AGRICULTURAL MECHANIZATION, GENERAL Code: 01.0201

This program generally prepares students to sell, select, and service agriculture or agribusiness technical equipment and facilities, including computers, specialized software, power units, machinery, equipment, structures, and utilities.  Courses include instruction in agricultural power systems, planning and selecting materials for the construction of support facilities, mechanical practices associated with irrigation and water conservation, erosion control, and agricultural data processing systems. 

Intro to Agricultural and Natural Resources [900] Grades 9            YEAR (1.0 Credit) Rank 3

Intro to Geographic Information System (GIS) / Drone Science [905]  Grades 11, 12            SEMESTER (0.5 Credit) Rank 3

Students will learn Geographic Information System (GIS) content, mapping skills, navigation and orientation skills, drone flight operation and regulations. The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) requires applicants to be 16 years of age to earn their drone pilots license.  64          Return to Table of Contents Independent Study: Preparation for the FAA Remote Pilot Certificate Exam [905 IS]  Grades 11, 12                SEMESTER (0.5 Credit) Students will independently prepare for the FAA’s Remote Pilot Certificate Exam. This exam ensures that students (16 years of age or older) understand the regulations, operating requirements, and procedures for safely flying drones. Students enrolled in this course will need to study and prepare for the exam independently while meeting with the teacher periodically during the FLEX period. This Pass/Fail course may be taken in unison with 905 or after the successful completion of 905.  

Small Gas Engines I [907]  Grades 9, 10, 11, 12           SEMESTER (0.5 Credit) Rank 3

This course covers a basic overview of the systems and operation of a four-stroke engine. Both classroom and laboratory (shop) work are combined in this class. Students will learn the basic concepts behind the ignition, fuel, lubrication, and cooling systems of gasoline engines, and they will also learn how those systems interact to make an engine durable and dependable. The main project of the course is the complete disassembly and reassembly of a four-stroke Briggs and Stratton engine. Shop safety is emphasized.

Small Gas Engines II [907A]  Grades 9, 10, 11, 12           SEMESTER (0.5 Credit) Rank 3

Two stroke engine theory and overhaul will be covered, as well as advanced troubleshooting techniques in both two- and four- stroke small gasoline engines. Advanced engine theory and performance enhancement will also be touched upon in this class. Time permitting, this course may include instruction and repair/overhaul of large agricultural engines and power trains.  Prerequisite: Small Gas Engines I

Welding I [908]  Grades 9, 10, 11, 12           SEMESTER (0.5 Credit) Rank 3

This hands-on course is designed to teach basic welding skills and how to use common welding equipment. This course includes instruction in flat and horizontal position stick and MIG welding, plasma cutter use, tool sharpening, and bench grinder use. Student skills are improved through practice and theory applications in a safe and quality conscious manner. This class prepares students for further study in welding.  

Welding II [908A]  Grades 9, 10, 11, 12           SEMESTER (0.5 Credit) Rank 3

This course includes instructions in welding processes including advanced stick and MIG welding. Also included will be instruction on advanced cutting and fabrication methods. The capstone project is the construction of an independent project that matches student skill level.  Prerequisite: Welding I

Senior Agricultural Science [909]  Grade 12              SEMESTER (0.5 Credit) Rank 3

This senior level course serves as the capstone course for students who have concentrated their studies in Agricultural Science and Mechanics. Students will prepare to launch their futures in agribusiness, agriscience, and ag mechanics. They will also learn how they can serve as leaders in the agricultural community. Specific skills and content related to successful completion of the National Occupational Competency Testing Institute (NOCTI) exam will be emphasized.  Prerequisite: Students must have completed at least 5.0 credits (including the student’s senior year) of agricultural science coursework.  

Wildlife Habitats and Management [911]   Grades 10, 11, 12           SEMESTER (0.5 Credit) Rank 3

This course will focus on the major wildlife species in North America such as small and large mammals, upland game birds, waterfowl, songbirds, avian predators, shorebirds, reptiles, amphibians, and freshwater fishes. The management and habitat of these species will be investigated by conducting hands-on studies. Note: Wildlife Habitats and Management is also listed in the Science area and may be used as a science credit.

Forestry and Natural Resource Management [906]   Grades 10, 11, 12        YEAR (1.0 Credit) Rank 3

Students in this course will learn about techniques and careers related to forest management.  timber harvest, chainsaw safety, forest measurements, as well as wildlife studies related to forestry.   Students enrolled in this course will have the opportunity to earn their Wildland Firefighting training certification. The firefighting component consists of 2 courses sponsored by the National Wildlife Coordinating Group (NWCG); S-130 and S-190. These courses are required to pursue any jobs that deal with wildland firefighting. The wildland firefighting certification portion of this course will be conducted in partnership with a forester with the PA Department of Conservation of Natural Resources (DCNR).

Honors Veterinary Science [912]   Grades 11, 12            YEAR (1.0 Credit) Rank 2

Students enrolled in this course will have the opportunity to investigate animal anatomy and physiology, handling and restraining, diseases and methods of control, surgical skills, examinations and treatments, laboratory techniques, and identification. Practical hands-on experience with animals will be used whenever possible in laboratory sessions. This course is not NCAA-approved. Note: Honors Veterinary Science is also listed in the Science area and may be used as a science credit. Prerequisite: Successful completion of Foundations of Biology II or Keystone Biology Honors

Animal Science / Nutrition & Welfare [915A]   Grades 9, 10, 11, 12           SEMESTER (0.5 Credit) Rank 3

This course allows students to explore the animal anatomy involved in these processes. Students will also have the opportunity to investigate animal rights issues. Special emphasis is given to animal safety. This course will allow students to investigate agricultural business topics such as developing their own animal feed product. Students will investigate the market for such a product and then propose a marketing and production strategy. This course is not NCAA-approved. Note: Animal Science / Nutrition and Welfare is also listed in the Science area and may be used as a science credit. This course is offered every other year and will NOT be offered in the 2025-26 SY.

Greenhouse Operation and Management [917]   Grades 10, 11, 12          SEMESTER (0.5 Credit) Rank 3

Students will receive instruction in basic plant growth, physiology, reproduction, nutrition, and marketing. Plant pest control and plant production will be stressed. Also, greenhouse plant production activities and the management of greenhouse structures will be covered. Students will create and implement plant production schedules while growing and marketing horticultural plants in the school greenhouse. Note: When offered, this course runs during the Spring semester.  This course is offered every other year. It will be offered in the 2025-26 SY.  

Botany Honors [918A]   Grades 10, 11, 12        YEAR (1.0 Credit) Rank 2

This Honors-level course will expose students to the thrilling world of plants. Students will work on major projects and problems similar to those faced by modern plant scientists through a variety of exciting activities and projects. Most lessons have a teamwork focus with students working on collaborative research and lab experiments. Units of study will include: Worlds of Opportunity, Mineral Soils, Soilless Systems, Anatomy and Physiology, Taxonomy, The Growing Environment, Sexual Reproduction, Asexual Reproduction, and Surviving a Harsh Environment. Based on the inquiry based instructional model STEM, this course will develop a diverse set of skills and problem-solving techniques that can be used in all areas of study. Note: Botany Honors is also listed in the Science area and may be used as a science credit.        

Honors Construction Hand & Power Tools [923]   Grades 10, 11, 12        YEAR (1.0 Credit) Rank 2

Survey of hand and power tools typically used to perform construction work. Emphasis on the development of skills needed to effectively perform layout, measurement, cutting, fastening, and finishing operations. Study also includes maintenance of tools and equipment, safe use of hand and power tools, and emerging tool technology. This course will include technical as well as practical instruction. This course is offered every other year. This course will NOT be offered in the 2025-26 SY.  

Basic Wiring & Plumbing [924]   Grades 10, 11, 12          SEMESTER (0.5 Credit) Rank 3

Students will learn and demonstrate skills in planning and installing agricultural and residential electrical and plumbing systems. Wiring to include the selection and installation of electrical wiring, switching, lighting, and receptacles. Plumbing to include supply and drainage using PVC/CPVC, Steel, Copper, and PEX where applicable. This course will include technical as well as practical instruction. Note: When offered, this course runs during the Fall semester.  This course is offered every other year. It will be offered in the 2025-26 SY.  

AP Environmental Science [925]   Grades 11, 12         YEAR (1.0 Credit) Rank 1

Advanced Placement Environmental Science is designed to be the equivalent of an introductory college course in environmental science. The course topics include Earth Systems and Resources, The Living World, Population, Land and Water Use, Energy Resources and Consumption, Pollution, and Global Change. Intensive study in these areas provides a solid foundation in preparation for the AP Environmental Science exam. This course is based upon scientific principles and analysis from a variety of scientific fields and approaches and includes a laboratory and field investigation component. Note: AP Environmental Science is also listed in the Science area and may be used as a science credit.

Supervised Agricultural Experience [928A / 928B / 928C / 928D]   Grades 9, 10, 11, 12                YEAR (1.0 Credit) / SEMESTER (0.5 Credit)  Rank 3

Students will establish and maintain a supervised agricultural experience program and submit various required records. Students must complete computerized record books from the Pennsylvania FFA, and the project must be pre-approved by an agricultural instructor. Credit will be awarded based on the scope of the individual SAE project book. This course can be taken multiple years.

Ag Exploration in the Real World [931A / 931B / 931C / 931D]   Grades 9, 10, 11, 12                   YEAR (1.0 Credit) Rank 3

Students meet with instructor(s) to establish and maintain an independent agricultural research, improvement, work or entrepreneurial experience program for the summer. This project must be approved by an Agricultural Education Instructor and registered with the High School Principal in June.  Students will be required to submit various required records, and credit will be awarded based on the scope of the individual project book. Students must complete computerized record books from the Pennsylvania FFA. Instructor(s) will schedule project visits throughout the summer. Student records will be due at the beginning of the school year. This course can be taken multiple years.