Agricultural Education Center

NameTitleExtensionWebsite
Janet Rosequist402
Scott Porter404
Jennifer Gornnert403
Maria VanderWoudeVocational Counselor401
Ellen WelchSecretary400

The Ag Center Website provides more details of classes and student activities offered at the center.

Detailed course offerings are available below or in a pdf document.

AGRICULTURE EDUCATION CENTER

An application is required for all courses. The deadline for all applications is February 22, 2008. Courses at the Agricultural Education Center give students hands-on experience and skill training that help them obtain jobs or continue their education in a two or four year college. All courses, with the exception of Consumer Agriculture and Introduction to Agriculture, are a year long, double period and part of a course sequence. Each course is worth 2 credits.

The following are the two-year course sequences available:
Agricultural Science Grades 9-11
Forestry and Natural Resources Grades 10-12
Horticulture-Interior Applications Grades 10-12
Horticulture-Exterior Applications Grades 10-12

721 INTRODUCTION TO AGRICULTURE Level 2 Grades 8-9, 1/2 credit

This one semester course is an overview for students interested in pursuing further studies in agriculture. As a survey course, the fundamentals of the various fields of agriculture including animal science, forestry, plant science, agricultural mechanics and food science will be introduced. Students will sample work experiences in agriculture through participation in hands-on projects and exercises utilizing a land laboratory greenhouse, agriculturalmechanics shop, and forest laboratory. Career options, leadership and participation in FFA will be discussed. Enrollment limited to 16.

722 AGRICULTURAL SCIENCE Level 2 Grades 9-11, 2 credits

This course is designed to give students a basic understanding of the principles of agriculture. It includes orientation to agricultural industries, fundamentals of plant and soil science, basics of forestry and natural resources, small animal management and animal health, use of machines, agricultural mechanics and shop safety. Students will be expected to participate in various agricultural jobs, judging contests and FFA leadership activities in order to obtain first hand agricultural experience. Record keeping and documentation of skill development are used to reinforce class activities. Enrollment limited to 10.

723 CONSUMER AGRICULTURE: ANIMAL KINGDOM Level 1 Grades 11-12, 1/2 credit

This course will cover related subjects in more depth than Introduction to Agriculture. Topics covered will include: animal ethics, small animal care and handling, equine husbandry, food science and biotechnology, wildlife and the suburban environment. Enrollment limited to 16.

724 CONSUMER AGRICULTURE: PLANT KINGDOM Level 1 Grades 11-12, 1/2 credit

This course will cover related subjects in more depth than Introduction to Agriculture. Topics covered will include: human impact on the environment, turf management, landscape design and maintenance, interior plantscapes, floral design. Enrollment limited to 16

725 AGRICULTURAL MECHANICS Level 2 Grades 10-12, 2 credits

This course is designed to equip students with the mechanical skills required in agricultural industry and those industries that service agricultural enterprises. The maintenance, repair and safe use of hand and power tools will lead to the maintenance and repair of small engines such as those found in chain saws and mowers. Equal consideration will be given to welding and construction skills that will be applied and developed through work on class and individual projects. Not offered in 2008-2009.

726 HORTICULTURE: Exterior Applications Level 2 Grades 10-12, 2 credits

This course will cover the basics of plant anatomy and physiology, propagation, soils, pest control, etc. Focus will be on nursery and landscape industries, outdoor equipment operation, turf industry and other related topics. This class will work cooperatively with horticultural businesses and public agencies in the community. Enrollment limited to 7.

727 HORTICULTURE: Interior Applications Level 2 Grades 10-12, 2 credits

This course will cover the basics of plant anatomy and physiology, propagation, soils, pest control, etc. This course will cover more detailed units in greenhouse management, interior plantscaping and floral design. Plant propagation and cultural methods for both edible and decorative plants will be emphasized. Greenhouse production will be a significant project as will activities related to the floral design industry. The class will work cooperatively with horticultural businesses and public agencies in the community. Enrollment limited to 7.

728 FORESTRY AND NATURAL RESOURCES Level 2 Grades 10-12, 2 credits

Prerequisite for this course: Agricultural Science. This course is an introduction to the area of Natural Resources Management. In addition to awareness of employment opportunities, this course will encourage consumer awareness and responsibility for our natural resources. Students will learn the importance of multi-use forest management, become aware of the basic elements of the forest ecosystem, demonstrate proper tree planting techniques and timber management practices, and will be able to identify and specify uses for common commercially important trees in New England. The issues of water and air quality, as well as soil conservation, will be addressed. These concepts will be applied through land management and other practical projects. Enrollment limited to 9.

VETERINARY SCIENCE Level 1 Grades 11-12, 2 credits

Prerequisite: B or better in General Biology, or completion of Honors Biology.
This course explores the anatomy and physiology of domestic mammals and relates concepts to human anatomy and physiology. It will allow students considering any career in the life sciences a head start on understanding body systems. Classroom learning and laboratory activities will be supplemented with the handling of domestic animals on a regular basis. Practical management of domestic animals will be emphasized throughout the course. Occupational leadership and responsibility will also be a core element of the program. Enrollment limited to 9.