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The Agriscience pathway helps students acquire a broad understanding of a variety of agricultural areas, develop an awareness of the many career opportunities in agriculture, participate in occupationally relevant experiences, and work cooperatively with a group to develop and expand leadership abilities. Students study California agriculture, agricultural business, agricultural technologies, natural resources, and animal, plant, and soil sciences.
Introduces students to the vast field of agriculture. It consists of the following areas of instruction: California Agriculture, Animal Science, Plant Science, Careers in Agriculture and Leadership. All students are required to have a supervised project during the year and participate in FFA.
This course is designed to integrate biological science practices and knowledge into the practice of sustainable agriculture. The course is organized into four major sections, or units, each with a guiding question. Unit one addresses the question, What is sustainable agriculture? Unit two, How does sustainable agriculture fit into our environment? Unit three, What molecular biology principles guide sustainable agriculture? Unit four, How do we make decisions to maximize sustainable agricultural practices within a functioning ecosystem? Within each unit specific life science principles will be identified with agricultural principles and practices guiding the acquisition of this knowledge, culminating in the development of a sustainable farm model and portfolio of supporting student research. Throughout the course, students are graded on participation in intracurricular FFA activities as well as the development and maintenance of an ongoing Supervised Agricultural Experience (SAE) program.
This course explores the physical and chemical nature of soil as well as the relationships between soil, plants, animals and agricultural practices. Students 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 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 is an in depth research and experimentation paper that is technically written, based on scientific protocol, and cited using APA formatting. Additionally, students develop and present a capstone soil management plan for agricultural producers, demonstrating their knowledge of the soil chemistry content learned throughout the course. Throughout the course, students are graded on participation in intracurricular FFA activities as well as the development and maintenance of an ongoing Supervised Agricultural Experience (SAE) program.
This integrated class combines an interdisciplinary approach to laboratory science and research with agricultural management principles. Using skills and principles learned in the course, including the chemical and biological principles that govern plant science and crop production, students design systems and experiments to solve agricultural management issues currently facing the industry. Additionally, students connect the products created in this class with industry activities to link real world encounters and implement skills demanded by both colleges and careers. Final projects will be eligible for Career Development Event competition at FFA events. 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.
The Agricultural Mechanics pathway prepares students for careers related to the construction, operation, and maintenance of equipment used by the agriculture industry. Basic agricultural mechanics skills and safety cover woodworking, electrical systems, plumbing, cold metal work, concrete, and welding technology. Advanced topics deal with metal fabrication, small engines, agriculture power and technology, and agriculture construction.
Introduces students to the vast field of agriculture. It consists of the following areas of instruction: California Agriculture, Animal Science, Plant Science, Careers in Agriculture and Leadership. All students are required to have a supervised project during the year and participate in FFA.
An introductory level agricultural construction skills class that prepares students to construct and maintain agricultural structures and equipment. Develops those basic skills such as: tool identification, interpreting plans, calculating a bill of materials, electrification, carpentry, plumbing, and masonry. Content may be enhanced with appropriate computer applications. Leadership development will be provided through FFA. Each student will be expected to have a supervised agricultural experience program.
In this hands-on focused light construction course, students will prepare for a career in the skilled trades. Through actual planning and building, this class will design and construct a small structure. Topics covered include: job site safety, drafting, construction codes and fundamentals. Students learn to read blueprints, safe operation of hand and power tools, and some basic framing techniques leading into more advanced projects in the second year such as roof framing, interior and exterior finish, stair construction, and cabinet making.
Introduces students to the vast field of agriculture. It consists of the following areas of instruction: California Agriculture, Animal Science, Plant Science, Careers in Agriculture and Leadership. All students are required to have a supervised project during the year and participate in FFA.
Advanced Agricultural Woodworking is a continuation of the woodworking pathway in which students gain a deeper understanding of the elements and principles of 3-dimensional art and design through the creative employment of woodworking materials and techniques. The hands-on nature of this course is intended to not only develop the student’s ability to work successfully with the material but also provide the kind of experiential learning that fosters confident self-expression in the arts, develops problem-solving skills, improves collaborative work habits, and encourages a natural appreciation for the details of good design and craftsmanship. Safe practices are continuously emphasized while students learn to use tools and machines used in making furniture, cabinetry, carpentry, and woodcrafts. Students will also maintain a working portfolio of job skills and projects and learn about careers and various opportunities in the industrial trades. Students will be assessed based on project rubrics through self-reflection with instructor guidance, safety tests, written and verbal assignments, and professional conduct.
The Ornamental Horticulture pathway prepares students for careers in the nursery, landscaping, and floral industries. Topics include plant identification, plant physiology, soil science, plant reproduction, nursery production, and floriculture, as well as landscaping design, installation, and maintenance.
Introduces students to the vast field of agriculture. It consists of the following areas of instruction: California Agriculture, Animal Science, Plant Science, Careers in Agriculture and Leadership. All students are required to have a supervised project during the year and participate in FFA.
The Art and History of Floral Design provides an introduction to artistic and creative perception including aesthetic valuing through a series of projects in various media including tempera, pencil, flowers, tile, and a variety of papers. Students are also introduced to the elements and principles of visual art design such as line, shape/form, color, balance, and emphasis using a series of floral-based projects to explore the connections, relations, and application to visual arts design. Students will research and study floral trends to understand and develop an appreciation for floral design within historical and cultural, formal and casual, ceremonial and traditional, including an understanding that floral designs are affected by society, culture, history, politics, and economic influence. Various assignments based on abstract two and three dimensional designs, historical culture and theory, color theory, and analytical critiques of various floral art works using design vocabulary in conjunction with development of technical skills in floral art will serve as a foundation for more complex works such as multi-part floral designs and creative expression through wedding consultations.
course description coming soon