Agricultural Education

Program Description

Agricultural Education includes programs of study designed to prepare students for occupations in horticulture, agricultural business, natural resources management, agricultural machinery and production agriculture. Agricultural Education stresses the development of skills in all aspects of agricultural businesses and industries, including planning, management, safety, finances and leadership. Students learn workplace readiness and technical skills, along with participation in the student organization FFA, and (Supervised Agricultural Experience) as appropriate. A lab fee is required for all courses.

The FFA is the career and technical student organization for all individuals enrolled in the Agriculture Education program. It reinforces the Agriculture curriculum and provides opportunity for competition, travel, leadership and career development.

Work-based Learning

Cooperative Education (Co-op) and Internships are high-quality work-based learning experiences for juniors and seniors that place the student in a workplace environment. This placement allows the student to develop and practice knowledge and skills for a specific career field related to the student’s career interests, abilities, and goals. Co-op is a paid work-based learning experience while internships may be paid or unpaid. Co-op and internships are connected to classroom learning and are guided by a formal, written training plan that defines specific academic, technical, and workplace skills to be mastered. Applications may be obtained from a school counselor or a CTE teacher.

On-the-job hours required to earn credit through cooperative education or internship are as follows:
140 hours = .5 credit
280 hours = 1 credit

Job shadowing is a short-term experience available as a part of Career and Technical Education courses through an application process. Juniors and seniors who are currently enrolled in CTE courses or who have completed a coherent sequence of CTE courses are eligible. The application process includes student narrative and teacher recommendation. Students participating in this work-based learning experience are required to complete a reflective exercise.

Credentialing

The High School Industry Credentialing initiative encourages students to work toward a selected industry credential or state license while pursuing a high school diploma. The Virginia Department of Education evaluates on an on-going basis industry credentials against prescribed criteria for graduation requirements for the Standard Diploma (8VAC20-131-50.B) and student-selected verified credit (8VAC20-131-110.C). Credentialing exams are available to any student taking a Career and Technical Education course.

Courses

Agricultural Business Operations: 18201-II

Credits 1.0
This course emphasizes agricultural occupations, business procedures, merchandising, marketing, agricultural business management, and emerging or niche markets. Students will learn agricultural product knowledge, agricultural service industry knowledge, and leadership development. See Guidelines for Placement of Students in Honors/AP/Dual Enrolled Classes.

Agricultural Structural Systems: 18403

Credits 1.0
This advanced course will allow students the opportunity to develop and apply agricultural mechanical skills in the area of carpentry, metal fabrication, electricity, plumbing, concrete and masonry, leveling and land management, and project design and planning. Students will be engaged in practical learning experiences. Employability traits and leadership skills will be emphasized.

Agriscience Exploration: 80037

This course assists seventh grade students in exploring agriculture and the environment. Topics of discussion include animal science, conservation and natural resource management, leadership, and personal development through the FFA, and mechanical skills development.

Agriscience Technology: 8001

Through classroom instruction and hands-on laboratory activities, students will explore the fields of agriculture, food, and natural resources (AFNR), to include: global agriculture; new and emerging technologies; agricultural mechanics; and careers in agribusiness; animal systems; environmental services; food products and processing; natural resources systems; plant systems; and power, structural, and technical systems. Eighth grade students further their leadership and personal development through the FFA. Students will learn to care for and manage companion animals important to agriculture.

Applied Agricultural Concepts: 18002-II

Credits 1.0
Students gain positive experiences through fundamental agricultural competencies needed for rural or urban living. Areas of instruction include food production, handling, and preparation; introduction to the livestock and poultry industry; soil, soil fertility, and cultural practices; mechanical applications; plant systems and disease/pest management for shrubs, lawns, pastures, gardens, and fruit trees. The course emphasizes leadership development and participation in FFA activities. Supervised Agricultural Experiences will allow for enhanced learning and growth opportunities for students. Electrical, plumbing, carpentry, and metalworking lab competencies are incorporated throughout the course.

Fisheries and Wildlife Management: 18501

Credits 1.0
Students learn how to identify and manage various animal species including: fish, birds, mammals, reptiles and amphibians. The course focuses on understanding the positive and negative impact humans have on the environment. The course provides instruction on managing water quality and operating an aquaculture facility. Students will explore related career pathways.

Floral Design: 18056-I

Credits 1.0
Course content covers career opportunities, floral design foundations, design applications, and the marketing of floral products. Specific design styles to be examined include mass, mass-line, line, vase, wedding, balloon, holiday, and personal-adornment arrangements. Students develop skills in conditioning fresh cut flowers and identifying commonly used flowers, tools, and floriculture equipment. The course also emphasizes leadership activities and opportunities to participate in FFA events.

Floral Design II: 18056-II

Credits 1.0

In this course, students will build on the knowledge and skills introduced in Floral Design I to prepare them for entry into the workforce as florists and/or floral designers. Students will prepare for postsecondary certification or degree programs related to floral design. Course content covers advanced floral design concepts including historical designs, contemporary designs, oriental designs, seasonal designs, designs for dried arrangements, novelty pieces, and special occasions. Students explore the business aspects of the industry such as pricing, advertising, shop design, wire services, delivery processes, professional organizations, and sales techniques. Contextual instruction and student participation in co-curricular career and technical student organization (CTSO) activities will develop leadership, interpersonal, and career skills. High-quality work-based learning (HQWBL) will provide experiential learning opportunities related to students' career goals and/or interests, integrated with instruction, and performed in partnership with local businesses and organizations.

Greenhouse Plant Production: 18052-III

Credits 1.0
Students are taught the operating procedures for a greenhouse. Units of instruction include developing plant production facilities, science application in plant production, and identification of plants. Business management, leadership development, and marketing skills are emphasized to prepare students for careers in the greenhouse plant production and management industry. Greenhouse Plant Production and Landscaping may be offered in alternate years.

Introduction to Agriscience: 8009

This course introduces agriscience and develops an awareness of animal and plant science, natural resources, mechanical skills, and the food industry. Sixth grade students will participate in activities that will increase their awareness of the world of agriculture.

Introduction to Agriscience: 8013

This course introduces agriscience and develops an awareness of animal and plant science, natural resources, mechanical skills, and the food industry. Sixth grade students will participate in activities that will increase their awareness of the world of agriculture. This course is a semester option for Intro to Agriscience.

Introduction to Animal Systems: 18101

Credits 1.0
Students develop competencies in each of the major areas of the Animal Systems career pathway including animal nutrition, reproduction, breeding, care, and management. Students learn agricultural mechanics applicable to animal systems. As with all agriculture courses, students will be exposed to principles of leadership and opportunities within FFA along with Supervised Agricultural Experience.

Introduction to Natural Resources: 18504

Credits 1.0
Students are introduced to the variety of topics involved with the conservation of our natural resources. Studies include air, soil, water, forest and energy conservation; wildlife identification; and management practices. Introduction to Natural Resources and Forestry, Wildlife Management may be offered in alternate years.

Introduction to Plant Systems: 18051

Credits 1.0
Students develop competencies in each of the major areas of the Plant Systems career pathway including botany, plant propagation, and plant care and selection. Instructional content also includes an introduction to the various divisions of the plant system industry. Students learn agricultural mechanics applicable to plant systems.

Introduction to Power, Structural, and Technical Systems: 18401

Credits 1.0

This introductory course prepares students for careers in agricultural mechanics, fabrication, and construction. Students receive instruction in and hands-on experiences using tools, building agricultural structures, welding, working with electricity, carpentry and operating, maintaining, and repairing agricultural machinery and equipment. Contextual instruction and student participation in co-curricular career and technical student organization (CTSO) activities will develop leadership, interpersonal, and career skills. High-quality work-based learning (HQWBL) will provide experiential learning opportunities related to students' career goals and/or interests, integrated with instruction, and performed in partnership with local businesses and organizations.

Landscaping: 18054-I

Credits 1.0
Students are involved in all aspects of landscaping including design, installation and maintenance. The class includes hands-on activities in all three phases of landscaping which will be valuable for students seeking employment in the landscaping industry. Students learn basic horticulture business management and entrepreneurship skills. Greenhouse Plant Production and Landscaping are offered in alternate years.

Large Animal Science (Livestock Production): 18301-II

Credits 1.0
Students learn how to care for and manage large animals and their facilities. The course focuses on animal health, nutrition, reproduction and evaluation. Course content also includes instruction in the tools, equipment, and facilities for animal care. This course is designed for students who have an interest in large animal production and veterinary science. See Guidelines for Placement of Students in Honors/AP/Dual Enrolled Classes.

Metal Fabrication and Emerging Technologies: 18404

Credits 1.0
Students learn about a variety of metal fabrication and welding practices in the metal construction industry. Students practice welding procedures in Shielded Metal Arc Welding (SMAW), Metal Inert Gas (MIG), Tungsten Inert Gas (TIG) and OxyAcetylene (OAW). Precision layout and cutting operations also will be performed with power equipment, oxyacetylene cutting and plasma arc. Students will be introduced to precision agricultural management, including (but not limited to) GPS, remote sensing and laser technology. The application of metal fabrication techniques workplace readiness skills and leadership will be emphasized. See Guidelines for Placement of Students in Honors/AP/Dual Enrolled Classes.

Small Animal Science: 18102-36

Credits 1.0
Students learn how to care for and manage small animals. The course focuses on animal health, nutrition, reproduction, evaluation and training. Course content also includes instruction in the tools, equipment and facilities for small animal care and provides activities to foster leadership development. This course is designed for students who have an interest in small animal science and veterinary science. Live animal handling may occur. FFA, SAE, or related student organizational activities are encouraged.

Small Engine Repair: 8021

Credits 0.5
This course offers an intensive study of the operation, maintenance, and repair of small gasoline engines. Instructional topics include principles of operation of internal combustion engines, repair and service procedures, and disassembly, overhaul, and reassembly. Instruction may also include the operation of two-cycle and four-cycle engines commonly found on lawn mowers, garden tractors, snow blowers, rotary tillers, chainsaws, and other equipment. Additionally, this course incorporates classroom and laboratory activities to emphasize leadership through opportunities in FFA and supervised agricultural experiences (SAEs).

Veterinary Science: 18105-I

Credits 1.0
Veterinary Science enables students to acquire the employability and technical knowledge and skills needed to succeed in postsecondary education as well as in a career in veterinary medicine or a related occupation. Course content integrates application of academics, development of career competencies, and instruction in course-specific knowledge and skills, such as the use of tools, equipment, safety, and facilities related to veterinary medicine. Business management, leadership, and FFA activities are included in the course. Students enrolled in the course should have a strong background in math and science and should be familiar with small animal care.