanics I, Agricultural Mechanics II, Horticulture I, Agricultural Welding I, Agricultural Welding II and Natural Resources.
Preparing for Post-Secondary Education and Careers: Students pursuing Agricultural Sciences careers will need to enroll in post-secondary educational programs after graduation. These programs are offered through four-year majors in the University of Wisconsin System and one and two-year degrees within the Wisconsin Technical College System. Additional opportunities are available from various trade unions and company apprenticeships. See the Student Services Office or Agricultural Sciences instructors for details.
Science Elective Credit: Veterinary Science I, Horticulture I, and Biotechnology count as high school science elective courses.
Dual College Credit: Plant Science, Animal Science, Agricultural Mechanics II, Horticulture II, Biotechnology, ASR Biotechnology Lab Skills, ASR Gas Metal Arc Welding, ASR Shielded Metal Arc Welding, and ASR Natural Resources Management are college courses taught at Mt. Horeb High School. There are no costs for students. Students receive an official college transcript from the technical college upon completion of the course. The credits (2 or 3 for each course) are transferable to all schools within the Wisconsin Technical College System. The other four-year University of Wisconsin System campuses often accept the credits upon review. Other out-of-state campuses (both four-year and technical colleges) may consider the credits upon review.
UW-Madison Credit By Exam – Animal Science 101 – 4 Credits: The UW-Madison Animal Science Department offers exams to students enrolled at UW-Madison, who want to earn credit for Animal Science 101. The exam is offered after SOAR in the summer (late August), before a student starts in the program. These exams are only for incoming freshmen who have taken substantial animal science courses in high school and wish to earn college credit for Animal Science 101. Students will need to score 80% to earn the 4 UW-Madison credits. See Ms. Allen or Ms. Bretsch for high school course sequencing, exam study materials, and details associated with registering for the exam.
Agricultural Mechanics II: 0355
0.5 credit
9th, 10th, 11th, 12th
Prereq: Agricultural Mechanics I with
grade C or better or consent of instructor
Students taking this course will earn two college credits. Students build on skills learned in Agricultural Mechanics I and are encouraged to bring in mechanics projects of their own later in the semester. Units of Study Include Introduction to Diesel Mechanics; Safe Operation in Diesel Mechanics; Introduction to Diesel Service; and Ag Mechanics Fabrication and Repair. Prerequisite: Ag Mechanics I
Agricultural Mechanics I: 0352
0.5 credit
9th, 10th, 11th, 12th
Students learn a wide variety of mechanical skills. Much of the classwork is conducted in the Agricultural Mechanics Lab. Units of study include Introduction to Ag Mechanics; Working With Portable Power Tools; Cold Metal Work; Hot Metal Work; Introduction to Arc Welding; and Introduction to Ag Structures.
Horticulture I: 0350
0.5 credit science elective
9th, 10th, 11th, 12th
Students use the MHHS Greenhouse to manage and grow food crops, native species, houseplants, herbs, and flowering annual plants. Units of study include Introduction to Horticulture; Plant Anatomy and Physiology; How Plants Grow; Propagating Plants; Integrated Pest Management; Landscaping and Turfgrass; Growing Fruit; and Vegetable Gardening. A plant sale, open to the community, is held in conjunction with the class. This class also counts as High School Science Elective Credit.
Horticulture II: 0349
0.5 credit
11th, 12th
Prereq: Horticulture I
This course provides students with an overview of the science and profession of horticulture. Topics include the principles of plant development and growing horticultural crops. Horticulture II students manage the MHHS Greenhouse and grow annual flowers, herbs, and vegetables. Students are involved in a number of community service projects growing hydroponic crops and bedding plants. Students taking this course earn two college credits. Prerequisite: Horticulture I
Natural Resources: 0363
0.5 credit
9th, 10th, 11th, 12th
Students learn basic concepts and applications in natural resources protection and management. Units of study include Using Ecological Concepts; Using Forest Resources; Soil Science and Land Management; Water Quality and Wetlands; Fish Biology and Management; Managing Wildlife; and Exploring the Outdoors. Students develop skills in plant and animal identification through hands-on labs and outdoor learning experiences.
Agricultural Welding I: 0266
0.5 credit
9th, 10th, 11th, 12th
Prereq: Agricultural Mechanics I for 9th graders
Students learn and practice welding skills using the torch, stick, wire feed, and TIG welders. Most class work is performed in the Ag Mechanics Lab. Units of study include Safety and Introduction to Metals; Shielded Metal Arc Welding (Stick); Gas Metal Arc Welding (Wire Feed); Oxyfuel Cutting and Brazing; Plasma Arc Cutting; and Gas Tungsten Arc Welding (TIG).
Agricultural Welding II: 0448
0.5 credit
10th, 11th, 12th
Prereq: Agricultural Welding I and consent of instructor
Students will complete a rigorous performance based curriculum including mastery of stick, wire feed and TIG welding using a variety of materials and advanced fabrication methods. Students are encouraged to engage in fabrication and repair projects. Prerequisite: Agricultural Welding I
Veterinary Science I: 0360
0.5 credit science elective
9th, 10th, 11th, 12th
Students learn fundamental principles of Veterinary Science through classroom instruction and hands-on skill development. Units of study include Animal Terminology and Classification; Animal Domestication; Animal Welfare and Animal Rights; Comparative Anatomy and Physiology; Perform Physical Exams; Diagnosing and Treating Animal Diseases. This course counts as a High School Science Elective Credit.
Veterinary Science II: 0364
0.5 credit
9th, 10th, 11th, 12th
Prereq: Veterinary Science I with grade B or better or consent of instructor
Students learn elements of companion animal care and clinical practice, expanding on skill developed in Veterinary Science I. Units of study include Small Animal and Equine Care, Animal Behavior and Restraints, Clinical and Laboratory Procedures, and Veterinary Practice Management and Client Communication. Students will gain experience with basic clinical skills such as performing sutures and practice injection techniques. Field trips and guest speakers enhance real-world understanding. Prerequisite: Veterinary Science I
Biotechnology: 0274
0.5 credit science elective
10th, 11th, 12th
Prereq: Biology I grade of B or better or consent of instructor
This course is team-taught with the Science Department. The course provides an introduction to the biotechnology industry, including applications in agriculture, health care, environmental science, and forensic science. Units of study include Introduction to Biotechnology; Microbiology and Protein Synthesis; Restriction Analysis; Genetic Transformation/Bioprocessing; and Biotechnology and Society. There are two required labs performed off-site. This course counts as High School science elective credit. Students taking this course earn two college credits. Prerequisite: Biology I
Plant Science: 0344
0.5 credit
10th, 11th, 12th
Prereq: Horticulture I with grade C or better
Developing agronomic management skills are emphasized including seed germination, plant propagation, plant nutrients, and factors affecting field crop growth. The MHHS Greenhouse and area farms are used extensively for class instruction and practice. Students taking this course earn three college credits. Prerequisite: Horticulture I
Animal Science: 0348
0.5 credit
10th, 11th, 12th
Prereq: Veterinary Science I with grade C or better
Students study animal production through instructional units including Introduction to the Livestock Industry; Feeding Livestock; Managing Animal Reproduction; and Raising Livestock. Field trips are taken to local farms and businesses. Students taking this course will earn three college credits. Completion of this course is excellent preparation for UW-Madison Credit by Exam Animal Science 101 opportunity. Prerequisite: Veterinary Science I
Agricultural Sciences Research: 0335
0.5 credit
11th, 12th
Prereq: consent of instructor and B or better as listed below
Agricultural Research is designed to give students, pursuing post-secondary instruction in Agricultural Sciences in the university or technical college system, added preparation to be successful. Most courses earn either Industry Certifications (IC) or College Dual Credit (DC). Students choose a guided study curriculum from the following list after registering for the course:
Dairy and Livestock Management IC (prereq: Animal Science)
Equine Science IC (prereq: Animal Science)
Natural Resources Management DC (prereq: Natural Resources)
Veterinary Medical Applications IC (prereq: Veterinary Science II)
Agricultural Mechanics Fabrication and Repair (prereq: Ag Mechanics II or Ag Welding II)
Shielded Metal Arc Welding DC (prereq: ASR Gas Metal Arc Welding)
Gas Metal Arc Welding DC (prereq: Ag Welding II)
Agricultural Leadership IC (12th or FFA Officer)
Greenhouse Management IC (prereq: Horticulture II or Plant Science)
Biotechnology Lab Skills DC (prereq: Biotechnology)
Commercial Drone Flight IC
Supervised Agricultural Experience Co-op: 1502/2502
1 or 2 credits
12th
Prereq: Plant Science, Animal Science, Agricultural Mechanics II, Agricultural Welding II, or concurrent enrollment
This program is for students pursuing careers in agriculture - including production agriculture, horticulture/landscaping, agribusiness, natural resources, agricultural mechanics, and biotechnology/life sciences. Students will be released a maximum of 2 class hours per day to work in a supervised agricultural experience placement at a local agribusiness. Students will be placed based on Agricultural Sciences classes taken, other agricultural experience, and career exploration goals.
Youth Apprenticeship
Agricultural Sciences Pathway or STEM-Biotechnology Pathway
1 credit
11th, 12th
The Wisconsin Youth Apprenticeship program integrates school-based and work-based learning. Youth Apprenticeship students will continue taking classes at their high school while working as an apprentice at a participating business. Students will be enrolled in a technical class related to their Youth Apprenticeship program. These courses may be offered at either their high school or off campus. Entry into a Youth Apprenticeship program requires an application process. See your school's career coordinator, Agricultural Sciences instructor, or school counselor to guide you through this process. Refer to the Youth Apprenticeship Page.
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