Course Descriptions

Course Descriptions

Middle School Course Descriptions

7th Grade: Discovering Agri-Science

Explore the new and ever changing world of agriculture. This class is no longer just about farming and ranching. Students will become aware of the new opportunities and careers in topics such as horticulture, food science, natural resources as well as a wide range of other topics. Students will spend nine weeks discovering new concepts in agri-science as well as developing an appreciation of agriculture's roots. Topics in this class include careers, animal science, horticulture, forestry, conservation, biotechnology, agricultural processing and marketing as well as an overview of how agriculture affects our community, state, nation and world. Students will also have an opportunity to learn about and become members of FFA, one of the largest student organizations in the US. So get ready to explore what one out of every five people in America do for a living.

8th Grade: Introduction to Agriculture and Natural Resources

This semester course is designed for the student who wants to gain a more in-depth appreciation for agriculture. Topics covered in this course include agriculture occupations, youth leadership, FFA, Wisconsin agriculture, plant science, large and small animal science, wildlife, food science, and many more areas. Students will be able to make cheese, ice cream and jerky as well as gain knowledge of new agricultural technology that is used today. From learning about endangered species to gaining an appreciation for recycling to conducting a plant propagation experiment to discussing pet, there is sure to be a topic that you will enjoy learning more about. Finally students will also have an opportunity to learn about and become members of FFA, one of the largest student organizations in the US. So get ready to explore what one out of every five people in America do for a living.

High School Course Descriptions

Agriculture Biology

Agricultural Biology is a one-year, laboratory science course, designed for the college bound student with a career interest in agriculture. Using agriculture as the learning vehicle, the course emphasizes the principles, central concepts and inter-relationships among the following topics: the molecular and cellular aspects of life, the chemical and structural basis of life, energetics of life, growth and reproduction in plants and animals, evolution of modern agricultural plants and domestic livestock species, plant and animal genetics, taxonomy of modern agricultural plants and animals, animal behavior, ecological relationships among plants, animals, humans and the environment, nutrition in animals, health and diseases in animals, and the similarities between animals and humans. The course is centered around an extensive laboratory component in order to connect the big ideas of biological and life science with agricultural applications, earth and physical science principles and other curricular areas, including written and oral reporting skills.

Exploring Agriculture

The Exploding world of agriculture is examined in this introductory course. Selected topics include basic plant science and horticulture, an introduction to animal science, food science, leadership, agriculture career exploration, and discussion of agriculture’s affect on the environment and wildlife. The student organization, FFA, will also be explored in this class.

Animal Technology

Opportunities in the animal industry range from owning a pet shop to working as a zookeeper, from breeding dogs to working with exotic animals. Animal Technology includes horses, rabbits, dogs, cats and exotics. This course involves discussion of breeds, feeding and management considerations, sanitation requirements, housing requirements, special laws, and reproductive cycles. Careers are discussed throughout the class.

Horticulture and Landscaping

Horticulture and Landscaping is a class for the students interested in plants for the home and business. In this course students will explore horticultural career opportunities, study basic plant growth and soils, learn about arrangements and bonsai and make one of their own, discuss plant propagation and pruning techniques, develop their own landscape and explore landscape career opportunities. Students will also discuss and participate in lawn establishment, maintenance and learn about small fruit and vegetable gardens. There will be lots of hands on opportunities utilizing the school greenhouse and outdoor learning areas.

Modern Biology

Modern biology is the study of living things. Over the course of the year, we will talk about ecology, cells and molecules, genetics, evolution, and organisms. For this class, students will need to bring the following things to class every day: a notebook, a folder or binder used ONLY for biology, and a pen or pencil.