Introduction

Course Title: Biology and Sustainable Agriculture

Course Description: Sustainable Agriculture is designed to integrate biological science practices and knowledge into the practice of sustainable agriculture. The course is organized into four major sections in which students will learn what sustainable agriculture is, how sustainable agriculture fits into our environment, the molecular biology principles that guide sustainable agriculture, and how 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 research. 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. This course meets the UC/CSU “d” requirement for lab science in Biology/Life Science. This is the first course in the Agriculture Career Pathway.

UC/CSU Requirements Met: D – College Prep Science
Prerequisites: None
Grade Levels: 9th & 10th Grade
Time Frame: Full Year
Articulation: No

Concentrator Course

Course Title: Chemistry and Agriscience

Course Description: 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, along with 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. Based on their research, students will produce an in-depth
research and experimentation paper. Additionally, throughout the second semester, 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. This course meets the UC/CSU “d” requirement for lab science in Chemistry. This is the second course in the Agriculture Career Pathway.

UC/CSU Requirements Met: D – College Prep Science
Prerequisites: Sustainable Agriculture Biology
Grade Levels: 10th-11th Grade
Time Frame: Full Year
Articulation: No

Capstone

Course Title: Agriculture Systems Management

Course Description: This course focuses on aspects of the Agriculture Industry not thoroughly explored in other courses– Animal Science, Plant Science, Food Science, Natural Resource Management, and more. This integrated class combines an interdisciplinary approach to laboratory science and research with agricultural management principles. Using skills and principles learned in the course, student design systems and experiments to solve agricultural management issues currently facing the industry. Additionally, students will connect the products created in this class with industry activities to link real worlds encounters and implement skills demanded by both colleges and careers. The course culminates with an agriscience experimental research project in which students design and conduct an experiment to solve a relevant issue. Final projects will be eligible for Career Development Event competition at FFA events. Through the courses, student will be graded on participation in intracurricular FFA activities as well as the development and maintenance of an ongoing Supervised Agricultural Experience (SAE) program.

UC/CSU Requirements Met: D – College Prep Science
Prerequisites: Sustainable Ag Biology & Ag Soil Chemistry
Honors: Yes
Grade Levels: 11th & 12th Grade
Time Frame: Full Year
Articulation: No

Introduction

Course Title: Agriculture Mechanics I

Course Description: This course designed to provide fundamental skills and competencies in vocational pathway areas related to agricultural mechanics. After thoroughly preparing students with the knowledge to work and operate safely in a mechanics environment, students have the opportunity to gain hands-on skills in the areas of tool identification and use, electrical wiring, plumbing, woodworking, metalworking, masonry and power machine operation. This course meets graduation elective requirements. Throughout the course, students will be graded on participation in intra-curricular FFA activities as well as the development and maintenance of an ongoing Supervised Agricultural Experience (SAE) program.

UC/CSU Requirements Met: “G” College Prep Electives
Prerequisites: None
Grade Levels: 9th-10th Grade
Time Frame: Full Year
Articulation: No

Concentrator

Course Title: Agriculture Mechanics II

Course Description: This is a one-year course for second-year Agriculture Mechanic students. Students will learn basic skills in: Welding Safety, Shielded Metal Arc Welding, Electrode Selection, Oxy-Acetylene Welding, and Oxy-Fuel Cutting. Some of the latest technologies such as CAD/CAM will be utilized. The course also offers students the chance to gain intermediate constructional skills through the instruction and usage of construction-specific mathematics, hand tools, power tools, selection of materials, industry organization, and project schematics. Several projects will be built throughout the year to apply theories and practices in order to enhance student learning. Due to the co-curricular nature of FFA and SAE (Supervised Agriculture  Experience) students will be required to participate in leadership development activities and maintain a project as graded components of this course.

UC/CSU Requirements Met: “G” College Prep Elective
Prerequisites: Ag Mechanics 1
Grade Levels: 10th & 11th Grade
Time Frame: Full Year
Articulation: No

Capstone

Course Title: Agriculture Mechanics III

Course Description: This course is designed to prepare students for entry-level employment in the field of agriculture mechanics, welding, and fabrication. Students will be instructed in safety and metal fabrication. Students will learn specialized welding skills and practices including the nature and identification of metals, concentration on out-of-position Shielded Metal Arc Welding (SMAW, GMAW (MIG) with micro and core wire, GTAW (TIG) of non-ferrous metals (aluminum & stainless steel), cast iron welding, hard surfacing, plasma arc cutting, and freehand and automatic shape burning. Due to the co-curricular nature of FFA and SAE (Supervised Agricultural Experience) students will be required to participate in FFA activities as a graded component of the course.

UC/CSU Requirements Met: “G” College Prep Elective
Prerequisites: Ag Mechanics 1 & 2
Grade Levels: 11th-12th Grade
Time Frame: Full Year
Articulation: No

Introduction – CP

Course Title: Biology and Sustainable Agriculture

Course Description: Sustainable Agriculture is designed to integrate biological science practices and knowledge into the practice of sustainable agriculture. The course is organized into four major sections in which students will learn what sustainable agriculture is, how sustainable agriculture fits into our environment, the molecular biology principles that guide sustainable agriculture, and how 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 research. 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. This course meets the UC/CSU “d” requirement for lab science in Biology/Life Science. This is the first course in the Agriculture Career Pathway.

UC/CSU Requirements Met: D – College Prep Science
Prerequisites: None
Grade Levels: 9th & 10th Grade
Time Frame: Full Year
Articulation: No

Introduction – Non CP

Course Title: CDE-Agriculture Science 1

Course Description: Integrated Agriculture Science 1 is a one-year course designed to meet the first-year science requirement. Animal science (reproduction and artificial insemination, feeds and feeding practices, veterinary medicine, meats, etc.) along with an introduction to the agriculture student club will be the fundamental units of the course. Included will be plant science with an integration of all science disciplines. This course satisfies the elective admissions requirement for the UC and CSU systems.

UC/CSU Requirements Met: G – College Prep Elective
Prerequisites: None
Grade Levels: 9th & 10th Grade
Time Frame: Full Year
Articulation: No

Concentrator

Course Title: Introduction to Floral Design

Course Description: This course is designed to provide students with an opportunity to study the history and principles of floral design. Hands on study and application in selection and conditioning of cut flowers & greens, floral design mechanics, boutonnieres/corsages, bud vases, circular/triangular/linear arrangements, wreaths, holiday arrangements, displays, retail/professional career opportunities, and professional organizations will be implemented. This course will also provide students with the opportunity to create their own floral (SAE) projects including sales and marketing of their projects through FFA activities/events/holiday sales. Throughout the course, students will be graded on participation in intra-curricular FFA Activities as well as the development and maintenance of an ongoing supervised Agricultural Experiences (SAE) program. This course meets the UC/CSU Visual and Performing Arts requirement for admission.

UC/CSU Requirement Met: F – College Prep Fine Arts
Prereq: None
Grade Levels: 10th-11th
Grade Time Frame: Full Year
Articulation: No

Capstone

Course Title: Advanced Floral Design

Course Description: Building on the skills developed in the introductory course, students will continue to work with a variety of material and designs. Students will learn to design and perform larger and more complex arrangements, develop estimates for custom work, assist introductory students in skills development, compile flower orders for fundraisers and holiday sales, and work independently. A photo portfolio (hard copy or digital) will be required at the end of each semester. Time outside of class may be required for custom work or floral shop opportunities. Throughout the course, students will be graded on participation in intra-curricular FFA activities as well as the development and maintenance of an ongoing Supervised Agricultural Experience (SAE) program. This is an advanced course in the Agriculture Career Pathway. This course may be repeated for more credit.

UC/CSU Requirements Met: G – College Prep Elective
Prerequisites: Introduction to Floral Design
Grade Levels: 11th & 12th Grade
Time Frame: Full Year
Articulation: No

Course Title: Agricultural Leadership

Course Description: The Ag Leadership class is designed to teach leadership skills three (3) times per week, with the remaining two (2) days devoted to lab application, focusing on the activities, calendars, and needs of the individual clubs and organizations represented in the class enrollment

UC/CSU Requirement Met: “G” – College Prep Elective
Grade Levels: 12th Grade
Time Frame: Half Year
Prereq: Instructor Permission/2 Years of Ag Enrollment
Articulation: No