Agriculture

AG. SCIENCE I

Grade Level: 9-12 No. Semesters: 2

Credit: 1 Practical Art

Prerequisite: none

Agriculture Science I is an introductory class open to freshmen through seniors who are interested in animals and agriculture. Some of the topics covered include animal nutrition, animal reproduction, animal products, small animal care, and leadership. Students may also work with the instructor to create an out-of-school project involving animal plants, agriculture business.

AG. SCIENCE II

Grade Level: 10-12 No. Semesters: 2

Credit: 1 Practical Art

Prerequisite: Ag. science I

Agriculture Science 2 is a course designed for second year instruction in plant and crop science, soils, entomology, horticulture, and forestry. Units may also include agriculture mechanics, career development, leadership, and supervised agriculture experience.

Course Rationale- An understanding of the careers, leadership, and basic principles in the agriculture plant and food industry provides a sound background to pursue an agriculture career.

AG. CONSTRUCTION

Grade Level: 10-12 No. Semesters: 2

Credit: 1 Practical Art

Prerequisite: Ag. science I

Prepares students to construct and maintain agricultural structures and equipment. Develops basic skills such as: tool identification, interpreting plans, calculating a bill of materials, electrification, carpentry, welding, metal fabrication, plumbing, and masonry. Content may be enhanced with appropriate computer applications. Leadership development will be provided through FFA. Each student will be expected to have a supervised agricultural experience program. This course may be extended to two credits offered on a two-hour basis provided that instruction is enhanced with laboratory experience, project construction, and in-depth skill development.

AG. LANDSCAPE AND DESIGN

Grade Level: 10-12 No. Semesters: 2

Credit: 1 Practical Art

Prerequisite: Ag. science I

This Course is designed to introduce students to the opportunities in the landscape industry. Students will be exposed to the design aspect of landscaping and preparing their own landscape design. Students will also be exposed to various types of landscape construction and maintenance, nursery operation and landscape management practices, which will prepare them to select appropriate plant materials and to design, install and maintain interior and exterior plantings and hardscapes. Equipment and facilities maintenance is also covered and students will be involved in preparing and installing their own irrigation system.

AG. LEADERSHIP

Grade Level: 10-12 No. Semesters: 2

Credit: 1 Practical Art

Prerequisite: Ag. science I

Description: Students in this class provide leadership and are responsible for the implementation of the FFA plan of activities, as well as the business administration and management of the RHS school farm. Students will maintain a record book where they maintain a record of their time before school, after school and on weekends. Their record books will document their work to plan and implement FFA service project (2 per semester), FFA activities and travel plans (3‐4 per semester.) Students will also complete daily maintenance activities related to the school chickens, rabbits, attached and independent greenhouses, and garden plots. In addition these students will advise business decisions and manage the finances of the FFA Chapter with the supervision of the Teacher/ Advisor.

ANIMAL SCIENCE

Grade Level: 10-12 No. Semesters: 2

Credit: 1 Practical Art

Prerequisite: Ag. science I

Students will apply knowledge of animal and plant science to the agriculture industry. They will be introduced to the value of production animals relative to the agricultural marketplace. Students will engage in animal body systems, along with animal welfare and behavior in relation to the production of animals. Students will learn principles of plant anatomy and physiology, and the role of nutrition, deficiencies and growing environment on plant production. Throughout the course, business principles and professional skills will be examined. Specific units to be studied include animal nutrition through the conducting of a feed trial, public speaking presentations related to the animal industry, record keeping, wildlife habitats and education, wood working, and welding.