Agricultural
Science & Technology

This course will follow the National Curriculum for Agriculture Science Education (CASE). Students will explore how mankind has developed agriculture through history as a means to meet basic human needs (food, clothing, shelter) and how we currently seek to improve human life and provide for growing population through agricultural advancement. A student-centered, hands-on laboratory approach will develop students’ understanding of the science of agriculture including soil science, water quality, cells, animal and plant science, and classification of species. Students will also gain skills in communication and public speaking. In this foundational agricultural science course, an introduction to record keeping on the online site AET will be taught and students will be assessed on an independent Supervised Agriculture Experience (SAE) project for the semester. This is the foundational course to other courses in the Agriculture Science department. 

Prerequisite: CASE - AFNR or has taken or is currently taking Biology

This course teaches students the form and function of plant systems. Students experience various plant science concepts through inquiry-based exercises filled with activities, projects, and problems utilizing laboratory and practical experiences. Concepts include the study of plant anatomy & physiology, classification, soil science, and plant reproduction. Students will learn how to apply scientific knowledge and skills to use plants effectively for agricultural and horticultural production and will discover the value of plant production and its impact on the individual, local and global economy. Students will work daily in the school greenhouse to raise and sell a crop of flowering plants for the spring. Students will be assessed on practical skills in the greenhouse, customer management and skills learned in class and laboratory. Careers in the industry will be discussed and students may attend the Philadelphia Flower Show in March. 

Prerequisite: CASE- AFNR or has taken or is currently taking Biology

In this course, students will study the science of freshwater aquatic ecosystems and the organisms found there. Students will learn about the properties of water, water systems, macroinvertebrates, aquatic species, and the production and marketing of these organisms. Students will learn the biology of various aquatic organisms, identification methods, and habitat requirements by designing and operating an aquatic system in the aquatics lab. Students will participate in the management and care of the lab and all species grown there.

Prerequisite: CASE - AFNR and one additional course in the department

In this course, students will have the opportunity to enhance their experience in agriculture by studying the various aspects of international agriculture and trade, business policies and how the world deals with issues of food distribution and a growing population. Students will help create solutions for feeding a growing world and learn how to compensate for a technology driven society. Students will work as a group to develop a community event to bring awareness to global and domestic issues.  

Prerequisite: CASE - AFNR or is currently taking or has taken Biology

This course will follow the National Curriculum for Agriculture Science (CASE). Students will work through multiple hands-on activities to explore the world of wildlife and the environment. Topics include: conservation, preservation, and exploitation; biomes and ecosystems; soils and agronomy; water systems and water quality; air quality, particulates, and the greenhouse effect; food webs, interdependence, and energy transfer; biodiversity, ecological succession, and carrying capacity; forestry management & dendrology; topics in environmental science; and multiple use management of wildlife areas. Students will learn to identify over 50 species of wildlife in Pennsylvania and will spend several class periods out of doors working in the school environment. Mobility to walk to the forested area is recommended.  

Prerequisite: CASE - AFNR or is currently taking or has taken Biology

Animal Science I is an introduction to the world of animal science and the animal agriculture industry. Students will be given the basics in animal care, animal behaviors, and animal handling techniques. Topics of study include animals in society, safety and sanitation, veterinary and animal science terminology, taxonomy and classification of animals, animal science careers and exploration, animal management and husbandry, and animal care and handling techniques. Students will gain hands on practical experience by caring for the agriculture department’s animals.  Principles of Animal Science is a precursor to Principles of Veterinary Science. Students who complete Principles of Animal Science will have acquired the skills and training necessary for success in principles of Veterinary Science. 

Prerequisite: CASE ASA Principles of Animal Science and is currently taking or has taken Biology

In this course, students will acquire the skills and training needed for future success in the field of veterinary science as well as animal science and the animal industry. Topics of study include Sanitation and Safety, Veterinary and Animal Science Terminology, Animal Nutrition, Anatomy, Laboratory Techniques, Parasitology, Principles of Disease, and Animal Hospital Procedures and Clinical Examinations. Students will also gain hands on practical experience by caring for the agriculture department’s animals. Students who complete Principles Veterinary Science will have acquired the skills and training necessary for future success in the world of veterinary and animal science.