If you've got the idea that Agricultural Science classes are just for "farm kids," you better "mooove" that idea to the back of your mind.

At DDHS, our agricultural courses are open to everyone, and they cover a wide range of topics and study areas, from veterinary science to wildlife conservation to landscape management. There is even a course for leadership, which teaches students the elements of being a successful leader and unlocks students' leadership potential and skill.

The agricultural sciences curriculum is split into four areas: Environmental Services Systems, Animal Systems, Natural Resources Systems and Plant Systems.

Students who participate in these courses find themselves learning about life in the world that surrounds them, and, they have fun doing it. Many students also join the Delavan-Darien FFA. They participate at the Walworth County Fair, Wisconsin State Fair and other events, showing raising and animals, conducting service projects, performing service work and much more.

Many Agricultural Science classes also give credits that meet general science credit requirements for graduation and are accepted by the University of Wisconsin System. 

For more about our Agricultural Sciences program, see a list of our course offerings below. 

Agri-Science Courses

Agricultural Survey
Designed for students to explore what the diverse areas of agriculture have to offer. We will cover the areas of Animal Science, Plant Science, Natural Resources, Dairy Products, Economics, and the FFA. The units will include hands-on and eyes-on activities with plants, animals and food.

Veterinary Science
This class will introduce students to basic veterinary practices used in animal industries. Terminology and disease prevention will be discussed. Students will have the chance to take temperatures, perform fecal culture for parasites, and examine sperm motility. Students will also practice administering shots to oranges and grapefruits. The students will also study the birth, lactation, and growth of litters of baby pigs born in the large animal lab. This class can be applied to as a 1/2 Biological Science equivalency in order to fulfill the graduation requirement.

Biological Science/Animal Science  
This class will provide students with biological science in the large animal species. All farm production animal species will be discussed including cattle, pigs, and horses to turkey, rabbits, cats, dogs and bees. The reproductive systems as well as digestive systems, genetics and the physiology of udder function will be highlighted. This class can by applied as a 1/2 Biological Science equivalency in order to fulfill the graduation requirement.

Fish and Wildlife Conservation
Explore the great outdoors! Students will study fish and wildlife management, hunting and fishing regulations and habitats of wild animals. National and state wildlife refugees as well as animal migratory habitats will be studied. Careers in the Department of Natural Resources will be discussed. Learn what it takes to get a job in the great outdoors!

Biological Science/Botany
This class will introduce the student to the plant from germination to growth and flowering. The various life cycles will be studied as well as biotechnological techniques that are prevalent. Students will utilize the greenhouse for enhanced laboratory experiences. Get your gardening gloves out and prepare to discover one phenomenon after another. This class can by applied as a 1/2 Biological Science equivalency in order to fulfill the graduation requirement.

Physical, Earth and Agricultural Science [PEAS]      
From the soil to the food we eat, students will study the science involved in these areas. We start with the wonder of the soil and its ability to support life on this planet and move to the basic science of many of our foods. There will be many labs and activities in this class. If you don’t mind getting your hands dirty and then washing up for supper, come on in! This class is offered every other year alternating with the Environmental Science class. This class can by applied as a 1/2 credit Physical Science equivalency in order to fulfill the graduation requirement.

Biotechnology
In this class students will explore applications of biotechnology after studying cells and DNA. Applications in the world of animals, plants and the environment will be learned. Students will spool their own DNA, perform a crime scene investigation and study one of the fastest growing career fields today. This class can by applied as a 1/2 Biological Science equivalency in order to fulfill the graduation requirement.

Leadership
Do you know what it takes to be an effective leader? This class will explore the elements of successful leadership. Citizenship and individual personalities will be studied and applied. Students will have the opportunity to exercise leadership roles and to run effective meetings using parliamentary procedures. Everyone is born with leadership potential. This class will help students unlock and develop those leadership skills. Leadership will be needed in all career areas.

Landscape Design
In this class students will be introduced to the elements of home and commercial landscaping. After learning basci techniques, students will make use of a CAD based design program used in the industry today. Students will also utilize digital cameras to take pictures of their home and develop a landscape plan. Students will gain knowledge of shrubs and trees commonly used in landscapes. Anyone interested in landscaping, drafting or designing their own landscape will benefit from this class.

Environmental Science
Students will learn the science behind one of the fastest growing career areas in the world. The history of pollution will be studied as well as pollution of the atmosphere, the water, and solid wastes. Students will study the impact of pollutants. This class is offered every other year alternating with the Earth and Agricultural Science class. This class can by applied as a 1/2 credit Physical Science equivalency in order to fulfill the graduation requirement.

Greenhouse Management
It’s a jungle out in our greenhouse. Students will learn the basics of plant production in a greenhouse setting. Students will spend the majority of their time in the greenhouse learning planting and germination techniques, management skills, and operation of a computer-controlled greenhouse. Over fifty types of annuals are grown, managed and sold through this class. Students will also learn identification of plants, pest-management, and marketing.

Alternative Energy Overview
In this course, students will investigate the need for renewable energy systems and emerging careers in renewable energy. Students will examine the basic design, function, cost, and other considerations associated with various “green” energy systems, including solar photovoltaic, solar thermal, wind, geothermal, and biomass. Students will also explore the production and use of alternative transportation fuels.

Agri-Science Pathways

Courses listed above in BOLD are designated for Science credit and are taught in the Agri-Science Department.