Curriculum

Agriculture, Science and Technology

• FFA To be part of the FFA, students are required to elect at least one agriculture course each year. Leadership training, public speaking and other life skills gained in the FFA prepare students for post high school experiences. The FFA meets during the co-curricular periods. Students in grade 9 should enroll in Environmental Science first semester and Ag Business Economics I second semester. Independent Study Agr. is offered for most courses in cases where it is impossible for students to schedule an Ag course to meet FFA credit.
• Forestry and Environment Students learn to identify many of the trees common to the northeastern United States. This course includes units on multiple uses of the forest such as lumber, energy, wildlife, conservation and reforestation. Students will also contribute to the preservation of the environment. This course may count as 0.5 Science credit. First semester for grades 9-12.
• Wildlife And Fisheries Science Students will learn about the different aspects and career opportunities of wildlife and fisheries management and natural resource conservation. This course will include units on identification, habitat management, and small mammal study. Outdoor activities and studies will use the campus woodlands and aquatic areas as an outdoor lab. The course may count as 0.5 science credit. Second semester for grades 10-12.
• Animal Biotechnology (veterinary and animal production). Students explore practical aspects of animal reproduction, nutrition and health. (Units include dairy, swine, beef and horses.) This course provides an excellent foundation for agri-business careers, farmers and introductory vetscience for college freshmen. This course may count as 0.5 Science credit. First semester for grades 9-12.
• Construction Technology Students learn the basics of electrical wiring, plumbing, and masonry. Students order material for a utility shed, lay out a floor plan and design simple roof trusses. Students also construct one or more storage type buildings. Students will pay for parts, materials used, as well as a small deposit for safety equipment. Second semester for grades 11-12.
• Power Technology - Small Engines This course provides students with an excellent theoretical and practical background in operating, maintaining, trouble shooting and repairing of small gasoline engines. Anyone planning to own a car or other motorized equipment will benefit from this course. Students will pay for parts, materials used, as well as a deposit for safety equipment. This course counts as 0.5 science credit. First semester for grades 9-12.
• Horticulture Students learn knowledge and skills involved with greenhouse management, plant propagation, integrated pest management (IPM), and landscape work. The landscape component may include developing a landscape plan. This course involves many hands-on lab activities, and during spring weather, students work outdoors in practical landscape care. This course counts as 0.5 science credit. Second semester for all grades.
• Welding And Mechanics Technology Emphasis is on modern processes of joining and separating steel, sheet metal, etc. Skills are learned using the arc welder, plasma cutter, mig welder, assembly and equipment restoration. Student projects include steel fabrication, tractor restoration and large engines. Students will pay for parts, materials used, as well as a deposit for safety equipment. Students interested in advanced welding training should plan to take both semesters. First and/or second semester for grades 11-12.
• Ag Business Economics I A leadership class for beginning FFA members where students learn management entrepreneurship, record keeping and other skills required for success in the FFA and in future business operations. The impact of Pennsylvania’s agricultural commodities in the global marketplace will be taught through team projects. Highly recommended for first year FFA members. This course may count as 0.5 Global Studies credit. Second semester for grades 9-10 and other first year FFA members with FFA advisor approval.
• Ag Business Economics II Economic principles are taught in an atmosphere of discussion. Classroom projects that simulate real-life situations encourage students to explore management strategies that maximize profits. Students learn how to manage credit for personal and business purposes. Meets requirements for Economics in the Social Studies department. First semester for grades 11-12.