Agriculture Program

Course Descriptions

Agriculture Biology

This course provides a hands-on approach to biological sciences through agriculture. Agriculture Biology is a laboratory science course designed for the college-bound student. The course emphasizes detailed knowledge of the biological principles of the following areas: molecular and cellular aspects of living things, structure and function of agricultural plants and animals, genetics, physiology, plant and animal diversity, and principles of classification, ecological relationships, and animal behavior. Concepts in animal and plant science, foreign and domestic agriculture history, public speaking, and parliamentary procedure also included.

Grade Level: 9-10

Graduation Credit: Biological Science

CSU/UC: Lab Science(d)

CTE Pathway: Animal Science

CTE Course Level: Concentrator

Agriculture Chemistry

This course explores the physical and chemical nature of soil as well as the relationships between soil, plants, animals and agricultural practices. Students will examine properties of soil and land and their connections to plant and animal production. Using knowledge of scientific protocols as well as course content, students will develop an Agriscience research program to be conducted throughout the first semester of the course. To complete that whole project each student will investigate and test an Agriscience research question by formulating a scientific question related to the course content, formulating a hypothesis based on related research, conducting an experiment to test the hypothesis, collecting quantitative data, and forming a conclusion based on analysis of the data. The result of this research program will be an in-depth research and experimentation paper that is technically written, based on scientific protocol, and cited using APA formatting. Additionally, students will develop and present a capstone soil management plan for agricultural producers, using the content learned throughout the course. Throughout the course, students will be graded on participation in intracurricular FFA activities as well as the development and maintenance of an ongoing Supervised Agricultural Experience (SAE) program.

Grade Level: 10-12

Graduation Credit: Science

CSU/UC: Lab Science(d)

CTE Pathway: None

CTE Course Level: Singleton

Agriculture Physics

Ag Physics is a collaborative and rigorous standards-based laboratory science course that fulfills the physical science requirement focusing on college and career readiness. This course is a standards-based study of fundamental physics concepts, such as measurement, calculation, and graphing in kinematics and dynamics, propagation and conservation of energy and momentum, gravitation, heat and thermodynamics, waves, optics, and electromagnetic phenomena. Emphasis is placed on the utilization of mathematical, analytical, data acquisition, graphical, and communication skills to promote discovery of those concepts. Concepts and skills are reinforced by emphasis on hands-on laboratory experiences and the integration of agricultural physics and natural resources. Applications explain how physics applies to agricultural and natural resources, and the utilization of technology are included.

Grade Level: 11-12

Graduation Credit: Science, CTE

CSU/UC: Lab Science(d)

CTE Course Level: Singleton

Veterinary Science

This course will provide a realistic preview of both veterinary work and the academic rigor needed to achieve success in this profession. Students begin the year exploring cells and tissues. Throughout the year, they investigate the different physiological systems and how they apply to nutrition, diseases, diagnosis, and surgery. Diseases may include Mastitis, Kennel Cough, Equine Colic, Anthrax, Mad Cow Disease, West Nile Virus, Cat Scratch Disease, and many more. Field trips may include visits to local vet clinics, SVCTEC’S Pre-Vet Program, and local farms to watch surgeries or demonstrate real life concepts. Students may have the opportunity to participate in FFA judging teams. If you desire a career or interest as a veterinarian, farmer, zoologist, pet owner, or any other animal related career, then this is the course for you.

Prerequisite: Agriculture Biology

Grade Level: 10-12

Graduation Credit: Biological Science

CSU/UC: Electives(g)

CTE Pathway: Animal Science

CTE Course Level: Capstone