Centre merges industrial arts with ag classes
By ROWENA PLETT
Staff writer
After a transitional year from two departments to one, the agriculture department at Centre High School is set to embark on a comprehensive program in agriculture education and agriculture mechanics.
The new program was approved by the district board of education in June 2003.
For the most part, instructor Gaea Wimmer will teach ag education and instructor Cary Granzow will teach ag mechanics, although some swapping will occur. Both educators will be fully certified in all subjects they will teach.
All classes will incorporate career development and academic skills.
According to Granzow, combining industrial arts and ag education into one program has several advantages. First of all, any overlapping will be eliminated.
Also, under the joint program, all vocational subjects will be available and consistently taught year after year. In the past, subjects offered in industrial arts were determined by the instructor's areas of training and were changed when a new instructor was employed.
Ag Mechanics
Introduction to Ag Mechanics is a pre-requisite to all other shop classes. It involves the study of metals and woods. Students will explore careers in both areas and will complete projects in the metals and woods shops.
Ag Welding will teach all methods of welding and lead to advanced welding projects.
Ag Structures involves the study of building materials and construction basics, including wiring and plumbing.
Ag Power and Electricity will provide instruction in small engines, electricity, and electronics. Tractor maintenance and hydraulic and electrical systems will be studied.
Advanced Ag Mechanics incorporates further study of the previous three subjects. Most of the time will be spent working on individualized projects in the shops. Workplace skills, record-keeping, and job-shadowing will be part of the experience.
On-the-job training will be available for seniors enrolled in the ag education program. The course may be either one semester or one-year long.
"We are hoping the agricultural mechanics program will teach skills that will allow kids to remain in the community, make a living, and raise a family here," Granzow said.
General agriculture
Agricultural education courses will begin with Introduction to Agriculture, a basic introduction to animal science, plant and soil science, and food science.
Animal Science will include nutrition, reproduction, health, and marketing of livestock, as well as hands-on experience.
Plant and Soil Science will include an in-depth look at soil formation, fertilizer analysis, plant growth, production, and reproduction of major crops.
Small Animal Care will familiarize students with common diseases, proper health care, and how to treat minor injuries. Careers available in small animal care will be explored.
Horticulture students will work in the greenhouse and learn propagation techniques, landscaping, fertilizers, and pesticides.
Advanced Horticulture will give students a more detailed look at floriculture, greenhouse management, and landscape design and management.
Food Science will give an overview of production, manufacturing-processing, distribution, and marketing of food.
Agribusiness Management will give students the basic understanding of modern management tools and practices and will provide guidelines to assist them in making practical business decisions.
