Salem 7 - 12 Agriculture Department

Welcome!!!

Thank You for visiting the Salem Agriculture Department web page

 Students in Ag Science making homemade root beer

 Result of the Recycle Challenge given to the Environmental Science class.  They needed to build something useful or educational only using recyclable materials

COURSES

*Courses are offered on a rotating basis

Ag Science I

Washington County is a diverse agricultural community and our students need to know there are opportunities here for them to participate in the agricultural industry. 

This course is designed to expose students to the many interesting, exciting and profitable fields of the agriculture industry. Students will work in the greenhouse, learn farm and machinery safety, explore food science and agriculture business and also be introduced to concepts in animal science, plant science and environmental science. Students will have the opportunity to gain experience with the National FFA Organization and its many leadership opportunities and complete a resume and cover letter and participate in a mock job interview scenario. 

*Animal Science

Prerequisite: Biology, Earth Science or Ag Science I

This is an applied biology course that explores the large and small animal industry through the use of animals in every day life. Topics to be covered include anatomy and physiology, nutrition, reproduction, biotechnology, food, draft and laboratory animal technology and careers in the animal industry. This course will apply the principles of biology to animal agriculture by having students participate in dissections, building models, researching current issues in the animal industry and listening to guest speakers currently working in an animal science field.

*Pre Vet Science

Prerequisite: Biology, Earth Science or Animal Science

Pre Vet science is based on a curriculum written at Cornell University.  The emphasis is on introducing students to the concepts they would need to understand to pursue a career in the animal industry.  This course would also benefit students interested in pursuing a career in human medicine as we cover terminology, medical records and anatomy and physiology. 

Students will dissect specimens and visit a local veterinary clinic and also complete research projects related to the curriculum.

*Plant Science

Prerequisite: Biology, Earth Science or Ag Science I

Plant science is an applied biology and earth science course that will explore the many aspects of plant growth, including soil structure, plant systems, plant reproduction, genetic engineering and biotechnology, plant diseases, pests and pesticides, crop and weed science and meeting human needs with plants. Students will apply their knowledge to growing plants in a greenhouse, designing and building their own hydroponics systems, landscaping on school grounds, as well as research projects and designing and carrying out numerous plant growth experiments.

*Landscape and Greenhouse Management

Prerequisite: Biology, Earth Science or Plant Science

This course will focus on planning, designing and implementing a landscape design.  Past projects include the gazebo in town, the courtyard at school and work on courthouse campus.  Students will learn how to use landscape design tools, layout a design and select plants and flowers for a design.  Students will also be active in maintaining the existing projects that have been implemented around our community.

The second semester of this course will include time in the greenhouse, planting, transplanting and selling bedding plants to raise money for future landscaping projects.

 Environmental Science

Prerequisite: Biology, Earth Science or Ag Science I

This is an applied science, college level course for which students may receive 3 credits from Morrisville State College. Students will explore different areas of their environment, such as ecosystems, water, air and land pollution, waste and energy conservation, population growth and wildlife management through discussions, research projects and guest speakers.

 Fish and Wildlife

 Prerequisite: Biology, Earth Science or Environmental Science

The major project for this course is to raise Brown trout to be released into the White Creek.  We participate in the Trout in the Classroom project sponsored by the Adirondack Chapter of Trout Unlimited where they have provided us with all of the equipment and the trout eggs to raise them in the classroom. 

The first semester of the course will be spent on evaluating water quality, learning about different water ecosystems and the proper environment for raising fish.  The second semester of the course will focus on taxonomy, habitat requirements, and examine current issues in the wildlife industry using mammals, birds, reptiles and amphibians. 

                                    

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