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Agriculture, Food & Natural Resources
Agriculture, Food and Natural Resources
The Agriculture, Food and Natural Resources Cluster provides students with theoretical knowledge and skills for careers in water and air pollution control, recycling waste disposal, public health issues, as well as offering the opportunity to perform a variety of tasks that include helping to develop, maintain and manage the forest and natural environment. CTECS graduates may complete competency credentials or certification eligibility for entry-level employment in a variety of healthcare and bioscience settings or continue their studies at post-secondary institutions.
CTECS students concentrate their studies and earn a Career and Technical certificate in the following programs:
Bioscience and Environmental Technology Course Sequence
The environment is directly impacted by human interaction. The Bio-Science program is specifically designed to observe, test and solve environmental issues that affect our living space. Through project based learning, students study all habitats and plant and animal life that inhabits each.
This multifaceted program connects to all levels of the environment including fresh and wastewater management, plant propagation and greenhouse management, fresh and salt water aquatics, small animal care, forestry and landscape design.
Students enrolled in the CTECS Bio-Science and Environmental Technology program participate in internships as docents for The Mystic Aquarium and Work Based Learning (WBL) for local fresh and wastewater operations.
12 credits required for graduation
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All Grade 9 students participate in the Exploratory Program. As students enter the field of Bioscience and Environmental Technology, they will be introduced to college opportunities and career pathways, forestry, beach and marine analysis and identification of plants. Students are instructed in laboratory and field competencies which can be built upon in the later years of the technology and in their science classes. Field trips to local shoreline communities are an important component of the Exploratory Program. The Common Core for Language Arts and Mathematics as well as science skills are integrated.
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In Grade 10, students master laboratory and field competencies through project-based learning. In each project, students learn to analyze data collected in the lab or field using scientific methodology. Course content includes topics such as water treatment/filtration, forestry, wetland conservation, microbiology, classification of living organisms and stream analysis. Emphasis is placed on protocol procedures and teamwork to emphasize college preparedness and to mirror workplace requirements. Students are instructed in science-related safety. The Common Core for Language Arts and Mathematics as well as science skills are integrated.
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In Grade 11, students will be investigating real-world environmental problems and working to solve these problems using hands-on, team-based applications. In addition to production projects, students will experience habitat management, aquaculture, biotechnology data driven mapping, meteorology, global warming and evolutionary biology. Emphasis is placed on presentation, report writing and teamwork. Students are instructed in science (lab)-related and shop safety. Work-Based Learning (WBL) is available to eligible students. The Common Core for Language Arts and Mathematics as well as science skills are Integrated.
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In Grade 12, students are given an opportunity to reflect on previous experiences (Grades 9-11) and develop a senior project. The topic, chosen by each student, is presented to a panel and composes a portion of their
final grade. All projects include the student’s accumulative skills of design, observation, data collection and analysis reporting. Written and oral data reports as well as the meeting of deadlines are part of the senior year course requirements. Seniors participate in a mentoring program for the 9th grade students whereas they assist in lab procedures and data collection. Various certifications are earned during Grade 12 including
OSHA and HAZMAT. Seniors are expected to work independently and participate in Work-Based Learning if they are eligible. A performance-based test is administered to all seniors prior to graduation.
Veterinary Science
Students successfully completing this course of study will be able to pursue a two-year veterinary technology degree or a four-year pre-veterinary medicine degree. Students can obtain immediate employment in the veterinary science field. Employment opportunities in veterinary science include groomer, kennel attendant, farmhand, animal control officer, laboratory animal caretaker, veterinary assistant (1-year certificate), veterinary technician (2- or 4-year degree), and veterinarian (doctorate).
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All Grade 9 students participate in the Exploratory Program. Students deciding to enter the field of Veterinary Science will be introduced to the basic safety and sanitation, as well as basic identification, husbandry and handling of canines and felines. They will also learn basic anatomy and medical terminology. Students will work with live animals to perform basic restraint and grooming techniques. Technology-related mathematics, reading, writing, vocabulary, and science are integrated throughout the curriculum.
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In Grade 10, the veterinary science program is designed to provide students with practical knowledge in working with small animals in a clinic, laboratory, or similar setting. Building on the knowledge obtained in 9th grade, students will learn advanced identification, husbandry, handling/restraint, and nutrition of dogs, cats, and rodents. Students will also learn about the welfare, rights and ethics that protect animals. They will continue their Anatomy and Physiology learning with the identification and uses of the musculoskeletal system. Students will work with live animals to perform advanced handling/restraint techniques, basic clinical procedures, and grooming. Technology-related mathematics, reading, writing, vocabulary, and science are integrated throughout the curriculum.
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In Grade 11, the veterinary science program is designed to provide students with practical knowledge in working with large animals. Students will learn identification, husbandry, handling/ restraint, and nutrition of horses, ruminants, pigs, and other large animals. Students will also learn about the computerized filing systems used in veterinary practices. They will continue their Anatomy and Physiology learning with the identification and uses of the respiratory and cardiac systems. Students will work with live animals to perform advanced handling/restraint techniques, basic clinical procedures, and grooming. Students reaching an acceptable level of proficiency may be eligible for Work-Based Learning (WBL). Technology-related mathematics, reading, writing, vocabulary, blueprint reading, and science are integrated throughout the curriculum.
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In Grade 12, the veterinary science program is designed to provide students with practical knowledge in working with miscellaneous large animals and exotic pets. Students will learn identification, husbandry, handling/ restraint, and nutrition of reptiles, birds, and indigenous wildlife. Students will also learn about animal pharmacology, advanced clinical and laboratory procedures. They will continue their Anatomy and Physiology learning with the identification and uses of the lymphatic and digestive systems. Students will work with live animals to perform advanced handling/restraint techniques, basic clinical/laboratory procedures, and grooming. Students reaching an acceptable level of proficiency may be eligible for Work-Based Learning (WBL). Each student will take the Senior Summative Assessment, which is a computerized interactive test. Technology-related mathematics, reading, writing, vocabulary, blueprint reading, and science are integrated throughout the curriculum.
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12 credits required for graduation
