River City High School

Agriscience Academy

FFA members host chapter meetings and manage farm life.

The AGRISCIENCE ACADEMY is a sequence of 3 courses in the Agriculture and Natural Resources industry sector.

In all Career Technical Education (CTE) courses you can expect: Rigorous Academics, Technical Mastery & Professional Skills

The courses need to be accomplished in succession with a C- or better in the capstone course in order to be considered a pathway completer. Additional participation in the Career Technical Student Organization: Future Farmers of America (FFA) is encouraged. Possible certifications to be earned in the pathway courses: Agricultural Career Readiness Skills Certificate Pathway for the 21st Century & Animal Quality Care Assessment.

Students will learn about how to create: healthy soil, ecosystems that support biodiversity, and production of nutritious food. Application of concepts and process, evaluation and problem solving strategies will be used in the garden when: watering, drainage, pest control, fertility of soil, and growth and production of crops from seed to transplant and harvest. Public speaking skills and leadership will be developed and challenged through competitions and events. In addition to this students will learn about the history of Agriculture, the possible future of agriculture, environmental awareness, sustainability and global food issues.

Students will benefit from the development of their leadership and public speaking skills for future opportunities in post-secondary education and work experience. Another benefit will be student understanding of how to grow healthy food that they are proud of. Possible work experience could be at any of our 5 Urban farms here in West Sacramento. This pathway will reinforce students skills in writing, reading, and research for lab reports.

SUMMARY OF COURSES

Agricultural Biology

Year 9-12
RCHS Graduation Requirement: Life Science (lab)

UC/CSU - D

(Bryte Campus)

Prerequisite: application

Agricultural Biology is an introductory course for the Ag Science Academy and includes strong components of leadership, personal growth and career success through agricultural education with membership in the National FFA Organization. The course is centered around a laboratory component in order to connect the big ideas of life science with agricultural applications, which will help students acquire an understanding of a variety of agricultural areas, develop an awareness of the many career opportunities, participate in relevant experiences, and work cooperatively with a group to develop leadership abilities.

Farm-to-Fork 1

Year 10-12
RCHS Graduation Requirement: Elective

UC/CSU - D

(Bryte Campus)

Prerequisite: Agricultural Biology

Dual Enrollment: College credit course (final course grade must be ≥80%)

The students in this biologically based class will practice sustainability through technology and hands-on activities like composting, growing garden plants, and caring for the animals. Students will use Probeware technology and simulation models to learn skills in collecting precise data in real-time and analyzing the results. Life skills, leadership opportunities in FFA, career preparation and technology will be taught at every opportunity to encourage understanding of Farm to Fork Sustainable Agriculture.

Farm-to-Fork 2

Year 11-12
RCHS Graduation Requirement: Elective

UC/CSU - G

(Bryte Campus)

Prerequisite: Agricultural Biology and Farm to Fork 1

Dual Enrollment: College credit course (final course grade must be ≥80%)

Farm to Fork 2 is a hands-on class that uses lab based experiences in the classroom and garden to teach sustainable agriculture practices. We will expand upon: understanding GMO use, synthetic vs. organic fertilizer and study career exploration and guidance in agriculture fields. Building our resumes, practicing interview skills with the local agriculturally based businesses will promote opportunities for Agriscience students. Guest speakers and field trips in our community will add relevance to the curriculum. This is a fun, active class that teaches you leadership skills in FFA, public speaking skills, and about healthy food.

--ELECTIVE COURSE: NOT IN PATHWAY--

Introduction to Animal Science

Year 9-12

RCHS Graduation Requirement: Elective

UC/CSU - G

(Bryte Campus)

This science course is designed for students with agricultural career interests with animals. Using the 3-ring model of Agricultural Education, the first ring: classroom instruction about the growth and reproduction of domestic livestock animals, genetics and heredity, animal behavior, ecological relationship among plants & animals, nutrition, and diseases. The second ring: the Supervised Agricultural Experience connects the big ideas of life science with agriculture applications, earth and physical science principles. This hands on learning will challenge the students by being responsible for an animal/ plant/ science project to care for and can focus on the Yolo County Fair Competition. The third ring: the student leadership component of FFA – Future Farmers of America. Students will practice, learn, strong leadership, public speaking/ presentation skills through student lead activities and events.

POTENTIAL CAREERS

High School Diploma	2 Year College Degree	4 Year College Degree
City Park Worker	Land Use Planning Technician	Soil/Water Manager
Forestry Aide	Field Representative Technician	Agronomist
Crop Inspector	Animal Health Technician	Country Planner/Landscape
Irrigator	Landscape Designer	Veterinarian
Park Aide	Forestry Technician	Plant/Animal Geneticist
Gardener/Groundskeeper	Ag Sales and Service Technician	Forester/Ranger
Feeder	Ag Equipment Service	Ag Teacher
Ag Supplies Warehouse	Farm Equipment Mechanic	Ag Developer
Ag Equipment Operator		Ag Engineer
Farmworker		Ag Business Owner
		Ag Pest Control Adviser