Agriculture in the classroom has always been an important part of our school and community.
This year with the retirement of Beth Massey, new Agriculture teacher Emily Dunkle has stepped up to the plate. Mrs. Emily Dunkle has now taken over Livestock Production, Animal Production, Floriculture, Plant Science and Introduction to Agriculture. Her Livestock Production class is blocked with Small Animal Care.
This class is currently in the process of breeding rabbits and hedgehogs. This has given students a sense of responsibility, while learning reproduction, genetics and care. In addition to small animals, GEHS Livestock Production class is in the process of raising and halter breaking two bottle lambs and a bottle calf. Students are responsible for the health and wellbeing of the animals, as well as the training.
In Floriculture and Plant Science, students have been tasked with creating a multitude of floral arrangements and set plans for the spring greenhouse sale. The greenhouse has been an awesome opportunity for students to take care of a variety of plants through hands on and comprehensive learning.
In order to be a part of these upper-level courses, students are required to take the Introduction to Agriculture class. The Introduction to Agriculture class allows students the opportunity to explore different areas of agriculture in order to choose a particular pathway. Students have the option to explore FFA, animal production, plant science, agribusiness, mechanics, and natural resources.
Shelby Adkins, the instructor of Ag Mechanics and Natural Resources pathways, gives students the opportunity to learn many skills. This year students have been learning carpentry, welding, electrical work and plumbing. Students are required to pass each safety exam in order to enter the shop. Student in Fundamentals of Agriculture Mechanics completed a unit on welding different angles and positions. Currently, they are working on a small carpentry project of their choice. This project includes learning to read a tape measure, using power tools, constructing the project, and adding finishing touches like stain or paint.
Students in Natural Resources class have worked recently on environmental science, wildlife resources, habitat, and forest conservation. The students’ next project consists of water and soil samples. They will be provided soil and water sample kits to gain an understanding of quality and steps to take in order to make improvements.
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