Class Overview

Sutton Agricultural Education Department

Course Description Guide

2008-009

Introduction to Environmental and Agriculture Science (Agriscience)

This is a core course for the Agriculture, Food and Natural Resources Career Cluster which will build a knowledge base and technical skills in all aspects of the industry. Learners will be exposed to a broad range of agriculture, food and natural resources careers and Cluster Foundation Knowledge and Skills and introduction to leadership development and the FFA organization and career exploration. 

Careers and Literacy of Agriculture (Seventh Grade Agriculture)

This course introduces students in the exploration and application of science and technology as it relates to agriculture and related studies.  Major concepts include farm safety, hunter education, Nebraska and U.S. agricultural awareness, introduction to FFA, and agricultural literacy activities which are supplemented through laboratory activities.

Careers and Literacy of Agriculture (Eighth Grade Agriculture)

This course introduces students in the exploration and application of science and technology as it relates to agriculture and related studies.  Major concepts include breeds of livestock, agricultural careers, SAE record keeping, and welding which are supplemented through laboratory activities.

Introduction to Agribusiness

This course covers skills necessary for entry into employment or furthering education in an agriculture business.  The course includes the study of business organizations, business structures, job responsibilities, job applications and interviewing, human relations, marketing, economic principals, budgeting, finance, risk management and entrepreneurship skills. 

Leadership

This course provides instruction in leadership, human resource development and related careers course includes leadership in a community, leadership concepts/applications, characteristics of an effective leader, characteristics of an effective manager and related practicum. 

Introduction to Animal Science

This course focuses on the basic scientific principles and processes that are involved in animal physiology, breeding, nutrition, and care in preparation for an animal systems career major. Topics include animal diseases, animal genetics and breeding, animal nutrition, breeds of livestock, animal science issues, career opportunities and animal evaluation

Introduction to Natural Resources

This course provides an opportunity for students to increase awareness of the close ties among living organisms as well as natural and environmental concerns with the interrelationships of living organisms and the world around us. Focus areas include wildlife management, aquaculture, pollution control, national parks system, and hunter education.  Students are exposed to careers related to natural resources systems.

Introduction to Plant Science

This course focuses on knowledge, information, and skills related to the science of plant production and agronomy. The curriculum is carried out through lecture, application, and experience to provide the necessary skills for careers in agricultural production and management, and science.  The content includes plant growth and reproduction, genetics, biotechnology and research, fertilizers, plant identification, controlling weeds and pests, and proper use of agricultural chemicals.

Horticulture

This course focuses on the broad field of horticulture, with emphasis on the scientific and technical knowledge for a career in horticulture. Topics in this course include plant growth and development, plant nutrition, media selection, basic plant identification, pest management, chemical disposal, customer relations, career opportunities and leadership development. Classroom and laboratory activities are supplemented through the school greenhouse.

Introduction to Power, Structural, and Technical Systems

This course introduces selected major areas of agricultural mechanics technology; includes small engine maintenance and repair, concrete construction, electrical wiring, maintenance of agricultural machinery, equipment and tractors, and soil and water conservation.  Learning activities include basic understanding, skill development and problem-solving. 

Welding

This course provides students with instruction in metals, welding and related careers course includes metal equipment identification/maintenance/safe usage, introduction to oxyacetylene, oxyacetylene welding/cutting, introduction to arc and wire welding, arc welding using 6011 and 7018 electrodes, plasma cutting and related practicum.

Metal Fabrication

This course is designed to provide students with a more in-depth study of metals and fabrication with metal products.  This course also provides students interested in agricultural mechanics the opportunity to explore the many career possibilities in the field of agricultural metal fabrication.  Additionally, hands-on project construction activities using metal enhance the classroom learning experience.  Students must complete one semester of welding to enroll in this class.

FFA

This course is designed to provide students with the opportunity to complete individual award applications such as proficiency awards, degrees, and scholarships, chapter award applications such as the national chapter award, and prepare for Leadership Skills Events and Career Development Events.  Students will also help plan chapter activities in the areas of student, chapter and community development.  Students should have a strong SAE program if enrolling in this class.