Agriculture, Food and Natural Resources Career Cluster
MAJORS OFFERED
Agricultural Mechanics and Technology
Required Courses (4 units required)
- Agricultural and Biosystems Science (1 unit)
- Equipment Operation and Maintenance (1 unit)
- Agricultural Power Mechanics (1 unit)
- Agricultural Structural Mechanics (1 unit)
Horticulture
Required Courses (4 units required)
- Agricultural and Biosystems Science (1 unit)
- Horticulture for the Workplace 1 (1 unit)
- Horticulture for the Workplace 2 (1 unit)
- Nursery, Greenhouse, and Garden Center Technology (1 unit)
Plant and Animal Systems
Required courses (4 units required)
- Agricultural and Biosystems Science (1 unit)
- Animal Science (1 unit)
- Small Animal Care (1 unit)
- Introduction to Veterinary Science (1 unit)
Optional
• Equine Science (1 unit)
COURSE DESCRIPTIONS
AGRICULTURAL AND BIOSYSTEMS SCIENCE 1 unit
Prerequisites:
• Algebra 1 and English 1 with grade D or higher in each
• Recommended for grades 9-11
Course Code - 569100CW Maximum Class Size - 24
Agricultural and Biosystems Science is the first course for the Animal Science major and the Horticulture major. This course is designed to teach essential concepts and understanding related to plant and animal life, including biotechnology, the conservation of natural resources, and the impact of agriculture and natural resource utilization on the environment. Emphasis is placed on the role of agriculture in our society and the importance of agriculture to the welfare of the world. Basic personal and community leadership and safety, and agricultural mechanical technology are included as a part of the instructional program. Each student is expected to design and participate in a supervised agricultural experience. Typical learning activities include hands-on experiences, including performing basic principles of plant, soil, and animal science; studying and modeling the significance of humankind’s interrelationship with soil, water, and air; and participating in Future Farmers of America (FFA) activities. Students must be prepared to work outside in various weather and climate conditions. There is a fee for this course.
AGRICULTURAL AND BIOSYSTEMS SCIENCE HONORS 1 unit
Prerequisites:
• Algebra 1 and English 1 with grade D or higher in each
• Recommended for grades 9-11
Course Code – 569100HW Maximum Class Size - 24
Agricultural and Biosystems Science Honors is the first course for the Animal Science major and the Horticulture major. This course is designed to teach essential concepts and understanding related to plant and animal life, including biotechnology, the conservation of natural resources, and the impact of agriculture and natural resource utilization on the environment. Emphasis is placed on the role of agriculture in our society and the importance of agriculture to the welfare of the world. Basic personal and community leadership and safety, and agricultural mechanical technology are included as a part of the instructional program. Each student is expected to design and participate in a supervised agricultural experience. Typical learning activities include hands-on experiences, including performing basic principles of plant, soil, and animal science; studying and modeling the significance of humankind’s interrelationship with soil, water, and air; and participating in Future Farmers of America (FFA) activities. Students must be prepared to work outside in various weather and climate conditions. Honors students will conduct scientific research around a medical topic relating to agriculture and Biosystems, complete an extensive paper on the findings, and present the findings in a public venue. Students may contract for honors credit. Honors contracts incorporate student-initiated research, student collaboration and engagement, project-based learning, problem-solving and critical thinking, seminar methods to include the incorporation of writing connections to work-class skills, characteristics and context, creativity, and innovation. There is a fee for this course.
AGRICULTURAL POWER MECHANICS 1 unit
Prerequisites:
• Equipment Operations and Maintenance
• Recommended for grades 10-12
Course Code – 561000CW Maximum Class Size - 20
Agricultural Power Mechanics is designed to qualify the student completing the courses for job entry into farm, business, or industrial phases of agricultural mechanics or to continue advanced training in post high school education. A combination of subject matter and activities is designed to teach technical knowledge and skills for entrylevel positions in the operation of heavy equipment. Typical instructional activities include hands-on experiences with agricultural power units, participation in personal and community leadership development activities, and planning and participation in FFA activities. There is a fee for this course.
AGRICULTURAL POWER MECHANICS HONORS 1 unit
Prerequisites:
• Equipment Operations and Maintenance Honors
• Recommended for grades 10-12
Course Code – 561000HW Maximum Class Size - 20
Agricultural Power Mechanics Honors is designed to qualify the student completing the courses for job entry into farm, business, or industrial phases of agricultural mechanics or to continue advanced training in post high school education. A combination of subject matter and activities is designed to teach technical knowledge and skills for entry-level positions in the operation of heavy equipment. Typical instructional activities include hands-on experiences with agricultural power units, participation in personal and community leadership development activities, and planning and participation in FFA activities. Students may contract for honors credit. Honors contracts incorporate student-initiated research, student collaboration and engagement, project-based learning, problem-solving and critical thinking, seminar methods to include the incorporation of writing connections to work-class skills, characteristics and context, creativity, and innovation. There is a fee for this course.
AGRICULTURAL STRUCTURAL MECHANICS 1 unit
Prerequisites:
• Equipment Operations and Maintenance
• Recommended for grades 10-12
Course Code - 561100CW Maximum Class Size- 20
Agricultural Structural Mechanics is designed to qualify the student completing the courses for job entry into farm, business, or industrial phases of agricultural mechanics or to continue advanced training in post high school education. A combination of subject matter and activities is designed to teach technical knowledge and skills for entrylevel positions in selling, selecting, and constructing structures and utilities. Typical hands-on instructional experiences include the planning and selection of materials for the construction of agricultural facilities, the mechanical practices associated with irrigation and water conservation, erosion control, metal fabrication, participation in personal and community leadership development activities, and planning and participation in Future Farmers of America (FFA) activities. There is a fee for this course.
AGRICULTURAL STRUCTURAL MECHANICS HONORS 1 unit
Prerequisites:
• Equipment Operations and Maintenance Honors
• Recommended for grades 10-12
Course Code - 561100HW Maximum Class Size - 20
Agricultural Structural Mechanics Honors is designed to qualify the student completing the courses for job entry into farm, business, or industrial phases of agricultural mechanics or to continue advanced training in post high school education. A combination of subject matter and activities is designed to teach technical knowledge and skills for entry-level positions in selling, selecting, and constructing structure and utilities. Typical hands-on instructional experiences include the planning and selection of materials for the construction of agricultural facilities, the mechanical practices associated with irrigation and water conservation, erosion control, metal fabrication, participating in personal and community leadership development activities, and planning and participation in Future Farmers of American (FFA) activities. Students may contract for honors credit. Honors contracts incorporate student-initiated research, student collaboration and engagement, project-based learning, problemsolving and critical thinking, seminar methods to include the incorporation of writing connections to work-class skills, characteristics and context, creativity, and innovation. There is a fee for this course.
ANIMAL SCIENCE 1 unit
Prerequisites:
• Agricultural and Biosystems Science
• Recommended for grades 9-12
Course Code – 560300CW Maximum Class Size - 24
Animal Science is designed to provide technical knowledge and skills for entry-level positions in an animal production enterprise by developing competencies concerning the selection, breeding, physiology, nutrition, health, housing, feeding, and marketing of farm and companion animals. Typical instructional activities include hands-on experiences with the principles and practices essential in the production and management of animals and animal products for economics, recreational, and therapeutic uses; participating in personal and community leadership development activities; and participating in FFA activities. Additionally, this course will provide technical knowledge and skills for occupations in the pet industry or the companion animal industry. Skills also relate to the veterinarian or the veterinarian technician career field. There is a fee for this course.
ANIMAL SCIENCE HONORS 1 unit
Prerequisites:
• Agricultural and Biosystems Science (CP or Honors)
• Recommended for grades 9-12
Course Code – 560300HW Maximum Class Size - 24
Animal Science Honors is designed to provide technical knowledge and skills for entry-level positions in an animal production enterprise by developing competencies concerning the selection, breeding, physiology, nutrition, health, housing, feeding, and marketing of farm and companion animals. Typical instructional activities include hands-on experiences with the principles and practices essential in the production and management of animals and animal products for economics, recreational, and therapeutic uses; participating in personal and community leadership development activities; and participating in FFA activities. Additionally, this course will provide technical knowledge and skills for occupations in the pet industry or the companion animal industry. Skills also relate to the veterinarian or the veterinarian technician career field. Students must be prepared to work outside in various weather and climate conditions. Honors students will conduct scientific research around a medical topic relating to animal science, complete an extensive research paper on the findings, and present findings in a public venue. Students may contract for honors credit. Honors contracts incorporate student initiated research, student collaboration and engagement, project-based learning, problem-solving and critical thinking, seminar methods to include the incorporation of writing connections to workclass skills, characteristics and context, creativity, and innovation. There is a fee for this course.
EQUINE SCIENCE 1 unit
Prerequisites:
• Animal Science
• Recommended for grades 10-12
Course Code – 567900CW Maximum Class Size - 20
Equine Science is designed to teach essential concepts and practical experience related to the care taking and production of horses. Instruction emphasizes knowledge and understanding of the importance of maintaining, selecting, and managing horses. Basic methods and safety techniques are included in this course. Typical instruction activities include hands-on experiences in saddling, bridling, grooming, and judging horses; feeding and health techniques; and housing design. Students must be prepared to work outside in various weather and climate conditions. There is a fee for this course.
EQUINE SCIENCE HONORS 1 unit
Prerequisites:
• Animal Science Honors
• Recommended for grades 10-12
Course Code – 567900HW Maximum Class Size – 20
Equine Science Honors is designed to teach essential concepts and practical experience related to the care taking and production of horses. Instruction emphasizes knowledge and understanding of the importance of maintaining, selecting, and managing horses. Basic methods and safety techniques are included in this course. Typical instruction activities include hands-on experiences in saddling, bridling, grooming, and judging horses; feeding and health techniques; and housing design. Students must be prepared to work outside in various weather and climate conditions. This course is designed to accelerate, extend, and deepen the learning opportunities for students exhibiting superior ability. The curriculum places emphasis on critical and analytical thinking, rational decision making, and inductive and deductive reasoning. Students may contract for honors credit. Honors contracts incorporate student-initiated research, student collaboration and engagement, project-based learning, problem-solving and critical thinking, seminar methods to include the incorporation of writing connections to work-class skills, characteristics and context, creativity, and innovation. There is a fee for this course.
EQUIPMENT OPERATIONS AND MAINTENANCE 1 unit
Prerequisites:
• Agricultural and Biosystems Science
• Recommended for grades 9-12
Course Code – 562100CW Maximum Class Size - 24
Equipment Operations and Maintenance teaches students how to operate and maintain equipment commonly used in the agricultural industry. It includes equipment used in four of the Agriculture, Food and Natural Resources pathways: Horticulture, Plant and Animal Systems, Environmental and Natural Resources Management, and Agricultural Mechanics and Technology. The primary instructional activities include hands-on experiences with agricultural power units; participating in personal and community leadership development activities; planning and implementing a relevant school-to-work transition experience; and participating in FFA activities. There is a fee for this course.
EQUIPMENT OPERATIONS AND MAINTENANCE HONORS 1 unit
Prerequisites:
• Agricultural and Biosystems Science (CP or Honors)
• Recommended for grades 9-12
Course Code – 562100HW Maximum Class Size - 24
Equipment Operations and Maintenance Honors teaches students how to operate and maintain equipment commonly used in the agricultural industry. It includes equipment used in four of the Agriculture, Food and Natural Resources pathways: Horticulture, Plant and Animal Systems, Environmental and Natural Resources Management, and Agricultural Mechanics and Technology. The primary instructional activities include hands-on experiences with agricultural power units; participating in personal and community leadership development activities; planning and implementing a relevant school-to-work transition experience; and participating in FFA activities. Students may contract for honors credit. Honors contracts incorporate student initiated research, student collaboration and engagement, project based learning, problem-solving and critical thinking, seminar methods to include the incorporation of writing connections to workclass skills, characteristics and context, creativity, and innovation. There is a fee for this course.
HORTICULTURE FOR THE WORKPLACE 1 1 unit
Prerequisites:
• Agricultural and Biosystems Science
• Recommended for grades 9-12
Course Code – 565220CW Maximum Class Size – 24
Horticulture for the Workplace 1 includes organized subject matter and practical experiences related to the culture of plants used principally for ornamental or aesthetic purposes. Instruction emphasizes knowledge and understanding of the importance of establishing, maintaining, and managing ornamental horticultural enterprises. Typical instructional activities include hands-on experiences with propagating, growing, establishing, and managing nursery plants and greenhouse crops; tissue culture techniques; designing landscapes; preparing designs; sales analysis and management; participating in personal and community leadership development activities; and participating in FFA activities. There is a fee for this course.
HORTICULTURE FOR THE WORKPLACE 1 HONORS 1 unit
Prerequisites:
• Agricultural and Biosystems Science (CP or Honors)
• Recommended for grades 9-12
Course Code – 565220HW Maximum Class Size – 24
Horticulture for the Workplace 1 Honors includes organized subject matter and practical experiences related to the culture of plants used principally for ornamental or aesthetic purposes. Instruction emphasizes knowledge and understanding of the importance of establishing, maintaining, and managing ornamental horticultural enterprises. Typical instructional activities include hands-on experiences with propagating, growing, establishing, and managing nursery plants and greenhouse crops; tissue culture techniques; designing landscapes; preparing designs; sales analysis and management; participating in personal and community leadership development activities; and participating in FFA activities. This course is designed to accelerate, extend, and deepen the learning opportunities for students exhibiting superior ability. The curriculum places emphasis on critical and analytical thinking, rational decision making, and inductive and deductive reasoning. Students may contract for honors credit. Honors contracts incorporate student initiated research, student collaboration and engagement, project based learning, problem-solving and critical thinking, seminar methods to include the incorporation of writing connections to workclass skills, characteristics and context, creativity, and innovation. There is a fee for this course.
HORTICULTURE FOR THE WORKPLACE 2 1 unit
Prerequisites:
• Horticulture for the Workplace 1
• Recommended for grades 10-12
Course Code - 565320CW Maximum Class Size- 20
Horticulture for the Workplace 2 is the second level course designed for programs involved in the Horticulture Career Pathway. The course is a combination of subject matter and planned learning experiences on the principles involved in the culture of plants used principally for ornamental or aesthetic purposes. Instruction emphasized knowledge and understanding of the importance of establishing, maintaining, and managing ornamental horticulture enterprises. There is a fee for this course.
HORTICULTURE FOR THE WORKPLACE 2 HONORS 1 unit
Prerequisites:
• Horticulture for the Workplace 1 Honors
• Recommended for grades 10-12
Course Code - 565320HW Maximum Class Size- 20
Horticulture for the Workplace 2 Honors is the second level course designed for programs involved in the Horticulture Career Pathway. The course is a combination of subject matter and planned learning experiences on the principles involved in the culture of plants used principally for ornamental or aesthetic purposes. Instruction emphasized knowledge and understanding of the importance of establishing, maintaining, and managing ornamental horticulture enterprises. There is a fee for this course.
INTRODUCTION TO VETERINARY SCIENCE 1 unit
Prerequisites:
• Small Animal Care or Equine Science
• Recommended for grades 11-12
Course Code – 561301CW Maximum Class Size – 20
Introduction to Veterinary Science will explore the field of veterinary medicine. Students will study the role of a veterinarian and veterinary technician in the diagnosis and treatment of animal diseases. Topics to be discussed include veterinary terminology, anatomy and physiology, pathology, genetics, handling and restraint, and physical examinations along with common surgical skills. Students will engage in a variety of laboratory activities and will participate in shadowing and/or other school-to-work experiences. There is a fee for this course.
INTRODUCTION TO VETERINARY SCIENCE HONORS 1 unit
Prerequisites:
• Small Animal Care Honors or Equine Science Honors
• Recommended for grades 11-12
Course Code – 561301HW Maximum Class Size - 20
Introduction to Veterinary Science Honors will explore the field of veterinary medicine. Students will study the role of a veterinarian and veterinary technician in the diagnosis and treatment of animal diseases. Topics to be discussed include veterinary terminology, anatomy and physiology, pathology, genetics, handling and restraint, and physical examinations along with common surgical skills. Students will conduct independent research on selected small and large animal diseases, write an extensive research document based on their research and present their findings in a public venue. Students will also engage in a variety of laboratory activities and will participate in job shadowing and/or other school-to-work experiences, some of which may take place outdoors in various weather and climate conditions. Students may contract for honors credit. Honors contracts incorporate student-initiated research, student collaboration and engagement, project-based learning, problem-solving and critical thinking, seminar methods to include the incorporation of writing connections to work-class skills, characteristics and context, creativity, and innovation. There is a fee for this course.
NURSERY, GREENHOUSE, AND GARDEN CENTER TECHNOLOGY 1 unit
Prerequisite:
• Horticulture for the Workplace 2
• Recommended for grades 10-12
Course Code—567200CW Maximum Class Size – 20
Nursery, Greenhouse and Garden Center Technology includes organized subject matter and practical experiences related to the operation and management of nursery, greenhouse, or a garden center. Instruction emphasizes knowledge and understanding of the importance of establishing, maintaining, and managing “green industry” enterprises. There is a fee for this course.
NURSERY, GREENHOUSE, AND GARDEN CENTER TECHNOLOGY HONORS 1 unit
Prerequisite:
• Horticulture for the Workplace 2 Honors
• Recommended for grades 10-12
Course Code—567200HW Maximum Class Size – 20
Nursery, Greenhouse and Garden Center Technology Honors includes organized subject matter and practical experiences related to the operation and management of nursery, greenhouse, or a garden center. Instruction emphasizes knowledge and understanding of the importance of establishing, maintaining, and managing “green industry” enterprises. Students may contract for honors credit. Honors contracts incorporate student-initiated research, student collaboration and engagement, project-based learning, problem-solving and critical thinking, seminar methods to include the incorporation of writing connections to work-class skills, characteristics and context, creativity, and innovation. There is a fee for this course.
SMALL ANIMAL CARE 1 unit
Prerequisites:
• Animal Science
• Recommended for grades 10-12
Course Code – 561200CW Maximum Class Size - 20
Small Animal Care is designed to teach technical knowledge and skills for occupations in the pet industry or the companion animal industry. Skills also relate to the veterinarian or the veterinarian technician career field. Typical instructional activities include hands-on experiences with cats, dogs, rabbits, fish, etc. participating in personal and community leadership development activities; and planning a relevant school to work transition experience. Students will conduct scientific research around a medical topic relating to small animals, complete an extensive paper on the findings, and present the findings in a public venue. Students must be prepared to work outside in various weather and climate conditions. There is a fee for this course.
SMALL ANIMAL CARE HONORS 1 unit
Prerequisites:
• Animal Science Honors
• Recommended for grades 10-12
Course Code – 561200HW Maximum Class Size - 20
Small Animal Care Honors is designed to teach technical knowledge and skills for occupations in the pet industry or the companion animal industry. Skills also relate to the veterinarian or the veterinarian technician career field. Typical instructional activities include hands-on experiences with cats, dogs, rabbits, fish, etc. participating in personal and community leadership development activities; and planning a relevant school to work transition experience. In addition, students are required to conduct scientific research around a medical topic relating to small animals, write a thorough paper on their findings, and present this work in a public venue. Students must be prepared to work outside in various weather and climate conditions. Students may contract for honors credit. Honors contracts incorporate student-initiated research, student collaboration and engagement, project-based learning, problem-solving and critical thinking, seminar methods to include the incorporation of writing connections to workclass skills, characteristics and context, creativity, and innovation. There is a fee for this course.
Agriculture, Food and Natural Resources Internship, Work Based-Credit 1 unit
Prerequisites:
• Agricultural Structural Mechanics OR Introduction to Veterinary Science OR Nursery, Greenhouse, and Garden Center Technology
Course Code: 569000CW
The Agriculture, Food and Natural Resources Internship is a structured work-based credit bearing course that is taken as a fifth unit in a CATE completer program.
Anderson School District Five Nondiscrimination Statement
Anderson School District Five is committed to a policy of nondiscrimination and equal opportunity for all students, staff, parents/legal guardians, visitors, and community members, who participate or seek to participate in its programs or activities. Accordingly, the District does not discriminate against any individual on the basis of race, religion, sex (including pregnancy, childbirth, or any related medical conditions), color, disability, age, genetic information, national origin, or any other applicable status protected by local, state, or federal law.
The District will use the grievance procedures set forth in policy to process complaints based on alleged violations of Title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964; Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964; Title IX of the Education Amendments Act of 1972; Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973; the Age Discrimination Act of 1975; the Age Discrimination in Employment Act of 1967; the Equal Pay Act of 1963; the Genetic Information Nondiscrimination Act of 2008; and Titles I and II of the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990.
Honors Framework:
Click the link for information on pursuing coursework at the honors level.
Potential Careers:
Animal Biotechnologist
Biorefining Manager
Biostatician
Formulation Chemist
Microbiologist
Molecular Biologist
Farmer
Agronomist
Research Technician
Available Certifications:
EETC Principles of Small Engine Technology Certification
Student Organizations:
National FFA Organization
National Technical Honor Society