Humboldt County Office of Education: Agriculture & Natural Resources | CTE at McKinleyville High

The Agriculture Program provides career & college preparatory science courses for students throughout high school while giving the opportunity to be a part of the premier youth leadership organization, FFA. Students will have the opportunity to engage in community service activities and gain and develop job readiness and leadership skills. In addition, this pathway provides students an opportunity to complete their Government and Economics graduation requirement through Ag. Economics and Government.

AGRICULTURE 1:

Fulfills Life Science Requirement for Graduation This course is designed to meet the life science graduation requirement and provide an introduction to the agriculture program using a hands-on, student centered approach of study. Students will be introduced to general and specific knowledge of skills and understanding in the following units of study: Ag Business, Ag Careers, Animal Science, Natural Resources, and Plant and Soil Science. Throughout the course, students will participate in intra-curricular FFA activities as well as develop an ongoing Supervised Agricultural Experience (SAE) program. 

AGRICULTURE LEADERSHIP:

Can be used for Elective Credit towards graduation This course is designed to provide an opportunity for students to become more involved in their FFA chapter and further their leadership and public speaking skills. Students will be introduced to parliamentary procedure and be expected to work collaboratively to coordinate and execute various FFA Activities. Throughout the course, students will participate in intra-curricular FFA activities as well as develop an ongoing Supervised Agricultural Experience (SAE) program.

SUSTAINABLE AGRICULTURE BIOLOGY:

Fulfills Life Science Requirement for Graduation and UC/CSU Admission (Area D) This course is organized into four major units that integrate biological science practices and knowledge into the practice of sustainable agriculture. Units address the following questions: Unit 1 What is sustainable agriculture; Unit 2 How does sustainable agriculture fit into our environment; Unit 3 What molecular biology principles guide sustainable agriculture; Unit 4 How do we make decisions to maximize sustainable agricultural practices within a functioning ecosystem.

Within each unit, specific life science principles integrate with agricultural principles. Students gain knowledge of how the two disciplines influence each other, which will culminate in the development of a sustainable farm model and portfolio supported by student research. Throughout the course, students will participate in intra-curricular FFA activities as well as develop or maintain an ongoing Supervised Agricultural Experience (SAE) program.

AGRICULTURE AND SOIL CHEMISTRY:

Fulfills Physical Science Requirement for Graduation and UC/CSU Admission (Area D) This course explores the physical and chemical nature of soil as well as the relationships between soil, plants, animals and agricultural practices. Students will examine properties of soil and land and their connections to plant and animal production. Additionally, students will develop and present a capstone soil management plan for agricultural producers, using the content learned throughout the course. Throughout the course, students will participate in intra-curricular FFA activities as well as develop or maintain an ongoing Supervised Agricultural Experience (SAE) program.

ADVANCED AGRISCIENCE / HONORS OPTION:

Fulfills Interdisciplinary Science requirement for UC/CSU Admission (Area D) This class takes an interdisciplinary approach to laboratory science and research with agricultural management principles. Using skills and principles learned in the course, students design systems and experiments to solve current agricultural industry management issues. Additionally, students will connect the products created in this class with industry activities and real world encounters implementing skills demanded by both colleges and careers. Throughout the course, students will participate in intra-curricular FFA activities as well as develop or maintain an ongoing Supervised Agricultural Experience (SAE) program. FOR HONORS CREDIT: Students will be required to complete a culminating project that includes an experimental research project. Final projects will be eligible for Career Development Event competition at FFA events.

AGRICULTURE AND NATURAL RESOURCES:

 Fulfills Physical Science Requirement for Graduation and UC/CSU Admission (Area G) This course is designed to provide the student with theories and principles related to Agriculture & Natural Resources. Students will learn about the science in natural resources, conservation, soil, water, wildlife classification & habitat, forest species, forest practices, air pollution, land quality, weather & climate, environmental impact on mineral use, sustainable agriculture systems, and waste management. Students will gain an understanding of the complex issues surrounding our north coast forest industry. Throughout the course, students will participate in intra-curricular FFA activities as well as develop or maintain an ongoing Supervised Agricultural Experience (SAE) program