2010 - 2011 Curriculum Guide -- Ag. Ed.
By Newell, Cynthia
AGRICULTURE EDUCATION
The programs offered in Ag. Ed. are designed to help train young men and women who have an interest in agriculture. The various courses that are offered will help students who want to continue their education in college as well as the student who wants to return to the farm. Ag. Ed. will help students in planning a career, developing leadership skills, and developing practical skills in each subject area. FFA is an important part of the Agricultural Education program. It helps expand on what is taught in the classroom and provides various awards for their accomplishments.
AgriScience 1 credit 9 - 12
Agriculture—Comprehensive courses cover a wide range of agricultural topics, including plant and animal science, production, and processing; agricultural mechanics, including tool and machine operation and repair; construction and repair of farm structures; business operations and management; and the careers available in the agricultural industry. They may also include topics such as chemical and soil science, ecology, agricultural marketing, and veterinary science.
Animal Science 1 credit 10 - 12
Animal Production/Science courses impart information about the care and management of domestic and farm animals. These courses may cover animal nutrition, health, behavior, selection, reproduction, anatomy and physiology, facilities, product processing, and marketing. Students may study a particular species (swine, cattle, horses, fowl, sheep, and so on), or they may learn how to care for and maintain livestock as a more inclusive study. This course will be offered on even-numbered years.
AgriBusiness 1 credit 11 - 12
Agribusiness Management courses provide students with the information and skills necessary for success in agribusiness and in operating entrepreneurial ventures in the agricultural industry. These courses may cover topics such as economic principles, budgeting, risk management, finance, business law, marketing and promotion strategies, insurance, and resource management. Other possible topics include developing a business plan, employee/employer relations, problem-solving and decision making, commodities, and building leadership skills. These courses may also incorporate a survey of the careers within the agricultural industry.
AgriBusiness Internship 3 credits 12
Agribusiness—Workplace Experience courses provide work experience in fields related to agribusiness. Goals are typically set cooperatively by the student, teacher, and employer (although students are not necessarily paid). These courses may include classroom activities as well, involving further study of the field or discussion regarding experiences that students encounter in the workplace.
Agriculture Mechanics 1 credit 10 - 12
Agriculture Mechanics and Equipment courses provide students with the engineering and power technology principles, skills, and knowledge that are specifically applicable to the agricultural industry. Typical topics include the operation, maintenance, and repair of power, electrical, hydraulic, and mechanical systems. AgriScience is a requirement for taking this class.
Agriculture Fabrication 1 credit 11 - 12
Agriculture Welding courses provide students with the skills and knowledge that are specifically applicable to the tools and equipment used in the agricultural industry. In learning to apply basic industrial knowledge and skills (engines, power, welding, and carpentry, among others), students may explore a broad range of topics, including the operation, mechanics, and care of farm tools and machines; the construction and repair of structures integral to farm operations; an introduction or review of electricity and power; and safety procedures. Ag. Mechanics is a prerequisite for this course.
Advanced Agriculture Fabrication 1 credit 12
Courses provide students with the skills & knowledge that are specifically applicable to the welding industry with advance blueprint reading and welding in the OH, V and H position along with pipe welding and TIG welding that could result in welding certification. Agriculture Fabrication is a prerequisite for this course.
Horticulture 1 credit 10 - 12
This course is designed as a college prep program for any biological and/or related area of study. Plant and Soil Science will offer an in-depth look into soil chemistry, anatomy and physiology of plants, careers in horticulture, principles of landscaping, and landscaping design. Students will also prepare and compete in the FFA Floriculture and Nursery CDEs. This course will be offered on odd-numbered years.
Environmental Resources and Wildlife 1 credit 10 – 12
This course is designed to give the student a look into the world of wildlife management. They will study units in zoology and ecology, human interaction with wildlife, habitats, endangered species, and natural resources. There will also be a unit in taxidermy and each student will have the opportunity to learn this skill.
