Springport Ag Classes

Advanced Horticulture

Through this course, students will be able to further their studies in plant science while learning useful skills that can be used throughout their life. Students will be exposed to the principles of floral design while they are creating their own floral masterpieces including boutonnieres, corsages, table arrangements, and holiday decorations. 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. Since FFA and Supervised Agricultural Experience Programs (SAE’s) are integral components of this course, students are required to maintain SAE’s, and be a member of the FFA while participating in activities of the FFA organization.

Ag Finance & Leadership

This course is designed to help students gain knowledge about business management and marketing as well as foster the leadership potential of students. Course content will include financial management, making effective decisions, how to design, create, and implement an entrepreneurial experience program as well as enhance communication skills and personal development. Students will have the opportunity to use the skills learned in competition. Students will be encouraged to be a member of the National FFA Organization.

Ag Internship

This course is designed to give the student practical industry experience in an agricultural career. Internships can be paid or unpaid

experiences, and students must work with an adult. Interns must take an agriscience class concurrent with the internship and have

approval of their parents, cooperating adult, and the agriscience teachers. Interns will keep accurate records of skills mastered and

prepare a final report on their intern experience. Students will be encouraged to be a member of the National FFA Organization.

Bio-Botany

This course is designed to give students experience in biological processes and scientific inquiry, reflections and social implications in the plant science (botany) industry. Students will learn plant biology, nutrition, principles of ecology, environmental skills, photosynthesis and respiration, and plant production in a hands-on scientific approach utilizing the school’s greenhouse. Students will conduct hands-on research projects as well as record keeping, leadership, and communication skills throughout the course. Students will be encouraged to be a member of the National FFA Organization.

Bio-Zoology

This course is designed to give students experience in biological processes and scientific inquiry, reflections and social implications in the animal science (zoology) industry. Students will learn nutrition, animal systems, and genetics in a hands-on scientific approach utilizing the school’s barn and livestock. Students will conduct hands-on research projects as well as record keeping, leadership, and communication skills throughout the course. Monitoring livestock outside of class time is required. Students will be encouraged to be a member of the National FFA Organization.

Engineering in Agriculture

To be prepared for careers in agricultural power, structural, and technical systems, students need to attain academic skills and knowledge related to power, structural, and technical agricultural systems and the industry. Students need to develop knowledge and skills regarding career opportunities, entry requirements, industry certifications, and industry expectations. Michigan Science Standards of engineering, technology and science will be central to this course that will introduce students to modern agriculture equipment such as drones and sensors. Major physics ideas of electrical, motion and energy will be applied while learning to make and evaluate biofuels to compare with other fuel and energy sources. Students will develop an understanding of safety, tool use, tool id, troubleshooting, and building projects in different parts of Agricultural Mechanics. The class will be covering courses in general shop safety, measurement, woodworking, welding, plumbing, electricity, cold steel metalworking, and other aspects. Since FFA and Supervised Agricultural Experience programs (SAEs) are integral components of this course, students are required to maintain SAEs, and be a member of the FFA while participating in activities of the FFA organization.

Food Science

Food science is a growing field of study that integrates information from a broad spectrum of curricula. In this course, we will examine science concepts related specifically to food. As you learn food science basics, you will also gain knowledge and skills in product development, food selection/preparation, nutritional analysis, problem solving, and critical thinking. Students will practice food processing and preservation techniques, develop new food products and investigate all sectors of the food science industry while working in a lab setting. The study of food can benefit you as you make daily food choices, both now and in the future, and understand the health impacts of those choices. In addition, you will gain knowledge needed to evaluate future technological advances as they are applied to food as well as provide an opportunity to explore a range of career opportunities related to food science. Students will obtain a vast knowledge of how different foods get from the “field to our fork”

Genetics & Ag Research

This course will focus on the research process through authentic active research. Each Student will conduct an independent research project during the first semester and submit a proposal for the Arthur Berkey Science Fair. Focus of the research must fall into one of the following areas:

I. Animal Systems

II. Environmental Services/Natural Resource Systems

III. Food Products and Processing Systems

IV. Plant Systems

V. Power, Structural and Technical Systems

VI. Social Systems

During the Second Semester, Students will Finish and present their research at the science fair, held at the State FFA Convention. Advanced Genetics not covered in Biology will be covered.

Vet Science

This course will develop students’ understanding of the small, companion and livestock animal industries, animal anatomy and physiology, animal nutrition, animal reproduction, animal ethics and welfare issues, animal health, veterinary medicine, veterinary office practices, and animal services to humans. Career exploration will focus on veterinarian, veterinary lab technicians, office lab assistant, research lab assistant, and animal nutrition lab technician. Since FFA and Supervised Agricultural Experience Programs (SAE’s) are integral components of this course, students are required to maintain SAE’s, and be a member of the FFA while participating in activities of the FFA organization.