This is the introductory science course for our Agriculture Program at Rochester High School. Environmental Science is a lab based class with a variety of labs and investigations conducted throughout the year. Topics covered are Earth, Life and Physical Sciences, Soil Science, Forms of Energy, Cycles of Matter, Scientific Investigation, as well as Leadership, Communication, Teamwork, and Safety.
Agricultural Biology
This course is designed to meet all State and Local standards for High School Biology requirements. This course will use the principle foundation of Biology to explore the science of Agriculture. Topics covered are leadership, classification, scientific investigation, ecology, cells, plant science, animal science, genetics and much more. This is a hands on class with a lot of active participation. This class is also an Agriculture course and the National FFA Organization is the leadership organization tied to the course that will be used in and out of the classroom as the leadership component.
Animal Science
This course is designed to meet all State and National Animal Science standards. Animal science is an exciting class that explores areas of animal science such as the animal industry, behavior, welfare, body systems, nutrition, genetics, selection factors, health, diversity and much more! This class is hands on, and working with live animals will be required.
Horticulture
This course is designed to meet all State and National Horticultural Science standards. Horticulture is a Career and Technical Education course and will involve many teamwork and individual projects, presentations, leadership development as well as work to gear the student to be a stronger candidate for the workforce. This class is an Agriculture course and the National FFA Organization is the leadership organization tied to the course that will be used in and out of the classroom as the leadership component. Topics to be explored include: Plant physiology and growth, genetics, taxonomy, propagation, greenhouse management, sales and marketing, design and the future of horticulture.
Floriculture
This class is designed to meet Washington State Educational Standards as a hands-on class for students to explore areas of advanced horticulture. Students will learn how to create, design and manage a floral shop, as well as create floral arrangements, corsages, holiday arrangements and more. Safety, leadership and career development will be incorporated throughout the course.
Shop Skills
This course is designed to give students the skills needed for the Design and Fabrication course. Students will learn the following welding and cutting processes: Shielded Metal Arc Welding, Gas Metal Arc Welding, Oxy Fuel Welding, Oxy Fuel Cutting, and Plasma Cutting. Welding in the flat position will be taught to all students, and other positions may be taught when applicable. Students will also learn about properties of metal, heat treatment, and forge work. OSHA 5 hour safety training is also required to receive a passing grade in this course. The training is done online; some class time is offered for students to work on the OSHA training, but most of it is to be done outside of class time.
Metals: Design and Fabrication
Students will have the opportunity to design and fabricate their own projects in this class using the skills they have learned from both the Welding Technology and Shop Skills courses. Students must pay for any material they will be keeping. To increase learning and skill, major projects may be taken on and each student may be required to help in the completion of the chosen major project. Major projects may consist of fabricating custom work requested by members of our community or work that fits the scope of the class that will help to develop students’ skills.
Power Mechanics
Power Mechanics is an introductory course to instruct students on engine theory and operations. Students will disassemble, measure for wear-out specifications, and reassemble engines and make them run correctly. Students will also learn troubleshooting, repair and maintenance.
Woods: Design and Fabrication 1 and 2
1: This is a basic wood working class. Safe use and safety tests on all shop equipment along with the OSHA workplace Safety and Health test needs to be passed before stating work. Each project is discussed and drawn. Required projects include a 4 joint wood project. A key shelf and a lathe project. There are also self designed projects beyond the required .
2: Students in these classes revisit safe use of the equipment and learn advanced project design. They work on larger more complex projects with more attention to detail and craftsmanship. Students must pay for any material they will be keeping.
Agriculture Construction Technology
Students will develop skills required to design and construct various structures depending on needs and time. This may including foundations, plumbing, electrical and concrete work. Students are required to have taken at least one woodshop class and have passed the OSHA online training before being admitted to this course.