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Agriculture courses provide students the opportunity to explore various career pathways in the Agriculture, Food, and Natural Resources Career Cluster. These courses prepare students for successful careers and a lifetime of informed choices in the global agriculture, food, fiber and natural resources systems. Agriculture education provides students opportunities for leadership development, personal growth, and career success using the Three Circle Model: classroom and laboratory instruction, work-based learning, and student leadership organizations.
Grade: 9-10
Length: 1 year
Level: General
Credit: 1
This introductory course provides an opportunity for students to learn how the agricultural industry is organized; its major components; the economic influences of agriculture at the local, state, national, and international levels. Both business and production applications are presented. Basic concepts in animal science, plant science, soil science, horticulture, agricultural resources, agribusiness management, and agriculture mechanics are included. Membership and participation in the FFA and its activities will be stressed with emphasis placed upon leadership skill development, including public speaking, parliamentary procedure, and local community cooperative programs.
Grade: 10-12
Length: 1 year
Level: General
Credit: 1
This course will cover several areas. The areas will consist of forestry, surveying, soil science, meat id, electrical and animal science. This is a hands-on vocational skills class. Students will learn about careers, safety and all other necessary skills to complete each section. This course meets the science requirement for graduation.
Grade: 10-12
Length: 1 year
Level: General
Credit: 1
This third year builds on basic skills and knowledge gained from the advanced agricultural science class. Major units of instruction include plant science and animal science. This class is designed to be a laboratory-based class. Students will be introduced to aquaculture. Applied math and science skills will be emphasized throughout the course. This course meets the science requirement for graduation.
Grade: 10-12
Length: 1 year
Level: General
Credit: 1
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.
Grade: 11-12
Length: 1 year
Level: General
Credit: 1
This course is designed to reinforce and extend students' understanding of science by associating basic scientific principles and concepts with relevant applications in agriculture. Students will examine major phases of plant growth and management in agriculture and the specific biological science concepts that govern management decisions. Topics of study are in the areas of initiating plant growth – cell structure and function , germination, plant sensory mechanisms, enzyme action, absorption, and managing plant growth – photosynthesis, respiration, translocation, metabolism, genetics, taxonomy and growth regulation.
Grade: 11-12
Length: 1 year
Level: General
Credit: 1
This capstone course is designed to develop student skills in the area of advanced agriculture business procedures, establishment of agricultural business, managing and financing the agribusiness, marketing and advertising, trading commodities. This course meets the requirements for Consumer Education instruction as required by the Illinois School Code.
Grade: 11-12
Length: 1 year
Level: General
Credit: 1
This course will develop students’ understanding of the small and companion animal industry, animal anatomy and physiology, animal ethics and welfare issues, animal health, veterinary medicine, veterinary office practices, and animal services to humans. Topics to be discussed include veterinary terminology, anatomy and physiology, pathology, genetics, handling and restraint, first-aid, and physical examinations along with common surgical skills. Career exploration will focus on veterinarian, veterinary lab technicians, office lab assistant, small animal production, research lab assistant, and animal nutrition lab technician. 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.
Grade: 9-12
Length: 1 year
Level: General
Credit: 0.5
Prerequisite: Intro to Ag & Teacher approval
This experience program requires students to have a minimum of one approved project. The student will be required to complete project record books, training plans and agreements. Progress will be monitored by the instructor through scheduled meetings and project visits. The ultimate goals of this program are valuable work experience and the ability to compete for awards in the FFA on the state and national levels.