Agriculture Course Descriptions

Agriculture

Intro to Ag & Foods

Grade 9-10 

2 Semesters (1 Credit) 

Prerequisite: Grade 9-10: None ; Grade 11-12: Teacher approval

This orientation course provides an opportunity for students to learn how the agricultural industry is organized; its major components; the economic influence of agriculture at state, national and international levels; and the scope and types of job opportunities in many agricultural fields. Other industry concepts include: plant/animal/food science, workplace skills, public speaking, life skills and parliamentary procedures. Participation in FFA student organization activities and Supervised Agricultural Experience (SAE) projects are an integral course component for leadership development, career exploration and reinforcement of academic concepts.

Ag Construction- Textiles 1

Grade 9-12 

1 Semester (.5 credit)

Prerequisite: None

This orientation course provides an opportunity for students to learn how the agricultural industry is organized; its major components; the economic influence of agriculture at state, national and international levels; and the scope and types of job opportunities in many agricultural fields. Other industry concepts include: plant/animal/food science, workplace skills, public speaking, life skills and parliamentary procedures. Participation in FFA student organization activities and Supervised Agricultural Experience (SAE) projects are an integral course component for leadership development, career exploration and reinforcement of academic concepts.

Ag Construction- Textiles 2

Grade 9-12

1 Semester (.5 credit) 

Prerequisite: None

This class will act as a continuation to Ag Construction- Textiles 1 in the basic understanding of products and how to construct them into items we use. Students will gain many construction skills in this course. Students will complete several major projects as well as some smaller ones which may be donated as community service projects. Students provide their own supplies (teacher provides community service supplies) and must complete all construction work at school. Participation in FFA student organization activities and Supervised Agricultural Experience (SAE) projects are an integral course component for leadership development, career exploration and reinforcement of academic concepts.

Agricultural Business Management 

(Offered even graduating years with Agricultural Communications and Leadership)

Grade 10-12 

2 Semesters (1 credit) 

Prerequisite: Grade 10 - Introduction to Agriculture Industry with a “C” or higher; Grade: 11-12 - None

This course will develop students’ understanding of the agricultural industry relating to the United States and World marketplace. Instructional units include: business ownership types, planning and organizing the agribusiness, financing the agribusiness, keeping and using records in an agribusiness, operating the agribusiness, taxes, and developing employability skills. Student skills will be enhanced in math, reading comprehension, and writing through agribusiness applications. Improving computer and workplace skills will be a focus including producing resumes, cover letters, and reference letters for future employment opportunities. Participation in FFA student organization activities and Supervised Agricultural Experience (SAE) projects is an integral course component for leadership development, career exploration and reinforcement of academic concepts. The successful completion of a full year of Agricultural Business Management will be accepted as the required Consumer Education credit.

Agricultural Communications and Leadership 

(Offered odd graduating years with Agricultural Business Management) Business Management)

Grade 10-12 

2 Semesters (1 credit) 

Prerequisite: Grade 10 - Introduction to Agriculture Industry with a “C” or higher; Grade: 11-12 - None

Students will analyze current agricultural issues and determine how they affect people on all sides of the issue. The students then learn and enhance their written and oral communication skills by presenting their views and opinions to the class. Students learn how to arrange and present debates, speeches, and interviews to be effective leaders in today’s society. Students will further enhance their potential for leadership development, personal growth, and career success. Participation in FFA student organization activities and Supervised Agricultural Experience (SAE) projects is an integral course component for leadership development, career exploration and reinforcement of academic concepts.

Agricultural Mechanics and Technology

Grade 10-12 

2 Semesters (1 credit) 

Prerequisite: Grade 10 - Introduction to Agriculture Industry with a “C” or higher; Grade: 11-12 - None

In this course, theory and hands-on experiences provide opportunities for students to develop basic knowledge and skills in agricultural mechanics. Instructional areas may include: the basic fundamentals of basic maintenance on small engines, basic electricity, welding, construction, and operating agricultural equipment safely. Participation in FFA student organization activities and Supervised Agricultural Experience (SAE) projects are an integral course component for leadership development, career exploration and reinforcement of academic concepts.

Animal Science 

(Offered odd graduating years with Veterinary Science)

Grade 10-12 

2 Semesters (1 credit) 

Prerequisite: Grade 10 - Introduction to Agriculture Industry with a “C” or higher; Grade: 11-12 - None

This course is designed to introduce students to the livestock (beef, dairy, sheep, goats, and swine), poultry, and large (equine) animal industry and provide them with basic animal science knowledge that can be further developed in Veterinary Science. Major units of instruction include animal science careers, animal anatomy and physiology, animal reproduction, animal nutrition, genetics, animal health, small and large animal care, and meat science. Improving computer and workplace skills will be a focus. Interests in Veterinary Science will be examined among the animals. Participation in FFA student organization activities and Supervised Agricultural Experience (SAE) projects is an integral course component for leadership development, career exploration and reinforcement of academic concepts. This course would satisfy the 3rd year science credit.

Horticulture Science 

(Offered odd graduating years with Plant & Crop Science)

Grade 10-12 

2 Semesters (1 credit) 

Prerequisite: Grade 10 - Introduction to Agriculture Industry with a “C” or higher; Grade: 11-12 - None

This course is designed to introduce students to the horticulture industry and provide them with basic plant science knowledge that can be further developed in advanced horticulture courses. Major units of instruction include: horticulture research, horticultural careers, plant anatomy, seed germination, plant propagation, growing media, pest management, hydroponics, identifying horticultural plants, growing greenhouse crops, and floral design. Participation in FFA student organization activities and Supervised Agricultural Experience (SAE) projects are an integral course component for leadership development, career exploration and reinforcement of academic concepts. This course would satisfy the 3rd year science credit.

Plant & Crop Science 

(Offered even graduating years with Horticultural Science)

Grade 10-12 

2 Semesters (1 credit) 

Prerequisite: Grade 10 - Introduction to Agriculture Industry with a “C” or higher; Grade: 11-12 - None

Plant & Crop Science is designed to provide students with the knowledge and skills necessary for future employment in agronomy, horticulture, and plant science careers. Major units of instruction include plant classification, greenhouse production, fruit and vegetable production, row crop production, plant propagation, plant growth, grain production, crop machinery, soil fertility, soil erosion, and genetics. Applied science and concepts will be stressed throughout the course as they relate to each area. Improving computer and workplace skills will be a focus. Participation in FFA student organization activities and Supervised Agricultural Experience (SAE) projects is an integral course component for leadership development, career exploration and reinforcement of academic concepts. This course would satisfy the 3rd year science credit.

Farm to Fork 1

Grade 10-12

1 Semester (.5 credit)

Prerequisite: Grade 10 - Introduction to Agriculture Industry with a “C” or higher; Grade: 11-12 - None

Want to learn where your food comes from and how to prepare it? This course allows you to learn the agricultural origins of your food, how it is harvested and prepared, and how to accurately and safely prepare it. A focus on how to make sound consumer, economic, and nutritional decisions will be applied. Kitchen safety and sanitation will be stressed throughout the course. Dietetics and nutrition will be highlighted. Participation in FFA student organization activities and Supervised Agricultural Experience (SAE) projects are an integral course component for leadership development, career exploration, and reinforcement of academic concepts.

Farm to Fork 2

Grade 10-12

1 Semester (.5 credit)

Prerequisite: Must have taken Farm to Fork 1 or Foods 1

Skills first learned in Farm to Fork 1 will be applied in this course. This course will examine the care and maintenance of animals and plants and how they come to the consumer market as food. Quality selection and preservation will be covered with individual food topics. Kitchen safety and sanitation will be stressed throughout the course. Participation in FFA student organization activities and Supervised Agricultural Experience (SAE) projects are an integral course component for leadership development, career exploration, and reinforcement of academic concepts.

Agriculture Engineering

Grade 11-12 

2 Semesters (1 credit) 

Prerequisite: Agriculture Mechanics

Throughout the course, students apply technical and engineering skills while becoming competent in the processes used to operate, repair, engineer, and design agricultural structures, engines, and equipment. Students practice technical skills including reading prints, troubleshooting machines, documenting an engine teardown and assembly, reading schematics, building simple machines, using hydraulics, researching machine replacement parts, and calculating production efficiencies. The engineering portion of the course includes prototype development, computer aided design (CAD), 3D printing, documentation of machine processes, machine automation and programming, testing designs for structural integrity, and calculating machine speed and power. Participation in FFA student organization activities and Supervised Agricultural Experience (SAE) projects is an integral course component for leadership development, career exploration and reinforcement of academic concepts.

Veterinary Science

(Offered even graduating years with Animal Science)

Grade 11-12 

2 Semesters (1 credit) 

Prerequisite: Introduction to Agriculture Industry with a “C” or higher; students must earn a grade of “C” or higher in Chemistry

This course will develop students’ understanding of the small and companion animal industry, animal anatomy and physiology, advanced animal nutrition and reproduction, animal ethics and welfare issues, animal health, veterinary medicine, veterinary office practices, and animal services to humans. Career exploration will focus on veterinarian, veterinary lab technicians, office lab assistant, small animal production, research lab assistant, and animal nutrition lab technician. Students will participate in activities such as animal bandaging, specimen dissection, animal handling and animal restraint (for veterinary purposes). Participation in FFA student organization activities and Supervised Agricultural Experience (SAE) projects is an integral course component for leadership development, career exploration and reinforcement of academic concepts. This course would satisfy the 3rd year science credit.

Global Foods & Ag - Developed Countries

Grade 11-12 

1 Semester (.5 credit) 

Prerequisite: None

This course involves preparing and serving foods from around the world with a focus on European and American geography. Emphasis will be placed on considering nutritional requirements, demographic factors, and religious customs as they pertain to foods served in the countries of study. This course will also focus on agriculture in developing countries and frame this focus within a discussion of contemporary crucial issues facing food, agriculture and natural resources on a global scale. The course will look at the impacts of geographic, political, economic, and social issues of a particular country or region and how that affects their agriculture and trade. International influences upon regions of the United States will be investigated. Participation in FFA student organization activities and Supervised Agricultural Experience (SAE) projects are an integral course component for leadership development, career exploration and reinforcement of academic concepts.

Independent Ag Education Study - (may be repeated twice)

Grade 11-12

2 Semesters (1 credit) 

Prerequisite: Must have completed two years of Agriculture courses and teacher approval

This year-long course is designed to give Agricultural Education students interested in becoming Agricultural Educators the full Ag Ed Experience, or students interested in a specific career in agriculture more experience in the specific class related to that career. Students will maintain a weekly journal of their experience and teach or assist on 1-2 lessons on a monthly basis to the course they are interning in. Students will have independent projects at a higher level and pace than the class they are interning in. Students can also be enrolled in the Growing Agricultural Science Teachers grant through Joliet Junior College where they will receive 1 credit hour and a paid stipend for their time-based off funding for this project. Participation in FFA student organization activities and Supervised Agricultural Experience (SAE) projects is an integral course component for leadership development, career exploration and reinforcement of academic concepts.

Supervised Agricultural Experience (SAE) - (may be repeated up to 6 semesters)

Grade 10-12

2 Semesters (.5 credit) 

Prerequisite: Completed application, current SAE project, and teacher approval

This supervised study is designed to establish knowledge and skills in various agricultural careers. Students will gain credit by establishing a project at their home, at a local business, or at their school usually after normal school hours. Example projects may include, but are not limited to: working at a garden center, raising vegetables/grain/livestock, conducting agriscience experiments, training horses at a stable, and others. Students will be required to verify their experiences by keeping computerized records including: business agreements, budgets, inventories, daily activities, hours worked, income and expenses, total earnings, depreciation, and net worth. Teacher supervision will be conducted at the student’s home or place of employment. The student’s SAE record books will be evaluated at least once per month. This class cannot be taken if you are in another Agriculture course. FFA involvement is mandatory for this course. This will be a Pass/Fail course and a full year commitment.