Agricultural Science

Sustainable Agriculture

Unit 1

Students will explore the principles, concepts, and techniques of sustainable production of crops.  This will cover biological, social, and economic components of sustainable farming systems; including soil and water management, cultural practices, pest control, and harvest.  Studies of human activities that affect the condition of the atmosphere and how sustainable agriculture can be used to undo the damage caused to the earth's systems will be examined.  Students will perform an analysis of traditional vs. industrial farming through the lens of alternative perspectives, competing interests, the increasing human population, and environmental protection.  Ultimately, students will apply their understanding of farming techniques and environmental health to develop and justify a farming plan.

21st Century Capacities: Alternate Perspectives, Decision Making


Unit 2

This unit is designed to introduce students to gardening and horticulture techniques. Greenhouse time will be spent in the care of individual plant projects. In addition, students will spend time outdoors working on landscaping projects and caring for established plantings on school property and Bauer Farm. The students will learn to use reference sources in planning and implementing their projects.  Throughout the course, students will be in the greenhouse germinating seeds and growing plants.  Depending on the trimester, students will either grow plants that can be used for holiday decorations (mums, pointsetties, etc.) or plants that can be used for the Bauer Farm garden plot or home gardens (tomatoes, vegetables, herbs).  

21st Century Capacities: Perseverance, Product Creation