The Agricultural Science and Technology 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.
The Wildlife Management course is designed to teach technical knowledge and skills for entry-level positions in the conservation and/or management of wildlife enterprises.
Typical instructional activities include hands-on experiences with analyzing problems and developing site plans including the essential elements, concepts, and skills related to wildlife management; understanding basic ecological concepts; implementing habitat management practices; identifying wildlife and fish species; analyzing policies, laws and regulations, and using natural resources for outdoor recreation; participation in personal and community leadership development activities and planning and implementing a relevant supervised agricultural experience; and participating in FFA activities
The Aquaculture course is designed to teach knowledge and skills required for job entry into alternative agriculture through the husbandry of aquatic plants and animals. The ultimate objective of this course is to help students plan, build, stock, and run aquaculture facilities of varied sizes. Aquaculture projects require planning and management comparable to any other commercial endeavor.
Typical learning activities include selecting a site, evaluating soil types, selecting equipment and planning a facility, managing water quality to promote good health and growth of selected aquatic species, participating in FFA personal and leadership development activities, and planning and conducting a supervised occupational experience program relevant to aquaculture.
The Agriculture Mechanics and Technology course is designed as an introductory course to the Agriculture Mechanics Career Pathway. In addition it provides development of general mechanical skills which are required in all areas of Agricultural Education.
Typical instructional activities include hands-on experiences in woodworking, metal working, welding, small engine repair, basic farm and homestead improvements, participating in personal and community leadership development activities, planning and implementing a relevant school-to-work transition experience, and participating in FFA activities.
This course is designed to teach students how to operate and maintain equipment commonly used in the agricultural industry. It includes equipment used in all four of the Agriculture, Food and Natural Resources pathways: Horticulture; Plant and Animal Systems; Environmental and Natural Resources Management; and Agricultural Mechanics and Technology.
Typical 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. This is a list of core competencies to be completed in by each student enrolled. The teacher may select additional competencies based on a local needs assessment.
Learning To Do - Doing To Learn - Earning To Live - Living To Serve
Midland Valley Agriculture Program Supporters
Environmental & Natural Resource Management
The Environmental and Natural Resource Management course is a combination of subject matter and planned learning experiences on the principles involved in the conservation and/or improvement of natural resources such as air, soil, water, land, forest, and wildlife for economic and recreational purposes. Instruction also emphasizes such factors as the establishment, management, and operation of land for recreational purposes.
Typical learning activities include constructing a model watershed; identifying and/or measuring the levels of air, water, noise, and solid waste pollution in a selected site; hands-on experiences with site analysis; evaluation of competing interests; analysis of biological and physical aspects of the environment and environment-related issues including methods of abating and controlling pollution; participating in personal and community leadership development activities; planning and implementing a relevant school-to-work transition experience; and participating in FFA activities.
