Introduction to Agriscience

One Year                      Elective             10 credits

Description:

This is an introductory course developed to explore agriculture careers, gain a basic knowledge of agriculture, and develop agricultural leadership skills through the FFA.  Topics of instruction include agriculture careers, natural resources, soil science, leadership, animal science, plant science, communications, enterprise development, food science, and new technologies in agriculture.

Prerequisites: Freshman and Sophomores only

Soil Science

One Semester               Elective             5 credits

Description:

The plant production aspect of agriculture is covered in this course, as well as soil development and the physical properties of soils.  Students will attend the District I Land Evaluation contest to supplement this class.  The students will also plan and take care of the Norris FFA Test Plot as the major project for this class.

Prerequisites:  Introduction to Agriscience or permission.

Animal Science

One Semester               Elective             5 credits

Description:

This is a class for students interested in careers in animal science.  Animal science topic areas include: livestock husbandry, health, feeding, breeding, marketing, and evaluation.

Prerequisites:  Introduction to Agriscience or permission

gREENHOUSE mANAGEMENT

One Semester               Elective             5 credits

Description:

This course prepares students how to grow plants for personal and commercial use.  Students will be working extensively in the greenhouse with poinsettia production in the fall and bedding plant production in the spring. 

Prerequisites:  Introduction to Agriscience or permission

Floriculture

One Semester               Elective             5 credits

Description:

This course prepares students to design and arrange flowers, foliage, and related materials for interior locations.  Topics of instruction include: fresh and dried flowers, floral crop production, business plans for floriculture, floral shop operations and design, color appreciation, and mechanics of design.  The course also includes activities relating to career exploration and leadership.

Prerequisites:  Introduction to Agriscience or permission

Companion Animals

One Semester               Elective             5 credits

Description:

This course teaches students about proper companion animal management techniques.  Students will also research various careers dealing with companion animals, animal breeds, diseases, and parasites.  Animal trainers, veterinarians, and live animals visit the classroom frequently. 

Prerequisites:  Introduction to Agriscience or permission

Welding

One Semester               Elective             5 credits

Description:

Welding/Metals 1 is an introductory course into the field of welding.  Topics covered will be:  Basic shop safety,  Safety procedures specifically needed for the welding shop,  Identification of tools and equipment, basic welding procedures for both Arc Stick Electrode and Oxyacetylene welding, and some basic metalurgy.  Students will be required to have a pair of safety glasses, welding gloves, and provide appropriate protective clothing suitable for welding.  Students will be required to complete a number of required welds as assigned by the instructor.  Maximum enrollment = 14.

Prerequisites:  None

Advanced Welding

One Semester               Elective             5 credits

Description:

Advanced Welding is a more in-depth study into the field of Welding.  Welding applications will include Advanced Stick Electrode Arc Welding.  Advanced Oxy-Acetylene welding, MIG Welding, TIG Welding, Plastic Welding, Basic Cutting Techniques and Metal Fabrication.  A review of basic welding in flat position, shop safety (both general and specifically for the welding shop), basic bronze welding techniques, and basic metallurgy will be discussed.  In addition the course will cover advanced metallurgy, out of position welding, MIG, Plastic and TIG welding processes.  The student should have good basic skills prior to taking the course.  The students will be required to have a pair of safety glasses, welding gloves, and provide appropriate protective clothing suitable for welding.  Students will be required to complete a number of weld samples as assigned by the instructor.  After completion of required welds, the student may be able to work on a project.   Maximum enrollment = 14.

Prerequisites:  Welding

Agriculture Skills and Technology

One Semester               Elective             5 credits

Description:

Students will learn shop safety, skills in plumbing, electrical wiring, concrete and masonry construction, machinery and tractor maintenance and repair, surveying and other topics.  Students will be provided a hands-on approach to the class.  Projects will be a part of this curriculum. Students will be able to participate in Ag Mechanics contest on the state and district level.

Prerequisites:  Introduction to Agriscience or permission

Agriculture Management

One Semester   Elective             5 credits

Description:

Students will learn management practices used to manage an agricultural business.  Emphasis is placed on balance sheets, income statements, tax management, commodity marketing, risk management and other business skills.  Students will be engaged with an on-line commodity marketing activity.  This will enable students to participate in the Ag Business Management competition at the district and state level.

Prerequisites:  Introduction to Agriscience or permission

Agricultural Leadership

One Semester               Elective             5 credits

Description:

This course is an Introduction to the principles and practices of positive interpersonal relationships for leadership development.   Emphasis on self-awareness, awareness of others, effective interpersonal communication and the building of trust relationships as a basis for understanding and developing leadership.  An experiential approach, which will include field projects and also a supervised community service project.

Prerequisites:  Introduction to Agriscience or permission

Landscaping

One Semester               Elective             5 credits

Description:

This course prepares students to plan landscape designs, including the selection, installation, and maintenance of landscape plants.  Students will spend time maintaining school landscaping projects and drawing out their own landscape plans.  Students will also learn the names of various landscaping plants.

Prerequisites:  Introduction to Agriscience or permission

AGRICULTURE LAB CLASS

One Semester               Elective             5 credits

Description:

This course is designed for group and individual work.  The students will work on problem solving, critical thinking and leadership development activities.  Students will work in the Ag Mechanics and Leadership Development areas.

Prerequisites:  Seniors only

Natural Resources

One Semester               Elective             5 credits

Description:

This course will help students understand and make responsible decisions regarding conservation of our natural resources.  Soil conservation, water quality, wildlife management, wildlife habitat, taxidermy, and hunter safety will be emphasized.

Prerequisites:  Introduction to Agriscience or permission