AGRICULTURAL SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY

Agriculture and related industries are the number one employer nationwide.  Students who become involved in agriculture studies at Pella Community High School will gain valuable background education in preparation for a career in agriculture.  In addition, students may be able to receive college credit.  Articulation agreements are in place for certain Iowa colleges.  Agriculture classes are a good choice for a well-rounded education.

Students in all of the agricultural science & technology courses are required to have projects and keep a record book.  The projects are of three types.  A productive project is a business venture for experience and profit and should be owned and managed by the student. (Examples: crop, livestock, job).  An improvement project is to increase efficiency, improve the environment or increases the value of the home or farm.  (Examples-building or repair of equipment, soil testing, etc.)  An agricultural skill is to develop new skills and abilities.  Resulting in the student doing something for the first time.

It is the policy of the Pella Community Schools that Vocational Education Opportunities will be offered without regard to, and including but not limited to, age, color, creed, national origin, race, religion, marital status, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, physical attributes, physical or mental ability or disability, ancestry, political party preference, political belief, socioeconomic status, or familial status.

81001/81002 AG 1  

GRADES: 9, 10, 11, 12 | SCORE: Non-Weighted | PHS CREDIT: 2 | YEAR | ELECTIVE

Students participating in Ag 1 will experience exciting “hands-on” real world projects, and problems. Student experiences will cover a variety of topics involving leadership, animal science, plant production, natural resources, and mechanics.

81011/81012 AG 2

GRADES: 10, 11, 12 | SCORE: Non-Weighted | PHS CREDIT: 2 | YEAR | ELECTIVE

Animals, plants, leadership, and mechanics will be covered in a hands-on environment in this class. Students will be taught animal and plant concepts through labs and practical experiences.  Some of these may include working with animals, growing produce for resale in a greenhouse, making boutonnieres, corsages, Christmas wreaths, and building hydroponics systems. Students will discover the value of animal and  plant production and their impact on the individual, the local community, and the global economy.

81510 ^ENTREPRENEURSHIP IN AGRICULTURE

GRADES: 9, 10, 11, 12 | SCORE: Non-Weighted | PHS CREDIT: 1 | SEMESTER | ELECTIVE

COLLEGE CREDIT: 3 DMACC Credits - AGB 331 (Entrepreneurship in Agriculture)

COURSE ROTATION: 2024-25; 2026-2027

Students will work in groups to start and end an agricultural business. Topics covered include: industry issues, economics, commodity marketing, risk management, ag finance, accounting procedures, entrepreneurship skills, and business marketing strategies. 

College Credit Transfer Details: The high school offers college credit courses for students but remember, it is the students’ responsibility to request transcripts to be sent to their college of choice for transfer of credits. There is a form in the guidance office to assist you with this process. Important note: your GPA received in these courses MAY affect your college GPA. This will depend on which college you attend. Transcript Release Form

81410 AG INTERNSHIP

GRADE: 11, 12 | SCORE: Non-Weighted | PHS CREDIT: 1 | SEMESTER | ELECTIVE

PREREQUISITE: 3 semesters of Ag courses

In this course, students will work with career mentors to expand their Supervised Agricultural Experience (SAE) projects (Work Based Learning) by working in a placement, entrepreneurship, or agriscience project. Some examples may include working at a local livestock farm, agricultural mechanics shop, working at school based enterprises such as the school's greenhouse, Dutch Steel Plasma Cutter, FFA Livestock Farm, or through the development of an agriscience research project. Projects may be completed at a worksite or school. Students can complete this course during the school day or outside of school.

81400 AG LEADERSHIP

GRADE: 11, 12 | SCORE: Non-Weighted | PHS CREDIT: 1 | SEMESTER | ELECTIVE

COURSE ROTATION: 2024-25; 2025-2026

Topics and skills to be covered include leadership categories and styles, Ag law and policy, leading teams and groups, communication skills, problem solving and decision making skills, goal setting, time management, self-confidence and attitude, and getting the job which includes resumes, applications, and interviews. Activities include: agricultural advocacy, public speaking, debate, social media, agricultural literacy, mock interviews, and Ag sales.

81200 AG MECHANICS

GRADES: 11, 12 | SCORE: Non-Weighted | PHS CREDIT: 1 | SEMESTER | ELECTIVE

COURSE ROTATION: 2025-26; 2027-2028

During Ag Mechanics, students will learn about GPS, GIS, and today's modern precision agriculture to disassemble and reassemble small engines and how to maintain them.  The basic systems of a tractor and tractor engine are also covered.  Preventive maintenance and care are stressed to prevent breakdowns and possible repair cost to the engine or tractor.  During the course selection of machinery, machinery cost, machinery set-up, and care and adjustment of various machinery for a business are topics for study.  Students will also have the opportunity to work on personal mechanical improvement projects.

81050 AGRICULTURE STRUCTURES

GRADES: 10, 11, 12 | SCORE: Non-Weighted | PHS CREDIT: 1 | SEMESTER | ELECTIVE

COURSE ROTATION: 2024-25; 2026-27

Agricultural structures include the building of structures, electricity, plumbing, and other processes that go into the construction of a facility.  This may also include the use of electrical motors, irrigation, wood, and concrete.  Students will be involved in the planning of structures and steps in building construction will be included.

81250 GREENHOUSE MANAGEMENT & LANDSCAPING

GRADES: 10, 11, 12 | SCORE: Non-Weighted | PHS CREDIT: 1 | SEMESTER | ELECTIVE

COURSE ROTATION: 2025-26; 2027-28

Greenhouse Management & Landscaping is developed as a hands-on skills based class.  The course will create an atmosphere of a commercial greenhouse where students will mass produce plants for sale, maintain a greenhouse, hydroponics, and potting soil production. 

Landscaping and design will be another aspect of the course where students will learn skills in landscape architecture and design. Students will learn to build retaining walls, water gardens, and plant trees and shrubs. In addition, there is a potential for a partnership with DeJong’s and Nicks Greenhouses to fill needed orders.

81110  METAL DESIGN & MARKETING

GRADES: 9, 10, 11, 12 | SCORE: Non-Weighted | PHS CREDIT: 1 | SEMESTER | ELECTIVE

In this class students will work together to run a custom metal signs and parts fabrication business.  Students will learn about engineering, autoCAD, computer design, accounting, marketing, sales, plasma cutting, and metal finishing at the beginning of the semester and then separate into departments once all skills are learned. Students are able to move departments in order to gain different experiences throughout the course.  

Departments are listed below:

Metal Prep

• • The metal prep department will run and maintain a Torchmate CNC plasma cutter, prepare steel, weld, paint, and service warranties.  This department is recommended for students who enjoy working with their hands.

Design

• • The design department will design prints for customers and create products using computer CAD/CAM software.  This department is recommended for engineering and art students who enjoy engineering and design.

Sales/Accounting

• • The sales/accounting department will be in charge of sales, maintain inventory, balance finances, and send out invoices.  This department is recommended for students interested in sales and keeping things organized.

Marketing

• • The marketing department will promote the business through use of website design, display boards, social media, and promoting the classes products.  This department is recommended for students with creative ideas of how to promote products and business.

81150 NATURAL RESOURCES AND WILDLIFE MANAGEMENT 

GRADES: 10, 11, 12 | SCORE: Non-Weighted | PHS CREDIT: 1 | SEMESTER | ELECTIVE

COURSE ROTATION: 2024-25; 2026-27

The study areas of this course will include fish and aquatics, hunting, wildlife preservation, land use planning, water quality, conservation, and wildlife management.  The course will focus on conservation of these resources for further generations as well as personal use.

81500 ^SURVEY OF ANIMAL INDUSTRY

GRADES: 11, 12 | SCORE: Non-Weighted | PHS CREDIT: 1 | SEMESTER | ELECTIVE

COLLEGE CREDIT: 3 DMACC Credits - AGS 113

COURSE ROTATION: 2023-24, 2025-26

Survey of Animal Industry is a hands-on course where students will work with animals and learn all about the different animals that affect agriculture.  Each week a different topic will be covered where students will get hands-on experience with that animal, and learn about it as well.  Topics include dogs, meat cuts, swine, aquaculture, sheep, beef, dairy, poultry, horses, working with animals, and food safety.

College Credit Transfer Details: The high school offers college credit courses for students but remember, it is the students’ responsibility to request transcripts to be sent to their college of choice for transfer of credits. There is a form in the guidance office to assist you with this process. Important note: your GPA received in these courses MAY affect your college GPA. This will depend on which college you attend. Transcript Release Form