2023-24 Le Mars Community High School Curriculum Guide

P a g e | 23  Ag-Science, Food & Natural Resources Education The Agriculture Education program mission is to provide students a comprehensive education in applied science, technology, and business management within the framework of the ag-science, food, and natural resources career path. The goal of the program is to stimulate the development of critical thinking, communication, and leadership skills. We will provide a wide range of students the opportunity to pursue interests and career goals in a stimulating and engaging learning environment. Courses are offered in three strands; ag-science, business, and technology. AG LEADERSHIP – AGC216 Course Length: 1 Semester Prerequisite: At least three courses in the agriculture department Credits: 1 LCHS, 2 WITCC Grade Level: 11, 12 This college course is designed to serve as a capstone course for seniors interested in pursuing a career in agriculture. The course will provide students the opportunity to explore the concept of leadership and to develop and improve their leadership skills in the agriculture industry. Throughout the duration of this course, students will strengthen their professional skills while working on resume building, cover letters, job interviews, scholarship, and real-world career explorations. AG-SCIENCE STRAND AGRI-SCIENCE 1 Course Length: 1 Year Credits: 2 Grade Level: 9, 10, 11, 12 This course has a focus on continuing to advance student knowledge and experience in the sectors of animal science and food science industries. Throughout the animal science sector, students will explore the purpose and fundamentals of livestock and other domesticated animal production, industry, and evaluation. During the food science sector, students will explore the diverse array of segments that make up the food industry – from food safety and inspection, to food production and processing. Students continue to develop their communication, problem-solving, and leadership skills. Students will improve their career experience programs that will support their individual career and personal interests. AG-SCIENCE 2 Course Length: 1 Year Credits: 2 Prerequisite: Ag-Science I Grade Level: 10, 11, 12 This course has a focus on continuing to advance student knowledge and experience in the sectors of animal science and plant science. Throughout the animal science sector, students will explore the purpose and fundamentals of livestock and other domesticated animal production, industry, and evaluation. During the plant science portion, students will dive into the fundamentals of plant science in relation to human needs, production methods, and functions. Students continue to develop their communication, problem-solving, and leadership skills. Students will improve their career experience programs that will support their individual career and personal interests. HORTICULTURE Course Length: 1 Semester Credits: 1 Grade Level: 9, 10, 11, 12 This is a course focusing on the application of plant science principles to greenhouse, nursery and landscape plants. Students should have some background in biology or ag-science. Topics include plant growth and development, greenhouse/house plants, nursery plants, landscaping design, installation and maintenance of landscape plants, turf management, fruit and vegetable production, and floriculture. Students will design a landscaping project and we will work as a class to prepare and install the project.