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*LEGS: AGRICULTURE EXPLORATION
CREDITS: 1/4 COURSE LENGTH: 4 1/2 weeks
*Life Essential Group of Studies
Graduation Requirement For All 9th Grade Students
Agriculture is defined as all activities involved in the production, processing, distribution and marketing of food and fiber.
Students will be taken on a journey through many of today's agriculture areas including environmental technology, plant science, animal production, food processing and agribusiness. Students will evaluate the cultural impact of agriculture on society and how they are connected to agriculture. Hands on activities and labs will enhance the students understanding of agriculture.
The application of agriculture to other curriculum areas will be emphasized. A class notebook will be required of all students.
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AGRICULTURE SCIENCE 1: Introduction to Agriculture Science
CREDITS: 1 COURSE LENGTH: 18 weeks
Course Offered Every Year PREREQUISITE FOR ALL OTHER AG SCIENCE COURSES
This first year Agriculture Science course is designed to give students a basic overview of the agri-science industry. Ag Science 1 will combine practical, hands-on experience in agri-science with an emphasis on applied skills and laboratory exploration. Field trips may be scheduled throughout the year and a number of laboratory experiences will be included in each unit.
Major agriculture areas to be covered will include: Animal Science, Leadership Development, Ag Processing, Natural Resources and Plant Science. Students will study the importance of agriculture in Pennsylvania and the world.
Animal science discussions will include terminology and types of farming operations dealing with beef, sheep, swine, dairy, poultry and horses. Students will participate in a livestock judging contest.
Students will develop their leadership potential by learning about their own leadership style. Methods of speaking in front of group of your peers will be explored. This leadership knowledge will be applied to a school wide community service project.
Students will gain an appreciation of how food goes "from the field to the table". Students will investigate the composition and processing of a food item of their choice.
Natural resources will deal with wildlife species habitat management, natural resource conservation, watersheds and land use options.
The plant science unit will give students an overview of how plants grow and how we use the products from plants. The unit will include soil preparations, growing a garden and greenhouse operation. A field trip to Longwood Gardens may be included in the unit.
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HONORS AGRICULTURE SCIENCE 1: Introduction to Agriculture Science
CREDITS: 1 COURSE LENGTH: 18 weeks
Course Offered Every Year CAN BE PREREQUISITE FOR OTHER AG SCI. COURSES
This advanced first year Agriculture Science course is designed to give students a more thorough overview of the agri-science industry than the Ag Science 1 course. Students DO NOT need to live on a farm to elect this class.
Honors Ag Science 1 will combine practical, hands-on experience in agri-science with an emphasis on applied skills and laboratory exploration. Students will be expected to do advanced scientific application of agriculture in this honors level class. Field trips may be scheduled throughout the year and a number of laboratory experiences will be included in each unit.
Students who successfully pass this Honors Ag Science class will be asked to serve as Teacher Assistants (TA’s) in future Agriculture Education electives.
Major agriculture areas to be covered will include: Animal Science, Leadership Development, Ag Processing, Natural Resources and Plant Science. Students will study the economic, social and cultural importance of agriculture in Pennsylvania and the world.
Animal science discussions will include terminology and types of farming operations dealing with beef, sheep, swine, dairy, poultry and horses. Independent research will be conducted by students in an area of animal science of their choice. Students will create a livestock judging contest for the Ag Science 1 class.
Students will develop their leadership potential by learning about their own leadership style. Methods of speaking in front of group of your peers will be explored. This leadership knowledge will be applied to an independent community service project.
Students will gain an appreciation of how food goes "from the field to the table". Students will investigate the composition and processing of a food item of their choice. Each student will make a personal contact with a food industry professional.
Natural resources will deal with wildlife species habitat management, natural resource conservation, and watershed study and land use options. Independent research will be conducted by students in an area of environmental science of their choice.
The plant science unit will give students an overview of how plants grow and how we use the products from plants. The unit will include soil preparations, growing a garden and operation of the high school greenhouse and tree nursery. Independent research will be conducted by students in an area of plant science of their choice. A field trip to Longwood Gardens may be included in the unit.
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EQUINE SCIENCE: Horse Management
CREDITS: 1/2 COURSE LENGTH: 9 weeks
Horses represent a $16 billion industry annually in the United States. This course will introduce students to the many aspects of the equine industry. Applied skill and scientific topics covered will include history, anatomy, health, genetics, nutrition, judging, riding and training of horses. Management of the equine business will be stressed.
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ENVIRONMENTAL STEWARDSHIP: Water, Soil, Forest, Fish and Wildlife
CREDITS: 1/2 COURSE LENGTH: 9 weeks
This Ag Science course is designed to acquaint the student with our most important natural resources: Water, Soil, Forest, Fish and Wildlife. Students will evaluate the ties between finite natural resources and the need for conservation, sustainable agriculture development and stewardship of the environment. Students will analyze the use of renewable and nonrenewable resources and the impact of human activity on them.
Students will develop skills in managing natural resources as agriculture crops including habitat requirements, life cycles and methods of conserving natural resource elements. Students will analyze the interdependence of an ecosystem. Hands-on labs will include water quality analysis, species identification, habitat development, timber stand improvement, aquaculture and effects of pollution. Students will work with local game wardens, land managers, fish commissioners and sportsmen clubs to analyze the social systems effects on the environment. A canoe trip with the Chesapeake Bay Foundation will be taken to provide students with the opportunity to think critically and generate potential solutions to environmental issues. Current environmental laws will be reviewed. Careers will be explored by students spending a day with a professional in the natural resources industry.
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AGRICULTURE BIOTECHNOLOGY: Plant & Animal Biotechnology and Crop Science
CREDITS: 1/2 COURSE LENGTH: 9 weeks
This Ag Science course is designed to show student how principals of biology have been researched, manipulated and used to provide advancements in the production of food and fiber. Students will describe how agricultural science has influenced biotechnology and their lives now and in the future.
Students will investigate how American agriculture can and will continue to feed an ever-increasing world population with limited resources. A basic understanding of plant and animal reproduction will be advanced into a science of agriculture biotechnology. A strong emphasis on agriculture research and applied student laboratory experiences to simulated the agriculture biotechnology industry work place.
Best management practices of farm crop production systems with an emphasis on corn, soybeans, grasses and small grains will be covered
Labs will include scientific manipulation of plant and animals and the examination of the global food supply. Field trips will be taken to see first hand agriculture biotechnology practices and careers in agriculture biotechnology.
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APPLIED AGRICULTURE ANIMAL SCIENCE 2: Beef, Sheep, and Swine Management
CREDITS: 1/2 COURSE LENGTH: 9 weeks
This agri-science class will continue with the discussion about Beef, Sheep and Swine from the Ag Science I class. The body systems including skeletal, reproduction, digestion, and mammary will be reviewed. Veterinary skills will be explored for the various livestock species. Students will analyze best management practices for beef, sheep and swine. Nutrient management laws as they relate to livestock will be examined.
Careers will be explored by students spending a day with a professional in the livestock industry. Each student will explore varied agricultural career options in all units studied and relate them to their individual interest, aptitudes and skills.
In-depth management topics will center on the Beef, Sheep, Swine and Dairy industries. Areas to be covered will include health, housing, nutrition, selection, marketing, current issues and global and environmental concerns related to animal science, Field trips will be taken to local livestock producers to observe management practices and career possibilities. Students will evaluate the impact of processed agriculture foods and products from livestock on current and future lifestyles.
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APPLIED AGRICULTURE PLANT SCIENCE 2: Landscaping and Turf Management
CREDITS: 1/2 COURSE LENGTH: 9 weeks
This Ag Science course will continue with the discussion about plants from the Ag Science I class. The cultural practices involved in the production of plants including plant functions, soil preparation, plant propagation, turf management, integrated pest control and horticulture marketing. Environmental concerns and current issues facing the plant science industry will be reviewed. The Ag Department greenhouse, land lab and tree nursery will be used to apply plant science skills learned in class.
An overview of landscape history and design concepts will be covered. Students will be responsible for finding a “client” to prepare a landscape plan for using proper landscape design techniques.
Crop areas to be studied will include perennial flowers, nursery stock and ornamental landscape plants. Proper identification of common ornamental plants will be required.
The establishment and care of turf grass will be explored with an emphasis on professional turf grass management.
The career fields of horticulture including lawn care, landscaping and tree nursery management will be explored through hands on labs, field trips and student research.
Careers will be explored by students spending a day with a professional in the plant science industry.
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AGRICULTURE SALES AND MARKETING: Salesmanship and Business Management
CREDITS: 1/2 COURSE LENGTH: 9 weeks
HACC College in the Classroom: 3 college credits offered for this course
The many principals of agribusiness management will be examined. Hands-on classroom instruction in the proper techniques of selling and marketing agriculture products, computer applications to agriculture, record keeping skills and preparing materials for agriculture publications will be carried out. Risk management and budget analysis will be studied.
The importance of agriculture cooperatives will be studied. Students will run an agriculture business to apply the skills of people and resource management.
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APPLIED AGRICULTURE ANIMAL SCIENCE 1: Dairy, Poultry & Small Animal Mgt.
CREDITS: 1/2 COURSE LENGTH: 9 weeks
This agri-science class will continue with the discussion about Dairy, Poultry and Small Animals from the Ag Science I class. The body systems including skeletal, reproduction, digestion, and mammary will be reviewed. Veterinary skills will be explored for dairy, poultry and small animals. Careers will be explored by students visiting with a professional in the livestock industry. Each student will explore varied agricultural career options in all units studied and relate them to their individual interest, aptitudes and skills.
In-depth management topics will center on the dairy, poultry and small animal production. Areas to be covered will include health, housing, nutrition, selection, marketing, current issues and global and environmental concerns related to animal science, Field trips will be taken to local livestock producers to observe management practices and career possibilities.
Students will evaluate the impact of processed agriculture foods and products from dairy and poultry on current and future lifestyles.
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APPLIED AGRICULTURE PLANT SCIENCE 1: Greenhouse Management & Floriculture
CREDITS: 1/2 COURSE LENGTH: 9 weeks
This Ag Science course will continue with the discussion about plants from the Ag Science I class. Environmental concerns and current issues facing the plant science industry will be reviewed. The Ag Department greenhouse, tree nursery and land lab will be used to apply plant science skills learned in class.
The cultural practices involved in the production of plants in a greenhouse setting including plant functions, soil preparation, plant propagation, fertilization and pest control will be covered.
Basic flower arranging design techniques and skills will be reviewed. Flower identification and floriculture supplies will be examined. The sales and marketing skill of a florist will be applied in a weekly flower shop run by students.
The career fields of horticulture including greenhouse engineering, bedding plant production, flower arranging and greenhouse management will be explored through hands on labs, field trips and student research.
Careers will be explored by students visiting with a professional in the plant science industry.
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AGRICULTURE PROCESSING: Food Safety, Meat and Dairy Processing
CREDITS: 1/2 COURSE LENGTH: 9 weeks
Agriculture is more than farming. The agriculture processing industry has become one of advance technology and provides consumers with superior quality food products that require skilled workers. Students will evaluate the impact of processed agriculture foods and products on current and future lifestyles. Topics including dairy and meat processing, factory processing of agriculture products, food inspection systems, environmental concerns associated with the processing industry and the marketing of the processed products. The unlimited career opportunities available to students in the food processing industry will be explored. Each student will explore varied agricultural career options in all units studied and relate them to their individual interest, aptitudes and skills. Each student will visit with a professional in the food science industry.
Hands-on labs will be conducted to encourage students to demonstrate the agriculture processing concepts learned in class. Labs will include meat quality identification, dairy foods evaluation, processing of several agriculture products and the examination of the global food supply. Field trips to several food processing plants will be taken to see, first hand, the technology and careers in each area of agriculture processing.
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AGRICULTURE MECHANICS 1: Introduction to Agriculture Mechanics
CREDITS: 1 COURSE LENGTH: 18 weeks
Course Offered Every Year PREREQUISITE FOR ALL OTHER AG MECH CLASSES.
This, being the first course taught in Agriculture Education Mechanics, will provide a basic overview of agricultural mechanics related to repair, construction and maintenance. The student will receive instruction in shop safety, tools and hardware identification, tool fitting and sharpening, tool use and maintenance, simple metal and wood work, basic electrical wiring, gas welding, an introduction to electric arc welding and tractor driving safety. All students will master the use of materials, tools and processes of agriculture mechanics that are applicable to this course.
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HONORS AGRICULTURE MECHANICS 1: Introduction to Agriculture Mechanics
CREDITS: 1 COURSE LENGTH: 18 weeks
Course Offered Every Year CAN BE PREREQUISITE FOR OTHER AG MECH CLASSES.
Course Description:
This advanced first year Agriculture Education Mechanics course will provide students with a more thorough overview of agriculture mechanics than Ag Mech 1. Topics to be covered include areas of agriculture mechanics related to repair, construction and maintenance.
Honors Ag Mechanics 1 will combine practical hands on experience in agriculture mechanics with an emphasis on advanced skill development. Students will be expected to do skill development above the level taught in Ag Mech 1. Students DO NOT need to live on a farm to elect this class.
The student will receive instruction in shop safety, tools and hardware identification, tool fitting and sharpening, tool use and maintenance, simple metal and wood work, basic electrical wiring, gas welding, an introduction to electric arc welding and tractor driving safety. All students will master the use of materials, tools and processes of agriculture mechanics that are applicable to this course.
Students who successfully pass this Honors Ag Mech 1 class will be asked to serve as Teacher Assistants (TA’s) in future Agriculture Education electives.
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DIESEL MACHINERY
CREDITS: 1 /2 COURSE LENGTH: 9 weeks
Diesel Machinery will cover the basic information needed by students to help them enter a career in diesel mechanics. Career exploration will be cover to show students the multiple areas involved in diesel mechanics. Skills to be developed will include diesel engine tear down, short block service, cylinder head service, turbo charges, and superchargers. Diesel engine reassembly and injection system service will also be covered in depth.
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SMALL GAS ENGINES
CREDITS: 1 /2 COURSE LENGTH: 9 weeks
The purpose of this Ag Mech course is to aid in practical, working knowledge of small gas engines. This course will include repair, operation and maintenance of two and four cycle engines. Laboratory exercises will cover compression, ignition, carburetor adjustment, fuels, lubrication, maintenance and sales. Students will develop engine trouble shooting skills to determine what is wrong with an engine.
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PRINCIPLES OF AGRICULTURE MACHINERY
CREDITS: 1 /2 COURSE LENGTH: 9 weeks
This Ag Mech course is designed for any student with strong mechanical interests. The course will involve tractor and machinery maintenance and calibration. Emphasis will be put on the need for the upkeep of equipment by stressing the value of replacing parts, preventative maintenance, and the loss of working time. Actual experience in adjustment, maintenance, set-up and servicing of tractor engines and other machinery will be covered. Local dealerships will provide equipment for study.
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AGRICULTURE CONSTRUCTION
CREDITS: 1 /2 COURSE LENGTH: 9 weeks
The goal of this Ag Mech course is to give the individual working knowledge of building construction. The student will receive instruction in planning of a project, developing a bill of materials and carpentry and framing skills. The class will participate in the planning and building of a large storage shed. This project will give students hand-on experience with identification and ordering of construction materials, safe and proper construction tool usage, site preparation, rafter and wall layout, exterior finish work, spray painting and team work.
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ADVANCED AGRICULTURE CONSTRUCTION
CREDITS: 1 /2 COURSE LENGTH: 9 weeks
Course Description:
The goal of the Advanced Construction is to build on the basic skills learned in Ag Mechanics 1 and Ag Construction. In Advanced Ag Construction, students will learn more about finishing a permanent structure. Electrical wiring, plumbing, basic interior wall finishes, hanging doors, and installation of windows are a few topics that will be covered. The skills developed have common uses on the farm and in the home. The course will emphasize proper tool usage and safety, knowledge of materials and construction procedures, building codes and safety standards, as well as business and computer skills.
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AGRICULTURE WELDING
CREDITS: 1 /2 COURSE LENGTH: 9 weeks
Course Description:
This course includes oxygen-acetylene gas welding review, basic arc welding, inert gas welding (MIG and TIG) and plasma cutting. The class emphasizes performance in arc and inert gas welding and the proper use of metal working equipment. Students in the Agriculture Mechanics shop will use agriculture industry based welding equipment.
This course begins with a review of the student’s basic knowledge of electric arc welding and applied skills of oxygen-acetylene welding learned in Ag Mech 1. Students will learn and demonstrate approved welding and metal working techniques.
A take home welding project, paid for by the student, will be constructed as a concluding project of the class.
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SENIOR AG CO-OP WORK EXPERIENCE PROGRAM
CREDITS: 4 COURSE LENGTH: Full Year
Prereq: To be eligible for a Co-Op placement, a student must have a "C" or better in the following Ag Ed department courses. Ag Science I and/or Ag Mech I plus 1 1/2 credits in Agriculture Department courses beyond Ag Science I and Ag Mech I. You must get Mrs. Seibert's signature on your course selection sheet before turning it in to the guidance department.
Course Description:
This fourth year Agriculture Education course will require students to understand and demonstrate the importance of relating their academic and vocational skills to their ability to seek, obtain and maintain a job. This Co-Op program consists of on-the-job training, which is provided by the local employer and supervised by the agricultural instructors. The students must keep record books. Included in the books are hours worked, skills learned and a work agreement signed by the employer, student, Ag-Ed instructor and parents.
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