AGRICULTURAL EDUCATION
PROGRAMS OF STUDY

The agricultural education program is built on the three core areas of classroom/laboratory instruction, supervised agricultural experience programs and FFA student organization activities/opportunities. The program is designed for delivery through these three components as follows:

• Classroom/Laboratory Instruction – quality instruction in and about agriculture that utilizes a "learning by doing" philosophy.
• Supervised Agricultural Experience Programs – all students are expected to have an agriculturally related work-based learning experience while enrolled in agricultural education courses.
• FFA Student Organization activities/opportunities – FFA activities are an integral part of the agricultural education program that all agricultural education students should participate in if they are to fully benefit from their enrollment in the program.

A quality agricultural education program has a balanced utilization of these three core components. These components are best carried out when the following strategies are employed:

• Community-Based Planning – involvement of the school administration and community in the planning and coordination of the program is essential to success.
• Professional Development – agriculture teachers take advantage of opportunities for professional development and growth.
• Partnerships – the development of alliances with community and business leaders is essential for program success.
• Marketing – every agricultural education program needs a successful marketing strategy in place to attract and retain students and the support of the community that is being served.

When these components and strategies are in place, program success will occur.

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Agricultural Advanced Studies
Course Number: 6899
Recommended Maximum Enrollment: 16
Recommended Hours of Instruction: 135-180
Course blueprint: ²
Course guide: Summer 2006 (pdf, 241kb) ²
Prerequisite: Three technical credits in Agricultural Education.
Description:
This is a three-phased exit course for seniors that is career focused in agricultural education. The three components of the program include a research paper, a product, and a presentation. Students demonstrate their ability to use content and apply knowledge to real-world situations in a career major. In addition, they will also demonstrate their ability to write, speak, apply knowledge, problem-solve, and use life skills such as time management, planning, follow-through, and organization. Students work under the guidance of a teacher-facilitator in collaboration with community members, business representatives and other school-based personnel. FFA leadership activities are integral components of the course and provide many opportunities for practical application of instructional competencies.

Agricultural Mechanics I
Course Number: 6831
Recommended Maximum Enrollment: 20
Recommended Hours of Instruction: 135-180
Course blueprint: Winter 2004 (pdf, 599kb)
Course guide: Winter 2004 (zip, 500kb)
CMS bank date: Summer 2004
Prerequisite: None
Description:
This course develops knowledge and technical skills in the broad field of agricultural machinery, equipment, and structures. The primary purpose of this course is to prepare students to handle the day-to-day problems, accidents, and repair needs they will encounter in their chosen agricultural career. Topics include agricultural mechanics safety, agricultural engineering career opportunities, hand/power tool use and selection, electrical wiring, basic metal working, basic agricultural construction skills related to plumbing, concrete, carpentry, basic welding, and leadership development. Skills in physics, geometry, and algebra are reinforced in this course. Work-based learning strategies appropriate for this course are agriscience projects, field trips, shadowing, and supervised agricultural experience. Supervised agricultural experience programs and FFA leadership activities are integral components of the course and provide many opportunities for practical application of instructional competencies.

Agricultural Mechanics II
Course Number: 6832
Recommended Maximum Enrollment: 20
Recommended Hours of Instruction: 135-180
Course blueprint: Summer 2005 (pdf, 128kb)
Course guide: Summer 2005 (zip, 567kb)
CMS bank date: Summer 2005
Prerequisite: Agricultural Mechanics I
Description:
This course expands upon the knowledge and skills learned in Agricultural Mechanics I. The topics of instruction emphasized are non-metallic agricultural fabrication techniques, metal fabrication technology, safe tool and equipment use, human resource development, hot/cold metal working skills and technology, advanced welding and metal cutting skills, working with plastics, and advanced career exploration/decision-making. Skills in physics, geometry, and algebra are reinforced in this course. Work-based learning strategies appropriate for this course are agriscience projects, internships, cooperative education, apprenticeship, and supervised agricultural experience. Supervised agricultural experience programs and FFA leadership activities are integral components of the course and provide many opportunities for practical application of instructional competencies.

Agricultural Mechanics II-Small Engines
Course Number: 6833
Recommended Maximum Enrollment: 16
Recommended Hours of Instruction: 135-180
Course blueprint: Summer 2003 (pdf, 234kb)
Course guide: Summer 2003 (zip, 665kb)
CMS bank date: Fall 2003
Prerequisite: Agricultural Mechanics I
Description:
This course provides hands-on instruction and emphasizes small engine systems including the compression, fuel, electrical, cooling and lubrication systems. Troubleshooting methods are emphasized. In addition, students learn how to select engines for specific applications. Materials will be covered to prepare students for the Master Service Technician Exam. Safety skills will be emphasized as well as leadership development and work-based learning. Opportunities exist for students to conduct internships or apprenticeships as small engine technicians.

Agricultural Production I
Course Number: 6811
Recommended Maximum Enrollment: 20
Recommended Hours of Instruction: 135-180
Course blueprint: Summer 2006 (pdf, 89kb)
Course guide: Summer 2006 (pdf, 178kb)
CMS bank date: Summer 2006
Prerequisite: None
Description:
This course focuses on the basic scientific principles and processes related to the production of plants and animals for the food and fiber systems. Topics of instruction include basic understanding of the livestock/poultry industry and its various components, career opportunities, soil science, crop science/agronomy, weed science, basic agricultural machinery and related industry careers, environmental stewardship, and leadership/personal development. Skills in algebra and biology are reinforced in this course. Work-based learning strategies appropriate for this course are agriscience projects, internships, and supervised agricultural experience. Supervised agricultural experience programs and FFA leadership activities are integral components of the course and provide many opportunities for practical application of instructional competencies.

Agricultural Production II
Course Number: 6811
Recommended Maximum Enrollment: 20
Recommended Hours of Instruction: 135-180
Course blueprint: Summer 2006 (pdf, 70kb)
Course guide: Summer 2006 (pdf, 154kb)
CMS bank date: Summer 2006
Prerequisite: Agricultural Production I
Description:
This course provides instruction that expands the scientific knowledge and technical skills gained in Agricultural Production I with heavy emphasis on topics including pesticide use and safety, herbicide use and safety, wildlife habitat concerns, irrigation, agricultural equipment technology and safety, global industry issues, career planning, and human resource development. Skills in algebra and biology are reinforced in this course. Work-based learning strategies appropriate for this course are agriscience projects, supervised agricultural experience, and apprenticeship. Supervised agricultural experience programs and FFA leadership activities are integral components of the course and provide many opportunities for practical application of instructional competencies.

Agriscience Applications
Course Number: 6810
Recommended Maximum Enrollment: 20
Recommended Hours of Instruction: 135-180
Course blueprint: Summer 2004 (pdf, 642kb)
Course guide: Summer 2004 (zip, 479kb)
CMS bank date: Summer 2004
Prerequisite: None
Description:
This course focuses on integrating biological/physical sciences with technology as related to the environment, natural resources, food production, science and agribusiness. Topics of instruction include agricultural awareness and literacy, leadership and FFA, employability skills and introduction to all aspects of the total agricultural industry. Skills in biology, language, writing, computers, mathematics, and physics are reinforced in this course. Work-based learning strategies appropriate for this course are field trips, shadowing, agriscience projects, and supervised agricultural experience. Supervised agricultural experience programs and FFA leadership activities are integral components of the course and provide many opportunities for practical application of instructional competencies.

Animal Science I
Course Number: 6821
Recommended Maximum Enrollment: 20
Recommended Hours of Instruction: 135-180
Course blueprint: Summer 2003 (pdf, 566kb)
Course guide: Summer 2003 (zip, 441kb)
CMS bank date: Summer 2003
Prerequisite: None
Description:
This course focuses on the basic scientific principles and processes that are involved in animal physiology, breeding, nutrition, and care in preparation for an animal science career major. Topics include animal diseases, introduction to animal science, animal nutrition, animal science issues, career opportunities, and animal evaluation. Skills in biology, chemistry, and algebra are reinforced in this course. Workbased learning strategies appropriate for this course are agriscience projects, internships, and supervised agricultural experience. Supervised agricultural experience programs and FFA leadership activities are integral components of the course and provide many opportunities for practical application of instructional competencies.

Animal Science II
Course Number: 6822
Recommended Maximum Enrollment: 20
Recommended Hours of Instruction: 135-180
Course blueprint: Summer 2003 (pdf, 630kb)
Course guide: Summer 2003 (zip, 433kb)
CMS bank date: Summer 2003
Prerequisite: Animal Science I
Description:
This course includes more advanced scientific principles and communication skills than were developed in Animal Science I. Topics include animal waste management, animal science economics, decision making, global concerns in the industry, genetics, and breeding. Content knowledge in biology, chemistry, and algebra are reinforced in this class. Work-based learning strategies appropriate for this course are agriscience projects, internships, cooperative education, apprenticeships and supervised agricultural experience. Supervised agricultural experience programs and FFA leadership activities are integral components of the course and provide many opportunities for practical application of instructional competencies.

Animal Science II-Small Animal
Course Number: 6823
Recommended Maximum Enrollment: 16
Recommended Hours of Instruction: 135-180
Course blueprint: Summer 2005 (pdf, 121kb)
Course guide: Summer 2005 (zip, 553kb)
CMS bank date: Summer 2005
Prerequisite: Animal Science I
Description:
This course provides instruction on animal husbandry topics related to small animals that are served by a veterinarian. Content related to the breeding, grooming, care and marketing of animals that fit into this category will be covered through this course. Opportunities for students to gain hands-on experience will be included in the course and reinforced through work-based learning and leadership experiences.

Biotechnology and Agriscience Research I
Course Number: 6871
Recommended Maximum Enrollment: 16
Recommended Hours of Instruction: 135-180
Course blueprint: Summer 2005 - Revised (pdf, 175kb)
Course guide: Summer 2005 (zip, 368kb)
CMS bank date: Summer 2005
Prerequisite: None
Description:
This course provides instruction in the technologically advanced world of agriculture and life sciences. Students are exposed to the latest techniques and advances in plant and animal biotechnology with a strong emphasis on hands-on activities. The FFA student organization and work-based learning experiences are integrated throughout this course to bring the scientific information to students for real-life application. Agriscience Applications is a recommended prerequisite.

Biotechnology and Agriscience Research II
Course Number: 6872
Recommended Maximum Enrollment: 16
Recommended Hours of Instruction: 135-180
Course blueprint: Summer 2005 - Revised (pdf, 188kb)
Course guide: Summer 2005 (zip, 311kb)
CMS bank date: Summer 2005
Prerequisite: Biotechnology and Agriscience Research I
Description:
This course provides instruction in laboratory and safety skills needed by agricultural research scientists. Current applications of biotechnology in animal science, environmental science, food science and plant science are emphasized. Basic concepts of genetics and microbiology are applied to the agriculture industry and its success in providing food and fiber for the world. Opportunities exist for students to conduct individual or team research experiments. Hands-on laboratories and current topic discussions provide students an understanding of careers in agriscience research.

Environmental and Natural Resources I
Course Number: 6851
Recommended Maximum Enrollment: 20
Recommended Hours of Instruction: 135-180
Course blueprint: Winter 2004 (pdf, 644kb)
Course guide: Winter 2004 (zip, 663kb)
CMS bank date: Summer 2004
Prerequisite: None
Description:
This course provides an introduction to environmental studies, which includes topics of instruction in renewable and non-renewable natural resources, history of the environment, personal development, water and air quality, waste management, land use regulations, soils, meteorology, fisheries, forestry, and wildlife habitat. Skills in biology and algebra are reinforced in this class. Work-based learning strategies appropriate for this course are agriscience projects, field trips, shadowing, and supervised agricultural experience. Supervised agricultural experience programs and FFA leadership activities are integral components of the course and provide many opportunities for practical application of instructional competencies.

Environmental and Natural Resources II
Course Number: 6852
Recommended Maximum Enrollment: 20
Recommended Hours of Instruction: 135-180
Course blueprint: Summer 2005 (pdf, 140kb)
Course guide: Summer 2005 (zip, 569kb)
CMS bank date: Summer 2005
Prerequisite: Environmental and Natural Resources I
Description:
This course covers instruction in best management practices in methods of environmental monitoring and conservation, air and water regulations, sampling methodologies, prescribing conservation techniques, and wildlife and forestry management. Skills in biology, chemistry, and algebra are reinforced in this class. Work-based learning strategies appropriate for this course are agriscience projects, field trips, shadowing, cooperative education, and supervised agricultural experience. Supervised agricultural experience programs and FFA leadership activities are integral components of the course and provide many opportunities for practical application of instructional competencies.

Equine Science I
Course Number: 6825
Recommended Maximum Enrollment: 20
Recommended Hours of Instruction: 135-180
Course blueprint: Summer 2003 (pdf, 165kb)
Course guide: Summer 2003 (zip, 601kb)
CMS bank date: Fall 2003
Prerequisite: None
Description:
This course focuses on the basic scientific principles and processes related to equine physiology, breeding, nutrition and care in preparation for a career in the equine industry. Skills in biology, chemistry and mathematics are reinforced in this course. Opportunities for students to gain hands-on experience will be included in this course through workbased learning and leadership experiences. Supervised agricultural experience programs and FFA leadership activities are integral components of the course.

Equine Science II
Course Number: 6826
Recommended Maximum Enrollment: 20
Recommended Hours of Instruction: 135-180
Course blueprint: Winter 2004 (pdf, 541kb)
Course guide: Winter 2004 (zip, 1.2mb)
CMS bank date: Summer 2004
Prerequisite: Equine Science I
Description:
The course focuses on more advanced applications of feeding, breeding, and management practices involved in the horse industry. Content knowledge in biology, chemistry, and algebra are reinforced in this class. Work-based learning strategies appropriate for this course are agriscience projects, internships, and supervised agricultural experience. Supervised agricultural experience programs and FFA leadership activities are integral components of the course and provide many opportunities for practical application of instructional competencies.

Exploring Biotechnology
Course Number: 6828
Recommended Maximum Enrollment: 18
Recommended Hours of Instruction: 67-90
Course blueprint: Summer 2004 (pdf, 374kb)
Course guide: Summer 2004 (zip, 17.7mb)
CMS bank date: Summer 2005
Prerequisite: None
Description:
This course focuses on the agricultural and medical industry with emphasis on the relationship of science and technology that affects agriculture, medicine and health care. Topics include career concepts in the agriculture and medical fields. Skills in mathematics, science and language arts are reinforced in the course. This course contributes to the development of a career development plan. Work-based learning activities appropriate for this course are projects, field trips, and job shadowing. Teaching strategies encourage the development of essential skills and knowledge of the world of work, careers and leadership in the agriculture and medical industries. FFA and CECNC leadership activities apply instructional competencies to authentic experiences.

Horticulture I
Course Number: 6841
Recommended Maximum Enrollment: 20
Recommended Hours of Instruction: 135-180
Course blueprint: Summer 2002 (pdf, 623kb)
Course guide: Summer 2002 (zip, 529kb)
CMS bank date: Summer 2002
Prerequisite: None
Description:
This course provides instruction on the broad field of horticulture with emphasis on the scientific and technical knowledge for a career in horticulture. Topics in this course include plant growth and development, plant nutrition, media selection, basic plant identification, pest management, chemical disposal, customer relations, career opportunities, and leadership development. Skills in biology, chemistry, and algebra are reinforced in this course. Work-based learning strategies appropriate for this course are agriscience projects, internships, and supervised agricultural experience. Supervised agricultural experience programs and FFA leadership activities are integral components of the course and provide many opportunities for practical application of instructional competencies.

Horticulture II
Course Number: 6842
Recommended Maximum Enrollment: 20
Recommended Hours of Instruction: 135-180
Course blueprint: Summer 2003 (pdf, 771kb)
Course guide: Summer 2003 (zip, 559kb)
CMS bank date: Fall 2003
Prerequisite: Horticulture I
Description:
This course covers instruction that expands the scientific knowledge and skills to include more advanced scientific computations, and communication skills needed in the horticulture industry. Topics include greenhouse plant production and management, bedding plant production, watering systems, light effects, basic landscape design, installation and maintenance, lawn and turfgrass management, career planning, and leadership/personal development. Skills in biology, chemistry, and algebra are reinforced in this class. Work-based learning strategies appropriate for this course are agriscience projects, cooperative education, apprenticeships, and supervised agricultural experience. Supervised agricultural experience programs and FFA leadership activities are integral components of the course and provide many opportunities for practical application of instructional competencies.

Horticulture II - Landscaping
Course Number: 6882
Recommended Maximum Enrollment: 16
Recommended Hours of Instruction: 135-180
Course blueprint: Summer 2009 (pdf, 45kb)
Course guide: Summer 2009 (zip, 15.9mb)
CMS bank date: NO BANK
Prerequisite: Horticulture I
Description:
This course provides hands-on instruction and emphasizes safety skills needed by landscape technicians in the field. This course is based on the North Carolina Landscape Contractor's Association skill standards for a Certified Landscape Technician. Students are instructed in interpreting landscape designs, identifying landscape plants, and planting/maintaining trees, shrubs and turf. Landscape construction is emphasized in the areas of grading and drainage, irrigation, paver installation and the use/ maintenance of landscape equipment. Current topic discussions provide students an understanding of careers and the employability skills needed to enter the landscape industry. Opportunities exist for students to conduct internships or apprenticeships as landscape technicians.

Horticulture II - Turf Grass
Course Number: 6842
Recommended Maximum Enrollment: 16
Recommended Hours of Instruction: 135-180
Course blueprint: Summer 2003 (pdf, 662kb)
Course guide: Summer 2003 (zip, 671kb)
CMS bank date: Fall 2003
Prerequisite: Horticulture I or Agricultural Production I
Description:
Turf Grass provides hands-on instruction and emphasizes eight units of instruction including: fundamentals of soils and pests; environmental issues related to turf management; landscape basics; lawn care and turf production; golf course management; sports turf and turf irrigation; turf equipment and maintenance; and human resources and financial management. Safety skills will be emphasized as well as leadership development and work-based learning. Opportunities exist for students to conduct internships or apprenticeships related to landscaping, lawn care, and golf course management.

Local Course Options

Schools may offer one or more specialized courses not included in the Standard Course of Study. These courses should meet a local economic need. Options may include:

• Aquaculture
• Floriculture

Refer to Part I, Local Course Options, and Appendix B for instructions on how to offer these courses.

A:Adopted from another source, contact program area for more information on ordering
R:Reformatted but not otherwise revised
P:Pilot
D:Draft
L:Leadership objectives revised
OL:Outline

1:Curriculum guide not available in electronic format.
2:Alternative forms of curriculum products will be distributed
3:A complete package is available commercially
4:Draft or pilot blueprint are provided for review purposes only.
 Contact program area for piloting opportunities.
5:Use objectives from other T&I Education courses (See Standard Course of Study)
6:Bank not yet validated; released in pilot form.
7:Students enrolled in course should be tested with performance assessments
 and industry certification exams.