The Ag Explorations course is intended to serve as the introductory course within all agricultural programs of study. The course is structured to enable all students to have a variety of experiences that will provide an overview of the fields of agricultural science and natural resources so that students may continue through a sequence of courses for the agriculture.

Student experiences will involve:

• communication

• the science of agriculture

• plants

• animals

• natural resources

While surveying the opportunities available in agriculture, students will learn to solve problems, conduct research, analyze data, work in teams, and take responsibility for their work, actions, and learning.

This course is an introduction to agribusiness management. It will emphasize the application of basic, practical business management skills in marketing, demand analysis, forecasting, production, finance, and leadership with a global perspective.

Student experiences will involve:

• Understanding the markets

• Developing a business plan

While surveying the opportunities available in agriculture, students will learn to solve problems, conduct research, analyze data, work in teams, and take responsibility for their work, actions, and learning.

Vet Science I & II will provide students with the knowledge and skills necessary to become a veterinary assistant. Students utilize problem-solving techniques and participate in hands-on activities to develop an understanding of course concepts.

Student experiences will involve:

• Basic care for animals

• Vaccinations

• Diseases & Disorders

• Companion, livestock and exotic animal health

While surveying the opportunities available in agriculture, students will learn to solve problems, conduct research, analyze data, work in teams, and take responsibility for their work, actions, and learning.

The Landscape Design course is in the plant systems pathway. Students will spent the first quarter learning about:

• Landscape industry tools

• Plant Identification and Purpose

• Drafting Landscape Designs

The second quarter will cover:

• Landscape installation

• Landscape maintenance

• Hands-on landscape installation if weather cooperates.

Students will utilize problem-solving techniques and participate in hands-on activities to develop an understanding of course concepts.

Student experiences will involve:

• Soil and Water Conservation

• MN Birds

• MN Mammals

• MN Insects

• MN Fish

• Conservation Practices

• Environmental Systems

Students will have the opportunity to conduct research, analyze data, work in teams and take responsibility for their work, actions, and learning.

Students will learn basic baking and pastry techniques with an emphasis on sanitation and food safety, baking fundamentals, tools used in the baking industry, and proper measurements of ingredients. Students will explore the science behind leavening agents and staple baking ingredients while demonstrating skills in preparing various types of breads, pastries, cookies, cakes, candies, and specialty desserts.

This course is a study of principles of plant, soil and climate relationship and their impact on crop production and animal food supply worldwide. Each unit will utilize a critical thinking exercise.

Student experiences will involve:

• Plant identification

• Anatomy and growth

• Tillage and planting

• Pest control

• Harvesting and storage

While surveying the opportunities available in agriculture and natural resources, students will learn to solve problems, conduct research, analyze data, work in teams, and take responsibility for their work, actions, and learning.

Greenhouse Management is a specialization course and is intended to serve as a course in the plant systems pathway. Students utilize problem-solving techniques and participate in hands-on activities to develop an understanding of course concepts. Students enrolled in this course should expect to be responsible for the planting, harvesting and management of the Hydroponic tower garden.

Student experiences will involve:

• Plant propagation by vegetative cuttings

• Hydroponic systems

• Management of hydroponic growing towers

• Greenhouse plant production and management

• Bedding plant production

• Watering system

While surveying the opportunities available in agriculture and natural resources, students will learn to solve problems, conduct research, analyze data, work in teams, and take responsibility for their work, actions, and learning.

Food Prep will provide students with basic preparation skills and knowledge needed to prepare a variety of dishes in the lab setting.

The course will cover safety and sanitation, kitchen terms, abbreviations, tools/equipment, basic principles of menu planning and various preparation techniques. Students will also explore specific dietary needs and evaluate career opportunities offered in the food industry.