La Habra FFA
Established 1957
Learning to do, Doing to Learn, Earning to Live, Living to Serve
Agriscience/ Animal Science
Pathway
Ag Mechanics Pathway
Year 1: Sustainable Ag Biology
This course is a laboratory science course, designed for the college- bound student that focuses on growth and reproduction, genetics, animal behavior, animals and plant taxonomy, nutrition, health and disease, and the ecological relationship among plants, animals, and humans. Sustainable Ag Biology satisfies the FJUHSD life science graduation requirement, UC "d" and/or "g" requirement recommended for freshman.
Year 2: Ag Soil Chemistry
This course explores the physical and chemical nature of soil as well as the relationships between soil, plants, animals and agricultural practices. Students will examine properties of soil and land and their connections to plant and animal production. Using knowledge of scientific protocols as well as course content, students will develop an Agriscience research program to be conducted throughout the first semester of the course. To complete that whole project each student will investigate and test an Agriscience research question by formulating a scientific question related to the course content, formulating a hypothesis based on related research, conducting an experiment to test the hypothesis, collecting quantitative data, and forming a conclusion based on analysis of the data. The result of this research program will be an in depth research and experimentation paper that is technically written, based on scientific protocol, and cited using APA formatting. Additionally, students will develop and present a capstone soil management plan for agricultural producers, using the content learned throughout the course. Throughout the course, students will be graded on participation in intracurricular FFA activities as well as the development and maintenance of an ongoing Supervised Agricultural Experience (SAE) program.
Year 3: Veterinary Science
Veterinary Science provides a study of anatomy and physiology of small and large animals, proper health maintenance, sanitation, and the symptoms, treatment, and prevention of common diseases. This course utilizes our farm animals for hands-on labs and allows students to visually see processes and body parts for deeper learning. Along with the outside laboratory, we utilize the classroom as an indoor laboratory space for dissections, suturing techniques and simulating blood draws and injections. This course satisfies the UC "d" and/or "g" requirements. Recommended for Juniors.
Year 4: Advanced Animal Science
This course will provide the student with principles in Animal Science focusing on the area of livestock production, anatomy, physiology, reproduction, nutrition, respiration and genetics. While the Veterinary science focuses more on the pet industry, this course goes in depth into the livestock industry, focusing heavily on production, misconceptions, reproduction, and the different systems within the body. This course is intended to successfully prepare those students who plan on majoring in Agricultural Sciences at a college or university. Frequent opportunities are given to develop and apply rational and creative thinking processes of observing, comparing, organizing, relating, inferring, applying and communicating. Also, there is an emphasis on developing values aspirations and attitudes that promote the student's understanding personal involvement with the scientific discoveries of the future. There are ample opportunities for hands on class participation with animals in this class to enable students to demonstrate their knowledge of restraint, handling, behavior, etc.
Year 1: Agriculture Mechanics
Agriculture Mechanics is an academically challenging course that integrates mathematics, science, writing and mechanics. Specific units include: Using the Ag Mechanics Shop, Measurement, Project Planning, Electricity and Electronics, Plumbing Systems and Water Use, Arc Welding, Power Mechanics, and Careers. Students will focus on understanding theory of the preceding areas, as well as mastery of the application of these theories. Students will exceed core academic knowledge and demonstrate critical thinking skills as they apply their knowledge to projects, real-life scenarios, and case studies. Units covered in this course will build upon existing knowledge where applicable. At the end of this course students will earn an ICEV Ag Mechanics Certification and Articulation credit with Mt. Sac Community College.
Year 2: Ag Welding
Agriculture Welding is an intermediate course that focuses heavily on learning the art, science, and techniques of welding. As it is a second year course to the Agriculture Mechanics pathway, it will allow the students to try out each of the different methods of welding and perfect their skills in each of the disciplines. Specific units include: Shop Safety, Understanding Design and Fabrication Processes Using Shielded Metal Arc Welding, Gas Metal Arc Welding, Oxygen/Acetylene Torch and Welding, and TIG Welding. At the end of this course, students will earn an OSHA Certification and Articulation credits with Fullerton Community College.
Year 3 & 4: Metal Fabrication
Agriculture Metal Fabrication will introduce students to art sculpture with an emphasis on fabricated and welded steel designs from a social, historical and contemporary perspective. Students will have completed introductory and concentration courses in welding processes including Shielded Metal Arc, Gas Tungsten Arc, Gas Metal Arc, Flux Core Arc, Oxygen-Acetylene, Oxygen-Fuel Cutting, Plasma Arc Cutting and CNC Plasma design. This class will focus on welding and metal fabrication as a fine art medium. The course will consist of guided exercises, studio projects, collaborative learning, group discussions, and the use of critique to expand knowledge of art techniques, medium, artists, art movements, historical periods, and career paths within the creative field of the arts. The course also prepares students for college and career choices and a self promotion project that includes resume, job interview, and portfolio. This course requires mastery of all design principles, technical mastery of welding process, equipment and tool use, and digital platforms. At the end of this course, students will earn their fine arts credit (f) and work with industry professionals in welding and metal fabrication.