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Agriculture Courses
Agriscience
UC Approved Lab Science
College Prep
Honors Credit
UC Approved Lab Physical Science
Honors Credit​
UC Approved Lab Science
Honors Ag R&D
(Research and Development)
Honors Credit
UC Approved Lab Science
Plant Science
Horticulture 1+2
UC Approved Elective
College Prep
Viticulture 1+2
UC Approved Elective
College Prep
Landscape Design
College Prep + VPA credit
Ag Mechanics
Ag Mechanics
CTE Credit
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AutoCAD
CTE/VPA Credit
Offers NVC Credit in 2nd Semester
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Advanced Ag Mechanics
CTE Credit
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Agriscience Course Descriptions
Biology-Agriculture is a laboratory science course designed for the college-bound student. It provides the skills and knowledge necessary to succeed in college. The course emphasizes detailed knowledge of the biological principles of the following areas: molecular and cellular aspects of living things; structure and function of agricultural plants and animals; genetics; evolution; physiology; plant and animal diversity; and principles of classification, ecological relationships, and animal behavior. State standards will be met by using agriculture as a learning vehicle. Within this course, career-based skill standards are practiced through student’s class-based Supervised Agricultural Experience Project and participation in leadership development activities through FFA.
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This course is designed for the college-bound student and will involve studying matter, atomic structure, chemical bonding, and composition and its place in agriculture. 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, land and water quality and their connections to plant and animal production., Using knowledge of scientific protocols as well as course content, students will develop an Agriscience Research Project. Within this course, career-based skill standards are practiced through student’s class-based Supervised Agricultural Experience Project and participation in leadership development activities through FFA.
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Students taking this honors level course will be preparing for a concentration in the sciences in college. They will be expected to master all of the content in the Chemistry-Ag Course, which follows the NGS Standards and complete additional laboratory written reports. They will increase their laboratory content to 35% of the course content and be expected to individually develop and carry through a unique experimental design through their Agrisicence Research Project. The overall goal of a rigorous chemistry curriculum is to develop critical, disciplined thinking in our students and to encourage a love of learning about and respect for the intricacies and beauty of our physical world. Within this course, career-based skill standards are practiced through student’s class-based Supervised Agricultural Experience Project and participation in leadership development activities through FFA.
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This integrated class combines an interdisciplinary approach to laboratory science and research with agricultural management principles. Using skills and principles learned in the course, students design systems and experiments to solve agricultural management issues currently facing the industry. Additionally, students will connect the products created in this class with industry activities to link real world encounters and implement skills demanded by both colleges and careers. The course culminates with agriscience experimental research projects in which students design and conduct experiments to solve relevant issues. Final projects will be eligible for Career Development Event competition at FFA events. Within this course, career-based skill standards are practiced through student’s class-based Supervised Agricultural Experience Project and participation in leadership development activities through FFA.
Honors Ag Research & Development
Agriculture and Research Development, a Lab Science Honors A-G course that delves into the principles and practices of conducting research within the agricultural sector, focusing on developing new technologies, methods, and strategies to improve crop yields, livestock production, and overall sustainability, encompassing areas like genetics, plant pathology, animal health, soil science, and environmental impact assessment, while equipping students with the skills to design research projects, analyze data, and interpret results in a practical agricultural context. Students will collaborate with industry professionals to design and implement an agriscience research project that will address and potentially provide a solution for a problem in the agriculture or environmental sec
Plant Science Course Descriptions
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Horticulture 1
Horticulture involves scientific and practical aspects of plant growth and function, classification, and environmental factors. This course provides a broad view of the horticulture industry in California. Instruction emphasizes nursery and greenhouse production practices, soils and fertilizers, plant identification, and integrated pest management. Students will understand the large scope of career opportunities in horticulture. Application of skills includes propagation of annual and perennial plants from seeds, plugs, and cuttings for use on campus and for plant sales. Students will be responsible for managing the school gardens, greenhouse, and shade house on campus. To enhance and enrich learning, this course includes hands-on labs, presentations, and demonstrations throughout the year. Within this course, career-based skill standards are practiced through student’s class-based Supervised Agricultural Experience Project and participation in leadership development activities through FFA.
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Landscape, Hydrology, and Sustainable Environmental Design​
Students would have the educational background in biology, chemistry, mathematics and horticulture knowledge to make this course a rigorous applied agriscience course that is infused with artistic and design elements. Students will learn that landscape and sustainable environmental design projects range from nature, restoration projects, city and regional parks, critical habitat for endangered species, urban forestry and all the way to the front and backyards of homes. Students will develop an awareness of the interactive relationship between humans and how they shape their environment. They will also gain an appreciation for the historical and cultural traditions that are reflected in landscape architectural designs. Instruction will be given in the following areas: elements of design, the history of landscape architecture, plant identification, hydrology, sustainability, technical drafting, sketching, and computer design. Hydrology, Landscape and Sustainability Environmental Design is a course in which the students will express themselves visually and showcase their creativity. Students will also utilize their knowledge and skills in design projects to beautify their school, community and submit and construct landscaping designs.
Viticulture 1
Viticulture (grape-growing) prepares students for further studies and employment in the viticulture and enology industry. The course equips students with the basic knowledge and skills necessary to succeed in college and in the work force within the viticulture industry. The course emphasizes hands-on agricultural applications using local vineyards and wineries as extensions of the classroom. Students in this class collaborate with the industry at every step of vineyard management in the production of one barrel of wine. Students are expected to participate in all hands-on aspects of the course, which enrich understanding by applying skills learned in real-world applications, including vineyard management, harvest, crush, press, fermentation, and bottling of the class wine. Students will not only learn about past and present viticulture and enology industry in Napa Valley, but emerging careers and agriculture issues within the industry. Students will understand the large scope of career opportunities in viticulture and enology. Participation in a collaborative winemaking project, field trips, demonstrations, labs, and hands-on projects enhance and enrich learning within this course. Within this course, career-based skill standards are practiced through student’s classbased Supervised Agricultural Experience Project and participation in leadership development activities through FFA.​
Viticulture 2
This is a year-long advanced course in the Agriculture Pathway and is designed to provide the students with theories and principles related to viticulture and environmental sciences. Students will demonstrate laboratory skills that include but are not limited to soil, water and fruit analysis techniques, vine propagation, pruning, canopy and trellising systems, pest and climate and control, resource management, and business skills which are the basis for grape growing operations. Students will utilize Viticulture and Environmental Science principles as a relevant vehicle to teach biological principles and improve the science principles and scientific literacy of students. They will integrate mathematic standards, Language Arts, and science principles into an academically rigorous course that increases the student’s capacity to think analytically, problem solve, and utilize effective research practices. This course includes classroom instruction, practical lab work, research reports and field trips. This course is intended to successfully prepare students for entry-level positions as well as those who plan on majoring in agricultural sciences at a four-year college and/or university.
Ag Mechanics Course Descriptions
Ag Mechanics
​Agriculture Mechanics is a class designed for students interested in agriculture technology. The course emphasizes hands-on learning of physical science principles through a series of projects including arc and oxyacetylene welding, electricity, concrete and masonry work, and design and construction of wood and metal projects. Within this course, career-based skill standards are practiced through student’s class-based Supervised Agricultural Experience Project and participation in leadership development activities through FFA.
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Computer-Aided Design (CAD)
Computer Aided Design is a course for the first-year drafting student with little or no experience. This course introduces and develops basic skills and concepts of design and blueprint reading. Applications of these skills are developed through project development and design. Students will gain skill and knowledge in 2D design with the use of AutoCAD software. Students will also develop 3D modeling using SolidWorks software. Students will develop and apply knowledge of elements, principles, and concepts of art, science, design, and aesthetics. Class activities will involve research, history, presentations, sketching, dimensioning, notations, sectional plans, 3D printing and other CNC equipment. Students will develop leadership and supervised agricultural experience program skills through the FFA organization. All students are members of the FFA, and all will keep record books.
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Advanced Ag Mechanics
This course is designed for students who are interested in Ag technology. The course emphasizes hands-on learning by allowing the student to use mechanical skills to design, budget, and fabricate two semester-long projects. Students will use community input to help them decide what kind of agriculture project to build. The student project will be either sold through a community auction, used at home or used by the SHHS agriculture department. Within this course, career-based skill standards are practiced through student’s class-based Supervised Agricultural Experience Project and participation in leadership development activities through FFA.
Agricultural Leadership & Communications
Agricultural Leadership is designed for students interested in learning and improving leadership skills and to provide time and training to better assume the responsibilities required for student leaders. This course is designed to build the leadership capacity of high school agriculture students. Emphasis is placed on the development and application of leadership skills and on the actual organization of chapter activities and functions. This course offers students the opportunity to develop a new range of skill sets, including personal leadership, working as a team, and establishing a vision for our Chapter. These skill sets and habits of mind will support students as leaders at St. Helena High School and within the St. Helena FFA Chapter and can also be applied to future college and career goals. The ultimate outcome of this course is the development of a new generation of young leaders prepared to take on the challenges and opportunities in the agriculture community. Within this course, careerbased skill standards are practiced through student’s class-based Supervised Agricultural Experience Project and participation in leadership development activities through FFA.