Northern High School

Agricultural Science and Engineering

An Agricultural Science and Engineering Education at Northern High School will provide students with an understanding of and an appreciation for the production, utilization, and management of food, feed, fiber, and natural resources through experiential and inquiry-based learning opportunities. A complete Agricultural Science and Engineering Education at Northern High School has three essential components: Classroom/Laboratory Instruction, FFA, and Supervised Agricultural Experience. Students are encouraged to participate in FFA activities if they are enroll in an agricultural course. SAE requirements apply.

Agricultural Leadership Development (.5 credit)

REQUIRED for any student in Grade 9 taking an Agriculture Course

 The purpose of this course is to provide students with opportunities to develop knowledge, skills, and abilities to realize their fullest potential to be premier leaders, grow personally, and ultimately be successful in their chosen career. Students in the course will be responsible for successfully organizing and conducting FFA, school, and community-based activities. Public speaking, teamwork, communication, and parliamentary procedure will be emphasized. Students in the agricultural science or engineering programs desiring to develop their leadership skills are encouraged to take this course. All students are FFA members through this course.

Introduction to Agricultural Engineering (.5 credit)

Recommended for Grade 9

This hand-on course of Introductory Agriculture Engineering is the prerequisite course for all future Agriculture Engineering courses. This course includes both the safety instruction and certification of equipment used in both metal and wood processes, drawing and designs and construction of various engineering projects used today with the Agricultural Industry. All students are FFA members through this course.

Introductory Electric ARC and Gas Welding (1 credit)

Recommended Grade 10

Introductory Electric ARC and Gas Welding buildings on instruction learned in Introductory Agricultural Engineering and combines basic instruction with hands-on training in the field of metal working. This course includes instructions in sheet metal working, welding, metal cutting and fabrication. Instruction includes gas welding processes and shielding, AC and DC welding. All students are FFA members through this course.

Prerequisite: Introduction to Agricultural Engineering

Agricultural Building & Construction (1 credit)

Recommended for Grade 11

Combining modern approaches in the construction of Agricultural Building and systems is the basis of this course. Students selecting this course will find hands-on instruction and practice in areas of building site set-up, lazar and optics surveying, concrete and masonry and building principles used today in construction.

Prerequisite: Introduction to Agricultural Engineering

Small Gasoline Engines Repair and Overhaul (.5 credit)

Recommended for Grade 9

Small Gas Engine repair instructs students with theory and hands-on instruction in small engines. This course includes instruction on small engines, (2 cycle and 4 cycle) gasoline and diesels along with hands-on overhaul and repair instructions. Students electing this course will be instructed in overhaul procedures, engine testing and ordering of engine parts. All students are FFA members through this course.

Prerequisite: Introduction to Agricultural Engineering

Agricultural Business & Finance (1 credit)

Recommended Grade 12

In this course, students will analyze food, feed, fiber and natural resource production systems through the study of economics, marketing, business planning, public relations, and politics involved with the day-to-day operations of any agriculturally related business. Area of study and research will focus on efficient and sustainable production and processing models that are competitive in today’s global markets. Students will gain an understanding of the economic value of agriculture in York County, Pennsylvania, and the United States and the world. All students are FFA Members through this course.

Advanced Welding and Pipe Fitting (1 credit)

Recommended Grade 12

Advanced Metal Engineering combines advanced instruction in Introductory Electric ARC and gas welding with hands-on training in the field of today’s world of advanced metal working. This course includes instructions in welding processes including MIG, TIG, and Plasma processes in metal shaping and construction. Piper fitting will be the second part of this course and will include the use and joining on PVC, steel, copper tubing used today in the Agricultural Industry. All students are FFA Members through this course.

Prerequisite: Introductory Electric ARC and Gas Welding

SAE (Supervised Agricultural Experience) I-IV (1 credit)

This course does not meet during the regular school day, but credits outside-of-class experiences incorporated into the agricultural science or engineering course the student is currently taking. An SAE or a Supervised Agricultural Experience is a student-managed project where FFA members own and operate an agricultural business, get a job or internship, plan and conduct scientific experiments or explore careers within the agricultural industry. The agricultural science and engineering instructors supervise these outside of class projects as students maintain accurate records within the online Agricultural Experience Tracker (AET) record keeping system. Experiences are based off of the knowledge and skills taught in the agricultural science and engineering courses and customized to the student’s selected career objective. All students are FFA members through this course.

 Greenhouse Management (.5 credit)

Recommended for: Grades 9

Spring Semester

This course will focus on plant sciences as students understand environmental control systems for maximum crop productivity. Lab exercises and projects will be the major forms of assessment in this course as students work in the greenhouse and laboratory to research, cultivate and market fall mums, holiday poinsettias, hanging baskets, spring bulbs and spring bedding plants/vegetables, and other seasonal marketable products. All students are FFA members through this course.

Crops and Soil Science (.5 credit)

Recommended for: Grade 10

Fall Semester

This course will focus on Pennsylvania’s sustainable food systems and the common agricultural crops grown in York County, including hay, corn, and small grains. Soil science, pest management, and weed science will be included in this course. Students will investigate biotechnology and plant pathology through grain, fruit, and vegetable production systems on campus. All students are FFA members through this course.

Forestry (.5 credit)

Recommended for: Grade 11 

Fall Semester

This course will focus on the science and management of trees as a natural resource. Topics of study include: tree biology, tree identification, tree production, forest management, forestry products, and forestry equipment. Students will work outside, in the lab, and in the greenhouse to identify the most common trees in Pennsylvania, measure trees, calculate the value of a timber stand, develop plans to manage existing stands of trees, and safely use basic forestry equipment to care for trees. All students are FFA members through this course.

318192-  Landscaping (.5 credit)

Recommended for Grade 11

Fall Semester

Landscape design, construction and maintenance will be the focus of this course as students investigate landscape architecture, hardscaping techniques, turfgrass management, and sustainable land use planning. Practical experience will be gained through projects and lab exercises as students design, install, and maintain new and existing landscapes throughout the school and community. All students are FFA members through this course.

318182- Small Animal Pet Care (.5 credit)

Recommended for Grade 9

Today, the pet industry is growing large and growing. This course will focus on the science behind the care and management of companion animals. Small and companion animals such as dogs, cats, rabbits, rodents, reptiles, amphibians, fish, birds, and other exotic species will be studied. Basic anatomy, reproduction, nutrition, health care, and related careers will be examined throughout the course for each species. Common diseases and conditions will also be studied through lab exercises and projects, which may include dissections, injections, surgical procedures and basic first-aid. All students are FFA members through this course.

Wildlife (.5 credit)

Recommended for: Grades 10

This course focuses on the observation and identification of various species of mammals, birds, reptiles, amphibians, and plants of Pennsylvania. Emphasis will be placed on conservation, habitat evaluation, environmental analysis, game management, and possible careers. Projects and laboratory exercises will be the major forms of assessment within the course including the monitoring of wildlife and wildlife habitats. Students will study whitetail deer, hunting regulations, tracking, and more! All students are FFA members through this course.

Large Animal Science (.5 credit)

Recommended for: 11

Fall Semester

This course will focus on the science behind the care and management of agricultural animal species. Students will study the classification and naming of key livestock species, such as beef, dairy, poultry, sheep and swine used in agriculture and in everyday life. Basic anatomy, reproduction, nutrition, health care, and related careers will be examined throughout the course. Students will also become familiar with animal-based industries in York County and Pennsylvania. Lab exercises and projects will allow students to gain experience nutrition by formulating feed rations, as well as the diagnosis, treatment, and prevention of diseases and conditions through the prescription of medications and treatments. All students are FFA members through this course.

318383-Veterinary Science (1 credit)

Recommended for Grade 12

Students will use knowledge and skills in veterinary terminology, cellular biology and tissue biology to study the anatomy and physiology of the cardiovascular, musculoskeletal, and respiratory systems in common agricultural and companion animals. Students will intensely study comparative anatomy and physiology of the digestive, reproductive, endocrine and neurological systems through lab exercises and projects. Modern biotechnology and genetics will be studied to assess how procedures such as artificial insemination and embryo transplant can lead to increased production efficiency. All students are FFA members through this course.

Equine Science (.5 credit)

Recommended for Grade 10

Spring Semester

In this course, students will study the functional anatomy and physiology, evaluation, management, care, and training of horses. Through class lectures, guest speakers, hands-on lab exercises, and field experiences, students will gain an understanding of the science and business behind the equine industry. This will lead to career and college readiness for those equestrians interested in further equine studies, equine careers, and/or lifelong horsemanship. All students are FFA members through this course.

 Floral Design/ Marketing (.5 Credit)

Recommended for Grade 10

Spring Semester

This semester course will discuss primary aspects of the floral industry for the purpose of preparing students to enter into the wholesale or retail floral industry. Units of study include floral tool and supply safety and identification, flower identification, principles and elements of design, introduction to design techniques, marketing, post-harvest physiology, greenhouse plants and their care. Students will participate in various floral sales, create a Mother’s Day arrangement to take home, and other district events. All students are FFA members through this course.

Fisheries (.5 Credit)

Recommended for Grade 11

Spring Semester

This semester course focuses on the identification of various shellfish, warm and cold finfish species, boating and boating safety.  Students will look at different water ways and habitats.  Emphasis will be placed on conservation, habitat evaluation, environmental analysis, game fish management, and possible careers.  Projects and laboratory exercises will be the major forms of assessment within the course.  All students are FFA members through this course.