Agriculture & the Environment

4100 Introduction to Agriculture A

This course is for students who desire to understand and participate in any aspect of the agriculture industry. Students will explore agriculture including history of farming and animal agriculture and the various agriculture industries. Students will focus on leadership development through the National FFA Organization. Students will have the opportunity to design an individual Supervised Agricultural Experience (SAE) project. It is required that students take this course in the fall prior to taking Agriculture, Food and Natural Resources B in the spring to ensure their yearlong participation in all aspects of the agriculture education program: Classroom, FFA, SAE. Students will be co-enrolled in the National FFA Organization to develop their premier leadership, personal growth, and career success.

4101 Introduction to Agriculture B

This course is for students who desire to continue to understand and participate in any aspect of the agriculture industry. Students will gain valuable leadership and life skills through the FFA, which is an integral part of the course. This course requires students to plan and carry out a Supervised Agricultural Experience (SAE) program which is designed to help students apply concepts learned in the classroom. It is required that students take this course before taking advanced courses in the Agriculture pathway. Students will be co-enrolled in the National FFA Organization to develop their premier leadership, personal growth, and career success.

4102 Principles of Horticulture (A and B)

Students will demonstrate knowledge and skills in a wide range of scientific principles, such as genetics, disease, pests, and management practices. The scientific processes of observation, measurement, hypothesizing, data gathering, interpretation, analysis, and application are stressed. The instruction will also include the importance of biotechnology in crop production. Students will learn to identify common weeds, diseases, and insect pests.

6756S1/6756S2 Principles of Animal and Vet Science

Students will demonstrate knowledge and skills in a wide range of scientific principles, such as genetics, disease, pests, and management practices. The scientific processes of observation, measurement, hypothesizing, data gathering, interpretation, analysis, and application are stressed. The instruction will also include the importance of biotechnology in crop production. Students will learn to identify common weeds, diseases, and insect pests.


6751 Natural Resources Management

Students will demonstrate knowledge and skills related to the biological, environmental, and economic importance of renewable natural resources. Major units will include ecology, range resources, waste managements, and land use. Forest and range products and their benefits are included. Field and laboratory experiences will be emphasized.

At PHS: While Natural Resources is not limited to students enrolled in the Agriculture Pathway, this class is designed to fulfill one of three different options for Juniors and Seniors at Poudre High School who have been introduced to basic resource management concepts in Introduction to Agriculture and Principles of Horticulture.


4104/4105 Intermediate Vet Science A, B

Students will develop knowledge, skill and understanding in the biological processes and physiological systems found in livestock and companion animal species pertaining to Animals & Society, Animals in Research, Veterinary Laws & Ethics, Common Veterinary Medical Equipment, Veterinary Medical Terms & Terminology, Basic Canine & Feline Anatomy, External Anatomy of Livestock. Current animal agricultural issues will be researched and addressed. The scientific processes of observation, hypothesizing, data gathering, interpretation, analysis and application will be included. Career opportunities and educational preparation will be examined. Learning activities are varied with classroom, laboratory and field experiences will be included. 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.

At PHS: Intermediate Vet Science is a continuation of concepts learned in the course Intro to Animal & Vet Science.


4106/4107 Greenhouse Production and Floriculture

This advanced course offers instruction in greenhouse production. Units of study include plant identification, greenhouse management, integrated pest management, propagation, growing media, growing greenhouse crops, horticulture mechanics, Agribusiness units will cover operating a horticultural business, pricing work, advertising, and sales. Floriculture is a semester long class in which students will learn about the production, arrangement, and retailing of flowers. Classification and identification of common plants used in the floral industry will be taught. The class will include numerous labs where fresh, silk, and dried flowers are used to design corsages, wedding bouquets, table flower arrangements, and seasonal holiday decorations. The course will also highlight developing communication skills, business principles, and leadership skills in the floriculture industry. 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.


4108/4109 Landscape Construction & Maintenance and Urban Farming

Landscape Management course provides instruction that incorporates plant science, soil and media mixtures, plant identification and optimal environments, and landscape design, installation, and maintenance of new and existing landscapes. This course will focus on purpose, site identification, land access, soil quality, water resources, infrastructure for both indoor and outdoor growing operations, production strategies, market development, and financing as it applies to Urban Farming. 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.


6752 Plant & Soil Science

Students will demonstrate knowledge and skills in a wide range of plant and soil science principles relating to agriculture, such as genetics, anatomy, growth, soil formation and fertility, and management practices. The scientific processes of observation, measurement, hypothesizing, data gathering, interpretation, analysis, and application are included along with classroom, laboratory, and field experiences. Each student will create or continue their Supervised Agricultural Experience (SAE) as it solidifies the hands-on application from the classroom. Students will be co-enrolled in the National FFA Organization to develop their premier leadership, personal growth, and career success.

6751 Natural Resources

While Natural Resources is not limited to students enrolled in the Agriculture Pathway, this class is designed to fulfill one of three different options for Juniors and Seniors at Poudre High School who have been introduced to basic resource management concepts in Ag 1 and Ag 2. Students will develop an understanding of the ways in which humans interact with, utilize and manage natural resources and gain an appreciation for the delicate balance that exists between human needs and ecosystem function. This class would be a great fit for any student who is interested in wildlife management and conservation, forestry and fire ecology, rangeland management, technology and engineering, water protection and conservation, sustainability, issues related to urban sprawl and city planning or recreational activities such as hiking, mountain biking and snowboarding. This is a hands-on class- field and laboratory experiences will be emphasized.

6750 Animal Management

At Poudre High School this is a continuation of concepts learned in Agriculture Sciences. Students will develop knowledge and skills in a wide range of animal agriculture principles, including genetics, anatomy, physiology, nutrition, disease, pests, and management practices. The efficient production and effective management of selected animal enterprises are covered, including beef and dairy cattle, swine, sheep and goats, poultry, and equine. Career opportunities and educational preparation are examined. The scientific process of observation, measurement, hypothesizing, data gathering, interpretation, analysis, and application are included alongside varied activities within the classroom, laboratory, and field experiences. Students will be co-enrolled in the National FFA Organization to develop their premier leadership, personal growth and career success.

4104/4105 Intermediate Vet Science A, B

Students will develop knowledge, skill and understanding in the biological processes and physiological systems found in livestock and companion animal species pertaining to Animals & Society, Animals in Research, Veterinary Laws & Ethics, Common Veterinary Medical Equipment, Veterinary Medical Terms & Terminology, Basic Canine & Feline Anatomy, External Anatomy of Livestock. Current animal agricultural issues will be researched and addressed. The scientific processes of observation, hypothesizing, data gathering, interpretation, analysis and application will be included. Career opportunities and educational preparation will be examined. Learning activities are varied with classroom, laboratory and field experiences will be included. 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.

At PHS: Intermediate Vet Science is a continuation of concepts learned in the course Intro to Animal & Vet Science.


4106/4107 Greenhouse Production and Floriculture

This advanced course offers instruction in greenhouse production. Units of study include plant identification, greenhouse management, integrated pest management, propagation, growing media, growing greenhouse crops, horticulture mechanics, Agribusiness units will cover operating a horticultural business, pricing work, advertising, and sales. Floriculture is a semester long class in which students will learn about the production, arrangement, and retailing of flowers. Classification and identification of common plants used in the floral industry will be taught. The class will include numerous labs where fresh, silk, and dried flowers are used to design corsages, wedding bouquets, table flower arrangements, and seasonal holiday decorations. The course will also highlight developing communication skills, business principles, and leadership skills in the floriculture industry. 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.



6756S1/6756S2 Advanced Animal Science

Advanced Animal Science is a continuation of concepts learned in the course Animal Management. Students will develop knowledge and skills in a wide range of animal agriculture principles, including genetics, anatomy and physiology, behavior, veterinary technology, taxonomy. Career opportunities and educational preparation are examined. The scientific process of observation, measurement, hypothesizing, data gathering, interpretation, analysis, and application are included alongside varied activities within the classroom, laboratory, and field experiences. Students will be co-enrolled in the National FFA Organization to develop their premier leadership, personal growth and career success.


2253 Ag Mechanics/Advanced Engineering: Carpentry & Joinery

The third in a series of 5 credit courses exploring the technical knowledge and skills of woodworking. Students will apply principles of design and construction to build a variety of increasingly advanced cabinetry and furniture projects. Students will prepare plans, create drawings and designs, mill and machine raw material, assemble complex joinery, and utilize various finishing techniques for the completion of their projects. An emphasis will be placed on shop safety and the safe use of a variety of hand tools, power tools, and stationary woodworking machinery. The course will include an exploration of career opportunities available to the modern woodworker.

2243 Ag Mechanics/Advanced Engineering: Machining & Welding

The third in a series of 5 credit courses exploring the technical knowledge and skills of metalworking. Students will apply principles of design and construction to build a variety of increasingly advanced projects. Students will prepare plans, create drawings and designs, mill and machine raw material, fabricate assemblies, and utilize various metalworking techniques for the completion of their projects. An emphasis will be placed on shop safety and the safe use of a variety of hand tools, power tools, and stationary machinery. This course will include an exploration of career opportunities available to the modern metalworker.

7561/7563 Animal Technology & Research (FRCC Career Pathways)

Do you love animals? Would you like to explore careers in veterinary medicine or other animal-related fields? During this program, students will learn fundamental skills in the handling and health care of common animal species, including dogs, cats, horses, cattle, and many more. Students will study the biology, anatomy, and physiology of different species and learn laboratory and clinical procedures to diagnose and treat common health problems. This program is made up of classroom activities, field trips, on- and off-campus lab experiences, guest speakers, research projects, job shadows and the opportunity to earn placement in an internship.

7676/7677 Welding & Metal Fabrication (FRCC Career Pathway)

This program is great for students interested in learning basic welding & metal fabrication techniques. Students can take the exam to become SENSE Level 1 certified through the American Welding Society and employers are willing to pay top dollar for skilled, certified welders! In this program, students build projects in the welding shop using gas metal arc welding, shielded metal arc welding, oxy-fuel cutting, plasma cutting, and metal-forming techniques. Students work together to produce unique creative designs in teams. Fabricated items will include both student-initiated projects as well as items that were requested by local individuals and companies. This allows students to experience real-world business experience, working with customers on bidding, formalizing a contract, and more. This program is made up of lecture, hands-on training, group projects, guest speakers, and field trips.

7718/7719 Wildlife, Forestry, & Natural Resources (FRCC Career Pathway)

Do you love the outdoors? This program is designed for students interested in learning the fundamentals of natural resource systems, forestry, wildlife management, and outdoor recreation. Students participate in a technician skills unit covering equipment operation, safe chain-saw use, GPS/mapping and orienteering. Classroom knowledge is applied through a research site at Horsetooth Reservoir and field labs at Horsetooth Mountain Park and on U.S. Forest Service land near Red Feather Lakes. This program is made up of classroom activities, numerous field experiences, guest speakers, research projects, and the opportunity to earn placement in an internship during the spring semester.

1791, 1792, or 1793 PWR Internship Fall, Spring, or Summer

The PWR (Postsecondary and Workforce Ready) Internship program offers eligible juniors & seniors in Poudre School District an opportunity to earn high school credit and gain experience in a chosen profession or industry. These students represent the high standards of PSD, and plan to pursue post-secondary education or enter the workforce. Students apply to the program during their sophomore year and must maintain a 3.4 GPA or higher, OR Seniors with a 3.3 GPA or below may be eligible by obtaining two letters of recommendation from teachers or community member. Students must have completed a series of courses in a particular pathway and must be able to log 75 to 150 hours during one semester. Students selected for the program are eligible for placement in unpaid internship related to their career goal. This course will support students as they develop professional workplace skills. For more information, to to www.PWRinternshipsPSD.com


4110 CTE Work-based Learning: Agriculture

Students build on prior knowledge and skills in the program of study to further develop and apply employability and technical skills that prepare them for success in future career and postsecondary education.