Vo-Ag

We offer a robust vo-ag program developed specifically to meet the needs and interests of our students. Students gain hands-on experience in many of our courses and may participate competitively in our very active FFA chapter.

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Agricultural Business (Grades 11–12)

This semester-long course includes a wildlife and fisheries study covering various aspects of agriculture business management and business concepts. The course includes record keeping, marketing, and management and discusses basic business economic principles. Record keeping includes net worth statements, inventory control, and other components unique to agriculture business.

.5 Credit

Agricultural Mechanics & Technology Special Projects (Grade 12)

This is a full-year, senior, ag-shop class requiring students to design and build some type of agricultural shop project of wood or metal, conduct research, or participate in FFA. The class also includes repair and maintenance of existing projects and equipment. We expect students to work as a team and assist each other with projects to help minimize space constraints.

Agricultural Mechanics & Technology expands students’ knowledge and experiences with past and current technologies used in the agricultural and mechanical industry. Course clusters include land management, global position systems (GPS), geographic information technology, remote-sensing technology, electrical motors, hydraulics, metal fabrication, and agriculture power systems.

This class is for seniors who are on track to be completers in the agriculture CTE program. Students devote time to preparing for the NOCTI exam in April, which is available to students who have taken at least 50% (completers) agricultural classes.

1 Credit

Animal Systems (Grades 10–12)

This is a full-year course of study that students may count as a science requirement. The course covers large-agriculture animal science and the characteristics and behaviors of beef, dairy, swine, sheep, horse, and poultry. The class covers topics such as disease prevention, uses of animals, digestive systems, anatomy, reproductive systems, feedstuffs and labels, and good production practices. Additionally, the class incorporates veterinary science and general animal biology pertaining to agriculture and wildlife.

Participation in the Future Farmers of America (FFA) student organization activities and Supervised Agricultural Experience (SAE) projects is an integral course component for leadership development, career exploration, and reinforcement of academic concepts.

1 Credit

Biotechnology & Food Science (Grades 11–12)

Our lives are increasingly touched by technological advances in biology—from discoveries in disease and pest control to reproductive capabilities in plants and animals as well as biological benefits in environmental sciences. Agricultural biotechnology is projected to experience a 55% growth rate in the next five years, particularly in the areas of crop and livestock genetic engineering. This course teaches students basic skills needed for biotechnology applications in the plant and animal sciences.

The second part of the course focuses on the food sciences, including food handling and safety, Hazard Analysis Critical Control Point (HACCP) principles, producer-to-consumer product lines, food testing and storage, and food composition (proteins, carbohydrates, fats, vitamins, and minerals). We will also cover food preparation.

.5 Credit

Engineering & Design (Grades 9–12)

This single-semester course focuses on the implementation of the design process to solve a variety of complex problems. Students develop 3D computer drawing skills (which we integrate into all projects) and apply engineering and design principles to produce desired outcomes. Some projects we have worked on in past years include a transportation model, mousetrap vehicle, and bridge building.

.5 Credit

Natural Resource Management (Grades 11–12)

This one-semester course teaches the foundational principles in natural resource management. Students learn about career opportunities in natural resource management and related industries as they gain an understanding of the importance of forest ecology. In this course, students learn about: how to recognize tree species and their products; tree growth and development; forest management including measuring trees, timber stand improvement, and urban forestry; soil features including erosion, management, and conservation practices; water cycles and uses, quality standards, reducing water pollution, conducting water quality tests, watersheds and their importance to natural resource management; hazardous waste management; topography map use; management of recreational areas; game, bird, and animal management; outdoor safety; and weather.

.5 Credit

Plant Systems (Grades 11–12)

This is a full-year course covering plant and soil systems. Topics covered in this course include plant reproduction, plant nutrition, managing agricultural soils, environmental factors, the effect of plant growth, plant identification, integrated pest management, field crop and specialty crop production, fruit and vegetable production, greenhouse management, identification of common Pennsylvania field crops and vegetables, and nursery management and production, including developing an understanding of how to calculate area (such as acres).

Students participate in hands-on projects and activities to learn the characteristics of plant science and work on projects and problems similar to those that plant science specialists, such as horticulturalists, agronomists, greenhouse and nursery managers and producers, and plant research specialists face in their respective careers.

1 Credit

SAE IV (Grade 12)

Supervised Agricultural Experience IV (SAE) is an independent study course designed to provide students with opportunities to gain experience in the agriculture field(s) in which they have interest. Students experience and apply what is learned in the classroom, laboratory, and training site to real-life situations as they work closely with their agricultural teacher, parents, and/or employers.

The course is offered as an independent study for students in the “completer” phase of the agriculture education program. SAE programs can include entrepreneurship, agriculture placement, improvement, exploratory, and research. Projects may include raising livestock or pheasants; working for a feed mill; home, garage, and building repair or improvement; and studying wildlife behavior using trail cams and movement patterns. Students must complete an SAE record book to receive credit.

1 Credit

Wildlife & Fisheries Study (Grades 11–12)

This is a one-semester course scheduled with Ag Business. The course provides an overview and in-depth study of Pennsylvania wildlife, birds, fish, reptiles, and amphibians. Topics include identification, biology, and habitat and ecology. We also discuss and study safe hunting and trapping practices along with good hunting practices and strategies for both success and conservation.

.5 Credit