Agricultural education is a systematic program of instruction available to students desiring to learn about the science, business, technology of plant and animal production and/or about the environmental and natural resources systems. Agricultural education first became a part of the public education system in 1917 when the U.S. Congress passed the Smith-Hughes Act. Today, over 800,000 students participate in formal agricultural education instructional programs offered in grades seven-adult throughout the 50 states and three U. S. territories.
Agricultural education prepares students for successful careers and a lifetime of informed choices in the global agriculture, food, fiber, and natural resources systems. Once a student is enrolled in an ag class they have the opportunity to take advantage of countless possibilities. Every ag class operates on a three-ring model. The three rings are described below:
1) CLASSROOM INSTRUCTION- classroom/laboratory instruction (contextual learning)
2) SAE-supervised agricultural experience programs
3) FFA- student leadership organizations
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We offer many agricultural credits at AHS, each dealing with different areas of study. One semester of agricultural education is required to be an FFA member. Below are the courses offered and a description. Some courses require a prerequisite to enroll in them. If you aren't taking an ag class this year or don't know if one will fit into your schedule and would like to, please contact Mrs. Walter about scheduling.
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COURSE LENGTH:
2 semester
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PREREQUISITE:
None
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GRADE LEVEL:
9-12
AG 1: INTRO TO AGRICULTURE, FOOD, AND NATURAL RESOURCES
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The first year of Ag is designed to orient the student to the agricultural program. Ag 1 is designed to cover a variety of topics including animal science, plant science, natural
resources, and agricultural technology and systems, students will also explore FFA, leadership, and science in agriculture. This course is recommended for anyone wanting to learn more about agriculture.
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COURSE LENGTH:
2 semester
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PREREQUISITE:
Ag 1
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GRADE LEVEL:
10-12
AG 2: PRINCIPLES OF AGRICULTURAL SCIENCE (Plant Course)
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This course is structured to enable all students to have a variety of experiences that will provide an overview of the field of agricultural science with a foundation in plant science. Students will learn the characteristics of plant science and work on major projects and problems similar to those that plant science specialists face in their respective careers.
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COURSE LENGTH:
2 semester
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PREREQUISITE:
None
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GRADE LEVEL:
8
AgXplore ​
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An exploratory that is meant to help educate about everything the ag industry has to offer. This class is only allowed to 8th graders and they have the opportunity to discover and have a deeper dive into the Ag classroom. AgXplore also allows 8th graders to participate in 2 main FFA LDEs: Ag Impact and Ag CSI ( Career & Science Investigation
COURSE LENGTH:
1 semester
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PREREQUISITE:
None
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GRADE LEVEL:
9-12
METALS AND WELDING​
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This course will cover welding (arc, wire, oxyacetylene), gas cutting, forging, metal
lathe and metal bending.
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COURSE LENGTH:
1 semester
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PREREQUISITE:
None
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GRADE LEVEL:
11-12
FALL HORTICULTURE
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The fall horticulture course will include instruction on the greenhouse crops;
poinsettias and houseplants. We will also learn about plant scaping, pest control, and holiday arrangements. Hands-on work will be stressed.
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COURSE LENGTH:
1 semester
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PREREQUISITE:
None
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GRADE LEVEL:
11-12
SPRING HORTICULTURE​
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Horticulture instruction will include basic plant growth, propagation of plants, greenhouse crops, landscaping, lawn management, and fruit and vegetable gardening. Hands-on work will be stressed.
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COURSE LENGTH:
1 semester
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PREREQUISITE:
None
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GRADE LEVEL:
11-12
SURVEY OF THE ANIMAL INDUSTRY
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An analysis of the livestock industry with an emphasis on reproduction, inheritance, performance testing, selection, and marketing
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This course is dual credit. Students have the opportunity to obtain 1 AHS credit, as well as 3 DMACC college credits.
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COURSE LENGTH:
1 semester
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PREREQUISITE:
None
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GRADE LEVEL:
11-12
AGRI-BUSINESS MANAGEMENT
A study of the role and organization of several aspects of agribusiness including financial management and control, marketing, operation and resource management in agribusiness. ​
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This course is dual credit. Students have the opportunity to obtain 1 AHS credit, as well as 3 DMACC college credits.
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