Agriculture
AGRICULTURAL & NATURAL RESOURCES
The Agricultural Education Department offers courses in a wide ranging variety of subjects. Keep in mind that Agricultural Economics meets the economics graduation requirement. Articulated courses offer the opportunity to earn college credit and certification from certain community or technical colleges. Also, students interested in a career in Agriculture, Food, or Natural Resources should strongly consider taking classes from the Agriculture Department.
For more information aobut Agricuture Education, check out the following links:
Courses Shown Below
Click title to see course description and prerequisites
Career Pathways Graphic unique to opportunities in Agriculture.
Article: Demand for Ag Grads on the Rise
Article: The White House Identifies More Ag Grads are Needed
General AgricultureAgriculture Today (11-12) |
LeadershipThese courses are NOT sequential. |
Natural ResourcesAlt Energy - Engineering for Our Future (11-12)Natural Resource Science (9-12) Fish and Wildlife Management (9-12) |
Plant SciencePlant Science - Concepts (10-12) |
Animal ScienceAnimal Science (9-12) |
Ag InternshipSenior Ag A&B - Career Investigation(12) |
Youth Leadership A Course: 0001 Grade: 9-12 (This course will only be offered semester one)
Are you a captain on your sports team? Dreaming of owning or leading a business someday? Do you wish you could convince everyone to take an Ag. course, because you just can't get enough? Even if leading comes naturally to you, you won't get far without effective communication, team building, citizenship and organizational skills. So take some time to discover how you're wired and how your unique skills will help those around you thrive. You"ll learn how to communicate effectively and persuasively through public speaking opportunities, serve in the community, help educate your peers about issues and options in agriculture, and coordinate events that will impact your school for the better. You'll also participate in a required Supervised Agricultural Experience Program (AKA a hands-on, out-of-class experience) in this course. If you're an FFA member, you'll get added leadership and career development training, too. Students do not need to follow this course with Youth Leadership B.
This course may be repeated.
Youth Leadership B Course: 0004 Grade: 9-12
Students do NOT need to complete Youth Leadership A to take this course (This course will only be offered semester two) Do you want to make your community a better place? In this class, you'll learn to see your community - your school, your neighborhood, your family, your church, your lunch table - as a learning laboratory. You'll take an honest look at your community, describe the needs you see, and then go to work putting together a plan for addressing those needs. You'll get to take part in the Agricultural Education Open House, community landscaping projects, banquet planning, National Chapter Award, and Agriculture in the Classroom activities. In short, you'll have practical opportunities to become an invested, informed student leader within the agricultural department. You'll also participate in a required Supervised Agricultural Experience Program (AKA a hands-on, out-of-class experience) in this course. If you're an FFA member, you'll get added leadership and career development training, too.
This course may be repeated.
Alternative Energy-Engineering for Our Future Course: 0200 Grade: 11-12 Do you sigh audibly every time you fill your gas tank and watch those dollars ticking up, up up? Take this crash course about the renewable, sustainable energies that are on the news all the time: solar energy, wind power, hydropower, fuel cells, biomass, and even alternative transportation options. You'll build working models of solar, wind, hydropower and biomass energy systems, and assess whether they'd actually be beneficial in real life. Learn about the impact of government regulations on the use of renewable energies and investigate the potential of renewable energy technologies to help solve environmental and economic problems. You'll participate in a Supervised Agricultural Experience Program (AKA a hands-on, out-of-class experience) in this course. If you're an FFA member, you'll get added leadership and career development training, too.
* Applicable to the University of Minnesota Science Entrance Requirement
Natural Resource Science Course: 0201 Grade: 9-12
Make Minnesota's great outdoors your classroom as we take learning outside to explore Minnesota's forests, soil and water. You'll learn about the anatomy and physiology, growth, and development of trees; soil structure, nutrient analysis, and erosion; and water management and pollution. We'll talk about the environmental and economic impact of these intricate ecosystems on our state and world, plus analyze ways that our population can preserve, protect and manage natural resources for the future. You'll participate in a Supervised Agricultural Experience Program (AKA a hands-on, out-of-class experience) in this course. If you're an FFA member, you'll get added leadership and career development training, too.
* Applicable to the University of Minnesota Science Entrance Requirement
Fish and Wildlife Management Course: 0205 Grade: 9-12
Up your game - make hunting and fishing more than just a hobby! Improve your knowledge of Minnesota's game species and the ecological, physical and environmental components of wildlife management. You'll study the ecology of wildlife species' needs, struggles and populations, and suggest ways to manage these populations to help them thrive. You'll also participate in a Supervised Agricultural Experience Program (AKA a hands-on, out-of-class experience) in this course. If you're an FFA member, you'll get added leadership and career development training, too.
* Applicable to the University of Minnesota Science Entrance Requirement
** Successful completion of this course may result in Advanced Hunter Certification.
Animal Science Course: 0300 Grade: 9-12
Learn about your food, from farm to fork! Get the back-story of the animal-based food products you've been eating your whole life - and some of the issues and threats facing their production and consumption. We'll talk about hot topics like how animal nutrition, selective breeding, product distribution, food grading and safety, biotechnology and animal selection affect the food that powers our country. Lab activities will give you practical, hands-on experience with these issues so you can be better informed as a leader in agriculture. You'll also participate in a Supervised Agricultural Experience Program (AKA a hands-on, out-of-class experience) in this course. If you're an FFA member, you'll get added leadership and career development training, too. *The opportunity to obtain a Certified Veterinary Assistant Certificate is possible if students successfully complete the following 5 courses: Animal Science, Companion Animal Science, Animal Health and Veterinary Science, Career Launch A & B and earn a passing score on the Texas Veterinary Medical Association certification exam.
CIS Animal Science Course: 0303 Grade: 11-12
Prerequisite: Student must be in top 50% of class, or instructor permission/approval.
An overview of the horse, dairy, sheep, poultry, swine and beef industries while earning college credits! We'll cover humans' relationships to animals, current issues, and perspectives of animal agriculture. Learn about animal science through hands-on lab experiences at the University of Minnesota as a concurrently-enrolled University of Minnesota student, and walk away with four college credits. Some learning will be done online, with potential release days so you can complete assignments and labs outside of class time.
This is a University of Minnesota Introduction to Animal Science (ANSC 1101) course with emphasis on genetics, physiology and nutrition. Successful completion of this course may enable students to earn 4 University of Minnesota credits. (Introduction to Animal Science ANSC 1101)
* Applicable to the University of Minnesota Science Entrance Requirement
Animal Health and Veterinary Science Course: 0305 Grade: 11-12
Save yourself a trip to the vet (and save money and time!) by diagnosing common pet illnesses at home! Explore animal systems, diagnose diseases and determine the best treatment for your furry family member. Build a foundational understanding of the biological and environmental factors in disease transmission, explore what causes illnesses, and learn about the prevention and treatment of common animal disorders. You'll also participate in a Supervised Agricultural Experience Program (AKA a hands-on, out-of-class experience) in this course. If you're an FFA member, you'll get added leadership and career development training, too.
It is recommended that students complete Companion Animal Science or Animal Science before enrolling in Animal Health & Veterinary Science.
*The opportunity to obtain a Certified Veterinary Assistant Certificate is possible if students successfully complete the following 5 courses: Animal Science, Companion Animal Science, Animal Health and Veterinary Science, Career Launch A & B and earn a passing score on the Texas Veterinary Medical Association certification exam.
Companion Animal Science Course: 0306 Grade: 9-12
Dogs and hamsters and parrots - oh my! Learn how to take care of your favorite pets, from their nutrition and safety, to training and setting the up for long-term health. The course will focus on dogs, cats, rabbits, birds, reptiles, guinea pigs, rodents, and fish - with lots of hands-on and problem-solving - so it's great for any pet owner or aspiring animal-related professional. You'll also participate in a Supervised Agricultural Experience Program (AKA a hands-on, out-of-class experience) in this course. If you're an FFA member, you'll get added leadership and career development training, too. * The opportunity to obtain a Certified Veterinary Assistant Certificate is possible if students successfully complete the following 5 courses: Animal Science, Companion Animal Science, Animal Health and Veterinary Science, Career Launch A & B and earn a passing score on the Texas Veterinary Medical Association certification exam.
Horse & Horsemanship Course: 0400 Grade: 9-12
Whether you're a horsemanship newbie or you've been a regular in the arena for years, this course will broaden your horizons. Get a handle (er-bridle?) on horse anatomy and physiology, health-care, nutrition, breeds, safety, handling and training, equine business management, and possible horse-centric careers. You'll plan and carry out your own Western Saddle Clubs Association (WSCA) horse show, judge horses for proper form, and hear from guest speakers who've been successful in the horse industry. You'll also participate in a Supervised Agricultural Experience Program (AKA a hands-on, out-of-class experience) in this course. If you're an FFA member, you'll get added leadership and career development training, too.
Plant Science - Concepts Course: 0501 Grade: 10-12
Give your green thumb a workout in the warmth of our high school greenhouse! This course is designed as an overview of the characteristics of plants, so you'll get your hands dirty and learn all about plant anatomy and growth. You'll walk away confident in your ability to identify common plants - and care for them - so you'll be able to impress the gardening experts in your life. You'll also participate in a Supervised Agricultural Experience Program (AKA a hands-on, out-of-class experience) in this course. If you're an FFA member, you'll get added leadership and career development training, too. Successful completion of this course may enable students to earn 4 college credits from Hennepin Technical College (Plant Biology LNDC 1242). This course also has a potential articulation agreement with several area colleges. See instructor for details.
Landscape Design and Construction Course: 0502 Grade: 9-12
Bump up your curb appeal! In this class, you'll get to know common Minnesota landscaping plants, create designs using Computer Aided Drafting (CAD) software, and learn to build hardscapes - like retaining walls and patios - that will add oomph to your designs and value to any home. This course will explore the process of creating greenscape and hardscape plans and carrying them through to completion, so we'll cover how to source and handle materials, install them safely and manage all aspects of a landscaping project. Hands-on (and - ahem - outdoor) learning will be an important part of this class. You'll also participate in a Supervised Agricultural Experience Program (AKA a hands-on, out-of-class experience) in this course. If you're an FFA member, you'll get added leadership and career development training, too. Successful completion of this course may enable students to earn 2 college credits from Hennepin Technical College (Landscape Operations LNDC 1235). This course also has a potential articulation agreement with Century College. See instructor for details.
Greenhouse Technology Course: 0504 Grade: 9-12
Surround yourself with beautiful topical flowers in the dead of a Minnesota winter! Hang out in a greenhouse, learning plant production, identification, disease prevention, pest management, and equipment care. Learn how to maintain and manage a commercial greenhouse and learn what it takes to create healthy environments for specific plant species. Put your new growing and business skills into practice to raise funds for the agriculture department at the spring plant sale. You'll also participate in a Supervised Agricultural Experience Program (AKA a hands-on, out-of-class experience) in this course. If you're an FFA member, you'll get added leadership and career development training, too. Successful completion of this course may enable students to earn 2 college credits from Hennepin Technical College (Greenhouse Infrastructure Technology LNDC 1160). This course also has a potential articulation agreement with several area colleges. See instructor for details. * Applicable to the University of Minnesota Science Requirement.
Floral Design Course: 0505 Grade: 9-12
You can't have a successful event without a great floral arrangement! Whip out your shears and create floral arrangements, centerpieces, bows and corsages - putting the best design tools and principles into use. Learn how to identify and care for cut flowers and understand their specific uses in design work. Get a first-hand look at the floral industry as you plan and price out the flowers for a wedding. If you're an FFA member, you'll get added leadership and career development training, too. This course also has a potential articulation agreement with Century College. See instructor for details.
Agricultural Economics Course: 0650 Grade: 11-12
Agricultural businesses were the original start-up companies, and any successful business comes down to economic decision-making. In this hands-on class, you'll learn how to anticipate market trends, secure resources, and make rational, data-based decisions through market simulations and interactive group collaboration. We'll also touch on supply and demand, price-setting, the globalization of trade, public policy, commodity markets and food safety, and how they impact everyday business. You'll walk out of this class confident about making healthy day-to-day economic decisions while saving and investing for the future. If you're an FFA member, you'll get added leadership and career development training, too. *This course meets the required economics credit for graduation.
Agriculture Today
Course: 0800
Grade: 11-12
You can't watch the news without hearing something that relates to or impacts agriculture. From climate change to new legislation to globalization to population swings, tomorrow's leaders in agriculture will need to be ultra-aware, savvy about sourcing and processing information, and adept at managing and inspiring change. In this course, you'll research and discuss issues affecting agriculturists and consumers and then present your findings through well-researched presentations, research papers and debates. You'll also participate in a Supervised Agricultural Experience Program (AKA a hands-on, out-of-class experience) in this course. If you're an FFA member, you'll get added leadership and career development training, too.
Biotechnology in Agri-Science Course: 0810 Grade: 11-12 Prerequisite: Successful completion of ½ credit Biology, or teacher approval. Can you define the word "biotechnology"? If it sounds like science fiction, think again. Discover how manipulating genetic traits can produce a safer and more adequate food supply. Though a partnership with Mayo Clinic, students will participate in a variety on hands-on labs to explore how cutting edge technology ends up on our dinner plate. Analyze the benefits of biotechnology and its environmental implication. Discuss the ethical questions surrounding these rapidly-changing industries and how current events shape them, too. You'll also participate in a Supervised Agricultural Experience Program (AKA a hands-on, out-of-class experience) in this course. If you're an FFA member, you'll get added leadership and career development training, too.
* Applicable to the University of Minnesota Science Entrance Requirement
Senior Agriculture A/B - Career Investigation (Not offered in the 23-24 school year) Course: 0841/0842 Grade: 12 (offered quarters 1 & 2)
Prerequisites: Students must be a senior (or a junior in special circumstances), and have successfully completed two courses in the Agriculture department.
In this capstone course, you'll select a focus within Agriculture, Food and Natural Resources career pathways and line up internships, occupational placement, service learning, career development events, and career observation to give you broad exposure to that focus. You'll gain practical skills for honing your career goals and approaching the college planning process, finding and filling out scholarship applications, and creating a professional portfolio. This course requires enrollment for terms 1 and 2. The class incorporates online learning components with potential opportunities for release days so that students can pursue educational and internship opportunities.
Senior Agriculture C/D - Career Experience (Not offered in the 23-24 school year) Course: 0843/0844 Grade: 12 (offered quarters 3 & 4)
Prerequisites: Students must be a senior (or a junior in special circumstances), and have successfully completed Senior Agriculture A - Career Investigation (0841) and B (0842).
Increase your knowledge of agriculture by working in one or more businesses that are related to the Agriculture, Food and Natural Resources career pathway. As you gain real-world experience, you'll keep a log of what you're learning and identify next steps for career development. This course is offered 5th period quarters 3 & 4 and will include student release and online learning opportunities. Students who did not enroll in Senior Agriculture A & B MUST have instructor permission prior to enrolling in this course.
FFA
FFA helps high school agriculture students become more self-confident, explore exciting careers and become leaders with a vision for the future. FFA changes lives. For more information about our department & FFA activities visit our website at:
www.forestlakeffa.org
0001