Laurens District 55 will be offering two Career Pathways within the Agriculture Career Cluster: Horticulture and Plant and Animal Science. These two pathways allow students an opportunity to learn a wide range of agriculture related skills.

Listed below are course descriptions for the classes with in the Agriculture Career Cluster.

Agriculture Science and Technology

Course Description:

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.

Typical learning activities include hands-on learning experiences including performing basic principles of plant, soil, and animal science; studying and modeling the significance of humankind’s interrelationship with soil, water, and air; participating in FFA activities.

This course is a component of the following Agriculture, Food and Natural Resources Pathways:

• Agricultural Mechanics and Technology
• Environmental and Natural Resources Management
• Horticulture
• Plant and Animal Systems

Horticulture Pathway

INTRODUCTION TO HORTICULTURE

COURSE DESCRIPTION:

The Introduction to Horticulture course is designed to be an introduction to the Horticulture pathway. It is recommended as a prerequisite for all other horticulture courses. This course includes organized subject matter and practical experiences related to the culture of plants used principally for ornamental or aesthetic purposes. Instruction emphasizes knowledge and understanding of the importance of establishing, maintaining, and managing ornamental horticulture enterprises.

Typical instructional activities include hands-on experiences with propagating, growing, establishing, and maintaining nursery plants and greenhouse crops; tissue culture techniques; designing landscapes; preparing designs; sales analysis and management; 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 by all students enrolled. The teacher may select additional competencies based on a local needs assessment.

LANDSCAPE TECHNOLOGY

COURSE DESCRIPTION:

The course in Landscape Technology is designed to qualify the student completing the course for job entry into landscaping fields or to continue advanced training in post high school education. A combination of subject matter and activities is designed to teach technical knowledge and skills for entry-level positions in selling, selecting, and servicing.

Typical instructional activities include hands-on experiences with the planning and selection of materials for the construction of hardscapes, the mechanical practices associated with irrigation and water conservation, erosion control, participating in personal and community leadership development activities, planning and implementing a relevant supervised agricultural experience, and participating in FFA activities. The teacher may select additional competencies based on a local needs assessment. Additional consideration of skills from the Certified Landscape Technician program is recommended.

COURSE DESCRIPTION:

Turf and Lawn Management course is designed to teach technical knowledge and skills for entry-level positions in the turfgrass industry. The principles and practices involved in establishing, managing, and maintaining grassed areas for ornamental and/or recreational purposes are studied.

Typical instructional activities include hands-on experiences with analyzing problems and developing site plans for golf courses and commercial, church, and home lawns; establishing, fertilizing, irrigating, and pest management control of grassed areas; operating and maintaining machinery and equipment; participating in personal and community leadership development activities; planning and implementing a relevant school-to-work transition experience; and participating in FFA activities. The instructor will select units of instruction based on a local needs assessment.

COURSE DESCRIPTION:
Sports Turf Management course is designed to teach technical knowledge and skills for entry-level positions in the Sports Turf Management career field. The principles and practices involved in establishing, managing, and maintaining grassed areas for recreational purposes are studied.

Typical instructional activities include hands-on experiences with analyzing problems and developing site plans for athletic fields; establishing, fertilizing, irrigating, and pest management control of grassed areas; operating and maintaining machinery and equipment; participating in personal and community leadership development activities; planning and implementing a relevant school-to-work transition experience; and participating in FFA activities. The instructor will select units of instruction based on a local needs assessment.

Plant and Animal Systems

COURSE DESCRIPTION:

The Equine Science course is designed to teach essential concepts and practical experience related to the care taking and production of horses. Instruction emphasizes knowledge and understanding of the importance of maintaining, selecting, and managing horses. Basic methods and safety techniques are included in this course.

Typical instruction activities include hands-on experiences in saddling, bridling, grooming, and judging horses; feeding and health techniques; and housing design.

Introduction to Veterinary Science

Course Description:

In this advanced animal science course, students will explore the field of veterinary medicine. Students will study the role of a veterinarian and veterinary technician in the diagnosis and treatment of animal diseases. Topics to be discussed include: veterinary terminology, anatomy and physiology, pathology, genetics, handling and restraint, and physical examinations along with common surgical skills. Students will engage in a variety of laboratory activities and will participate in shadowing and/or other school-to-work experiences.

Animal Science