AGRICULTURE

COURSES OFFERED AT WEST PRAIRIE HIGH SCHOOL and ARE SUBJECT TO SPACE & TRANSPORTATION AVAILABILITY.  NOT ALL CLASSES ARE AVAILABLE EVERY YEAR; SOME ARE OFFERED EVERY OTHER YEAR.

NOTE: Students enrolled in these classes will leave school on district transportation prior to the start of the regular school day.  Students must ride district provided transportation to and from these locations.

GRADES

COURSES OFFERED

CREDITS

9,10,11,12 Agricultural Orientation

1

10,11,12 Agriscience

1

10,11,12 Ag Management/Business

1

10,11,12 Horticulture

1

10,11,12 Ag Mechanization

1

10,11,12 BSAA

1

10,11,12 Wildlife & Natural Resources Management

1


AGRICULTURAL ORIENTATION                                               

1 credit (1 year)
Grades: 9, 10, 11, 12
Prerequisite: None
Fee: $10
This course is designed to be an overview of a variety of agricultural topics.  Subjects include agricultural history, forestry, soil, farm safety, agricultural machinery, crops, record keeping, wildlife, livestock, horticulture, and introductory woodworking.  Students will be required to maintain a record book project during the spring semester and FFA membership is strongly encouraged.  This course is a prerequisite for all subsequent agriculture courses.

AGRISCIENCE                                                                           

1 credit (1 year)
Grades: 10, 11, 12
Prerequisite: Agricultural Orientation
Fee: $10
This secondary agriculture course focuses on the science of the agriculture industry and is divided into two categories: environmental science during fall semester and animal science during spring semester.  Each topic may be taken independently of the other for 1/2 graduating credit.  Environmental science topics include soil, Illinois native landscapes, water conservation, plant systems, alternative fuel sources, global warming, and weather.  Animal science topics include veterinary terminology and tools, nutrition, anatomy and physiology, reproduction, parasitology, safety and sanitation, clinical exams, and animal genetics.  Students will work heavily through experiments and the scientific method.  All students are required to design, execute, and exhibit a science experiment in the FFA Agriscience Fair.  Ag Science will count as a science credit to meet graduation requirements, but NOT for college admission.

 

AG MANAGEMENT/BUSINESS                                              

1 credit (1 year)
Grades: 10, 11, 12
Prerequisite:  Agricultural Orientation
This class includes instruction in planning the agricultural business, keeping records, Ag. computers, Ag. Finance, managing an Ag. Business, public speaking, interviewing, resumes and a career search.  At least two weeks will be spent on owning and operating the business and customer relations.  Part of the curriculum will be spent on stock market analysis and the futures market.

 

HORTICULTURE                                                                         

1 credit (1 year)
Grades: 10, 11, 12
Prerequisite: One year of Science
Fee: $10
This course is designed to develop knowledge and skills in the following areas:  forestry, landscaping, greenhouse management, identifying horticulture plants, propagating horticultural plants, plant taxonomy, pruning, gardening and floriculture.  A Supervised Agricultural Experience Program will be a required component of the course and participation in FFA activities and career development events is encouraged.  (This counts as a science credit toward graduation requirements, but NOT for college admission.)

 

AGRICULTURAL MECHANIZATION                                             

1 credit (1 year)
Grades: 10, 11, 12
Prerequisite: Agricultural Orientation
This course includes the study of tool conditioning, arc welding, MIG welding, oxy-acetylene welding, plumbing, concrete and masonry, electric motors and controls, surveying, and advanced carpentry.  Students will be required to complete a shop project either individually or as a class.

 

BIOLOGICAL SCIENCE APPLICATIONS IN AG/ANIMAL SCIENCE
 & PLANT SCIENCE (BSAA)                     

1 credit (1 year)
Grades: 10, 11, 12
Prerequisite:  Biology
Biological Science Applications in Agriculture is a course designed to reinforce and extend students' understanding of science by associating basic scientific principles and concepts with relevant applications in agriculture.  One semester will focus on major phases of plant growth and management in agriculture and the specific biological science concepts that govern management decisions.  The other semester will examine major phases of animal agriculture and specific biological science concepts that govern management decisions in the animal industry.  This course will deepen students' understanding of science as content and a process through the use of numerous laboratory exercises and experiments.  Students can also establish a Supervised Agriculture Experience Program and participate in agricultural science activities in FFA.

In this class, students will apply their knowledge of biology to management decisions and practices in agriculture.  Sample topics include: 1) Initiating plant growth-germination, plant sensory mechanisms, enzyme reaction, and respiration, translocation, metabolism, and growth regulation.  2) Growth and development of animals embryology, ethology, nutrition, and immunity systems and  3) Processing animal products.  (This course will count as a science credit for graduation requirements.)

 

WILDLIFE & NATURAL RESOURCES MANAGEMENT AND CONSERVATION

1 credit (1 year)
Grades: 10, 11, 12
Prerequisite: None
This course develops management and conservation skills in understanding the connection between agriculture and natural resources.  Student knowledge and skills are developed in: understanding natural resources and its importance; fish, wildlife, and forestry management and conservation; and exploring outdoor recreational enterprises.  Hunting and fishing as a sport, growing and managing tree forests, and outdoor safety education will be featured.  Career exploration will be discussed including: park ranger, game warden, campground manager, forester, conservation officer, wildlife manager, and related occupations.  Improving computer and workplace skills will be a focus.  Participation in FFA student organization activities and Supervised Agricultural Experience (SAE) projects is an integral course component for leadership development, career exploration, and reinforcement of academic concepts.


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