Los Molinos FFA
AG COURSES
Agricultural education prepares students for successful careers and a lifetime of informed choices in the global agriculture, food, fiber and natural resource systems. Agricultural education is a systematic program of instruction available to students desiring to learn about the science, business, technology of plant and animal production and/or about the environmental and natural resources systems. Agricultural education first became a part of the public education system in 1917 when the U.S. Congress passed the Smith-Hughes Act. Today, over 800,000 students participate in formal agricultural education instructional programs offered in grades seven-adult throughout the 50 states and three U. S. territories.
AG COURSE DESCRIPTIONS
AG SCIENCE
Agricultural Science focuses on biological/physical sciences with technology as related to the environment, natural resources, food production, science and agribusiness. Topics that will be covered throughout the year include agricultural awareness and literacy, leadership and FFA, employment skills and the introduction of all aspects of the agricultural industry. Students will gain skills and knowledge in biology, language, writing, computers, mathematics and physics.
HORTICULTURE
Plant Science offers hands-on experience in many areas of horticulture. Students learn basic horticultural plant structures and functions, propagation methods, growing media and fertilizers, landscaping, pruning, etc. Students gain an understanding of plant classification, anatomy, production and utilization. Students examine horticultural tree, shrub, vine, and ground cover varieties, cultivars and native species of horticultural use. The study of plant diseases, their causes, nature and control, as well as pathogen biology are examined. Units in this course will also cover turf grass management, weed science and irrigation systems. Plant Science is a Shasta College Dual Enrollment course, allowing students to receive Shasta College Credit upon completion of the course.
AGRICULTURE BIOLOGY
Agriculture Biology is a one year, laboratory science course, designed for the college-bound student with career interests in agriculture. This course emphasizes the life functions and interrelationships of plants and animals, focusing on growth and reproduction, genetics, animal behavior, animal and plant taxonomy, nutrition, health and disease and the ecological relationships among plants, animals and humans. This course satisfies the lab science graduation requirement and meets “a-g” UC/CSU approval.
AG GOVERNMENT
Agriculture Government & Economics is a senior level course that satisfies the 2nd year of U.S. History requirement. Legislation, policies and economic trends important to agriculture will be emphasized. The goal of this course is to help each member of the class arrive at a deeper, more comprehensive understanding of the forces that shape American government, politics, and economics so that he or she may be both a more discerning student and critic of the system and a more informed and reflective participant in it.
ANIMAL SCIENCE
Animal Science students study economically important livestock species. Students explore the necessary elements-such as physiology, nutrition, reproduction, genetics, health, welfare animal production, technology and management including a unit on humane slaughtering and processing of major livestock species for distribution and consumption. Animal Science satisfies the “a-g” UC/CSU approval for a College Elective course.
AG MECH I
Ag Mechanics 1 offers training in shop safety, tool identification, measurement and layout, project design, basic electrical & plumbing, land survey, and basic carpentry. Students will also be introduced to oxy-fuel welding and cutting, brazing, & shielded metal arc welding (SMAW), The program also includes training in applied communications and employability skills including leadership (FFA, SAE), and management.
AG MECH II
Agriculture Mechanics 2 is designed to advance student skills sets in agriculture fabrication & construction. Welding processes such as gas metal arc welding, flux core arc welding, and gas tungsten arc welding are explored and basic technique is thoroughly covered. The program also includes training in applied communication and employability skills including leadership (FFA, SAE), management, and safe efficient work practices.
AG MECH III
Agriculture Mechanics 3-4 is designed to prepare students for occupations in the ag fabrication & construction industry. Content includes construction according to specifications, diagrams, & blueprints. During this course students will refine their skills in oxy-fuel welding and cutting, plasma arc cutting, gas metal arc welding, flux core arc welding, and gas tungsten arc welding. Employability skills including leadership (FFA, SAE), management, and interview skills are further developed in this course.