Introduction to Agriculture Leadership

Duration: One Term
Credits: 1
Open to: 9-10-11-12
Prerequisite: None

Introduction to Agriculture Leadership is the introductory course where students will experience exciting "hand-on" activities, projects, and problems related to agriculture. This class is designed to introduce students to many career pathways in the agricultural industry. Intro to Agriculture Leadership is the entry level course for high school students and is the foundation for all agriculture classes to follow. Students will learn what the FFA can do for them, leadership, communication, and team building skills. Students are required to have a Supervised Agricultural Experience (SAE) or a project outside of class.

Introduction to Agri-Science

Duration: One Term
Credits: 1
Open to: 9-10-11-12
Prerequisite: None

Introduction to Agri-Science is the introductory course where students will experience exciting “hand-on” activities, projects, and problems related to agriculture science. This class is designed to introduce students to many career pathways in the agricultural industry. In addition, students will be exposed to a brief overview of animal science, plant science, natural resources, and agriculture technology and systems, and science in agriculture. Intro to Agri-Science is an entry level course for high school students to learn and explore the difference facets of the agriculture industry. Upon completion of this course students will have a better understanding of what agriculture career pathway best fits their interest for future studies. Students are required to have a Supervised Agricultural Experience (SAE) or a project outside of class

Agriculture Mechanics I

Duration: One Term
Credits: 1
Open to: 10-11-12
Prerequisite: Introduction to Ag Leadership or Intro to Agriscience

This course will focus on familiarizing students with the Agricultural Shop procedures. Units to be covered are GPS, Drone Deployment, Welding, Cutting, and basic Ag Mechanics.

Agriculture Mechanics II

Duration: One Term
Credits: 1
Open to: 10-11-12
Prerequisite: Agriculture Mechanics I

Agriculture Mechanics I will teach students about the fundamentals of agricultural mechanics through inquiry-based exercises filled with activities, projects, and problems that focus upon the form and function of material, machines, and tools used in agriculture. Students will apply technical skills to the process that is used to operate, repair, engineer, and design agricultural tools and equipment. STUDENTS NEED SAFETY GLASSES, EAR PLUGS, AND ANY ADDITIONAL SUPPLIES WHEN NEEDED.

Agriculture Leadership Seminar

Duration: One Term
Credits: 1
Open to: 11-12
Prerequisite: Teacher Approval Required

Agricultural Leadership Seminar course is the capstone designed to culminate students’ experiences in agriculture, based on the pathway of study they pursued. Woven throughout the course are projects and problems based in practical applications and designed to develop and improve employability skills of students. Students will further enhance research, critical thinking, and teamwork skills as they expand on content knowledge from previous courses. Students will work to solve complex, real-world problems through a focused research project. This process will include conducting research, data analysis and communication, and the development of new products. This course may be taken up to two times.

Animal Science I

Duration: One Term
Credits: 1
Open to: 10-11-12
Prerequisite: Introduction to Agriculture or Introduction to Agriscience

The major focus of this course is to expose students to the world of agriculture, animal science, and career options. Students participating in the Animal Science I course will have experiences in various animal science concepts with exciting hands-on activities, projects, and problems. Students’ experiences will involve the study of animal needs by humans, domestication, classification through binomial nomenclature, animal rights and welfare, behaviors, basic care and handling, and livestock facilities. Students will explore hands-on projects and activities to learn the characteristics of animal science and work on major projects and problems similar to those that animal science specialists, such as veterinarians, zoologists, livestock producers, and industry personnel, face in their respective careers.

Animal Science II

Duration: One Term
Credits: 1
Open to: 10-11-12
Prerequisite: Animal Science I

The major focus of this course is to expose students to the world of agriculture, animal science, and career options. Students participating in the Animal Science II course will have experiences in various animal science concepts with exciting hands-on activities, projects, and problems. Students’ experiences will involve the study of animal cellular functions, anatomy including internal and external organs, nutrition, and digestion systems, feeding and nutrition, balancing rations, reproduction, and breeding. Students will explore hands-on projects and activities to learn the characteristics of animal science and work on major projects and problems similar to those that animal science specialists, such as veterinarians, zoologists, livestock producers, and industry personnel, face in their respective careers.

Plant Science/Hydroponics

***Will not be available for the 2023-2024 school year***

Duration: One Term
Credits: 1
Open to: 10-11-12
Prerequisite: Introduction to Agriculture Leadership or Introduction to Agriscience

This course will expose students to the world of agriculture, plant science, and career options. Experiences will include the study of plant anatomy and physiology, classification, and the fundamentals of production and harvesting. Students will learn how to apply scientific knowledge and skills to use plants effectively for agricultural and horticultural production. Students will discover the value of plant production and its impact on the individual, the local, and the global economy. Students will work on major projects and problems similar to those that plant science specialists, such as horticulturalists, agronomists, greenhouse and nursery managers, and plant research specialists, face in their respective careers. Students will also learn to construct a hydroponics grow system and grow their own vegetables for consumption.

Agronomy/Soils

Duration: One Term
Credit: 1
Open to: 10-11-12
Prerequisite: Plant Science/Hydroponics

This class introduces principles of plant-soil-climate relationships in crop production. Students in this course will also be primarily in charge of the FFA test plot located north of the school. Students will learn how to work with local area businesses and learn from industry experts about crop production and what is required to produce crops from pre-planting to post-harvest.

Farm Business Management

"Concurrent Enrollment" NICC CATALOG #ABG330 (3 college credits)
Duration: One Term
Credits: 1
Open to: 11-12
Prerequisite: None

This advanced level course is designed to emphasize agricultural business management. Students will have hands-on experience with computers and other data serving networks. They will manage simulated businesses. Learning opportunities will include credit and money management marketing, planning and decision making. Management principles, record keeping, and occupational/career planning will be stressed.

Survey of Animal

"Concurrent Enrollment" NICC CATALOG #AGS114 (2 college credits)
Duration: One Term
Credits: 1
Open to: 11-12
Prerequisite: Animal Science II

The major focus of this course is to expose students to the world of agriculture, animal science, and career options. Students participating in the Animal Science III course will have experiences in various animal science concepts with exciting hands-on activities, projects, and problems. Students’ experiences will involve the study of animal genetics, animal health, diseases, and parasites, products from animal production, proper animal selection, and marketing within the animal industry. Students will explore hands-on projects and activities to learn the characteristics of animal science and work on major projects and problems similar to those that animal science specialists, such as veterinarians, zoologists, livestock producers, and industry personnel, face in their respective careers.

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