Agricultural Science (CTE)

Agricultural Science Teachers

Name	Phone Ext.	Room
Ryan Ellis	263128	C128
Peter Olson	263121	C121
Heather Valentine (CTE Dept. Co-Chair)	263127	C127

Plant Science Pathway Description

The Plant and Horticulture pathway is designed for students with an interest in plant science. Students will develop techniques in growing and cultivating plants, as well as small business skills.

Plant Science Courses

Foundations of Plant Science

Foundations of Plant Science (FPS) explores the plant industries and food system of the United States in order to foster an understanding of the steps involved in growing crops for food, as well as plants for ornamental and aesthetic purposes. Students study the major characteristics of plant life, plant structures and functions, nutrient needs of plants, fundamentals of soil science, water management, cultural practices, pest management, and explore career options in the horticulture industry through classroom and laboratory instruction. Students are introduced to the foundational leadership skills, responsibility, and cooperation needed to be a successful and productive citizen through a school-based agricultural education three-component model which includes FFA activities, Supervised Agricultural Experience programs, and career and leadership development events.

Plant and Soil Systems

Plant and Soil Systems (PSS) enables students to build on the knowledge and experience gained in the fundamentals of plant and soil science. Students apply knowledge and concepts of plant science, soil science, water management, pest management, and various crop production characteristics through hands-on laboratory and experiential learning. PSS uses a combination of classroom and laboratory instruction that includes land labs, greenhouses, landscape beds, floral production, and hydroponics. Students develop leadership skills, increase levels of responsibility, and engage in cooperative activities through FFA activities, Supervised Agricultural Experience programs, and career and leadership development events through a school-based three-component agricultural education model.

Plant Systems Management & Sustainability

Plant Systems Management & Sustainability (PSMS) enables students to apply principles of horticulture production and facility maintenance and design. Students learn soil conservation and land management practices, as well as concepts related to integrated pest management and how to properly use and apply pesticides, as well as principles of business management and record keeping. Students explore global economic systems, the sustainability of plant life, and the multifaceted role plants play in sustaining and improving the quality of life. Students apply skills gained through Supervised Agricultural Experience programs, FFA leadership activities, and career and leadership development events to better serve the community through a school-based three-component agricultural education model.

Natural Resources Management Pathway Description

This pathway is designed to give students a deep understanding of environmental science using science and technology. Students will be prepared for 21st-century environmental and natural resource problems and solutions.

Introduction to Natural Resources

Introduction to Natural Resources (INR) introduces the interactions of living and nonliving systems on earth. Topics include the nature of science, ecology, water quality, chemical interactions, weather and climate, energy, and resource management, as well as exploration of career opportunities on a local, state, and national level. Laboratory exercises reinforce curriculum and provide students the opportunity to apply data analysis to their observations. Students are introduced to the foundational leadership skills, responsibility, and cooperation needed to be a successful and productive citizen through a school-based agricultural education three-component model, which includes FFA activities, Supervised Agricultural Experience programs, and career and leadership development events.

Principles of Environmental Science

Principles of Environmental Science (PES) provides students with the opportunity to apply conservation principles to preserve the environment, natural resources, and ecosystems. Students learn proper soils and land-use practices, the impact of chemicals in the environment, and how to test water and air quality. Students understand societal issues relating to the environment as well as land use and waste management. Classroom and laboratory activities are supplemented through supervised agricultural experiences and leadership programs. Students develop leadership skills, increase levels of responsibility, and engage in cooperative activities through FFA activities, Supervised Agricultural Experience programs, and career and leadership development events through a school-based three-component agricultural education model.

Natural Resources Management AP Courses

AP Environmental Science

AP Environmental Science

AP Environmental Science (ES) provides students with the scientific principles and methods required to understand the interrelationships of the natural world, identify and analyze environmental problems that are natural and human-made, evaluate risks associated with these problems, and examine alternative solutions for resolving or preventing these issues. Students apply their knowledge of the environment to current environmental issues in their own communities. Students apply skills gained through Supervised Agricultural Experience programs, FFA leadership activities, and career and leadership development events to better serve the community through a school-based three-component agricultural education model.

Animal Science Pathway Description

The Animal Science pathway is designed for students who will engage in the learning process through applying mathematics, science, communication, business, technology, and the arts to solve real-life problems and make sound decisions for their future, develop higher order thinking skills, and develop a knowledge base that will enable them to understand and process new information. Students will be educated about the animal sciences industry. Students completing this pathway will be prepared for a career in the animal science industry or post-secondary education.

Animal Science & Management Courses

Foundations of Animal Science

Foundations of Animal Science (FAS) focuses on the fundamentals of animal science which include animal origin, domestication and uses, careers in the animal industry, animal safety, and sanitation, ways animals help humans, taxonomy and breeds, basic nutrition and health, bio-security principles and environmental conditions on animals and animal rights vs. welfare. Students are introduced to the foundational leadership skills, responsibility, and cooperation needed to be a successful and productive citizen through a school-based agricultural education three-component model, which includes FFA activities, Supervised Agricultural Experience programs, and career and leadership development events.

Growth and Development of Domestic Animals

Growth and Development of Domestic Animals (GDDA) enables students to apply animal science principles including: bio-security principles and environmental conditions on animals, scientific principles of anatomy, physiology and reproduction, nutrition, animal health and management, animal products and processing, laws and sustainable practices, and industry standards on the animal selection process. Students develop leadership skills, increase levels of responsibility, and engage in cooperative activities through FFA activities, Supervised Agricultural Experience programs, and career and leadership development events through a school-based three-component agricultural education model.

Domestic Animal Management

Domestic Animal Management (DAM) enables students to demonstrate their mastery of the content covered in FSA and GDDA and apply their technical knowledge and skills in the field of animal agriculture. Students apply their mastery of bio-security principles and environmental conditions on animals, global applications of animal agriculture, reproduction and genetics, animal nutrition, animal healthcare and evaluation, selection and marketing, and legal responsibilities through hands-on activities. Students apply skills gained through Supervised Agricultural Experience programs, FFA leadership activities, and career and leadership development events to better serve the community through a school-based three-component agricultural education model.