Agritechnology Overview
South Dade’s Agritechnology program builds real-world skills across animal and plant systems, agribusiness, and agricultural mechanics. Students learn modern crop and livestock practices, safe equipment operation, irrigation and pest management, record-keeping, and the science behind food, fiber, and natural resources—grounded in Florida DOE standards and aligned to national AFNR expectations.
Why It’s Different
- Hands-on labs & SAEs: Every student completes a Supervised Agricultural Experience (SAE) such as school-based enterprise, directed lab work, entrepreneurship projects, internships/co-op, or service learning.
- Career focus: Builds toward roles like agricultural technician, plant/animal systems assistant, and agri-business support.
- Leadership: Integrated FFA participation for competitions, leadership development, and community engagement.
What You’ll Learn
- Animal science: health, nutrition, reproduction, showmanship, handling & safety
- Plant science: propagation, fertilization, irrigation, hydroponics, pest management
- Ag mechanics & facilities: tools, small engines, welding basics, maintenance & repair
- Agribusiness: finance, marketing, recordkeeping, U.S. ag systems & cooperatives
- Environmental & food systems: natural resources, food science, and sustainability
Course Sequence
9th Grade: Agriscience Foundations 1
Explore the history and global impact of agriculture, lab safety, research skills, leadership, and foundational animal/plant, food, power/technical systems, and environmental science concepts. (Counts as Equally Rigorous Science)
10th Grade: Agritechnology 1
Dive into industry scope and careers; animal health, nutrition, reproduction, identification and exhibition; plant production systems and hydroponics; fertilization and soils; ag mechanics/tools; and agribusiness finance and records.
11th Grade: Agritechnology 2
Advance into irrigation planning and repair, pest control (BMPs), harvesting/marketing, facility maintenance (welding/electricity/plumbing basics), financial management, and agricultural cooperatives & American business structures.
12th Grade: Advanced Concepts of Agriscience
The advanced-level course provides a comprehensive study of agricultural science and its practical applications.
Students:
- Design and conduct independent agricultural research projects
- Formulate hypotheses, collect and analyze data, and present findings to professional audiences
- Examine agricultural issues affecting the environment, economy, and community
- Integrate chemistry, biology, and physics principles into agriculture
- Enhance written, verbal, and digital communication skills for professional and academic contexts
- Participate in leadership development and career preparation through FFA
The course emphasizes research integrity, teamwork, and ethical practices, culminating in a Capstone Presentation or Exhibition that showcases each student’s learning and innovation.
Supervised Agricultural Experience (SAE)
Students complete an SAE from one or more options: career exploration, directed lab, entrepreneurship/project ownership, co-op/internship, school-based enterprise, or service learning—documenting skills, hours, and reflections that tie directly to classroom standards.
Outcomes & Next Steps
Graduates leave with technical competencies, leadership experiences through FFA, and documented SAE hours—prepared for entry-level employment, industry certifications where available, and postsecondary programs in agriscience, agribusiness, animal/plant systems, and related fields.
Certification in Agritechnology: Agritechnology Specialist Certification
At South Dade Senior High, our Agriculture Magnet students have the opportunity to earn the Agritechnology Certification, a state-recognized credential that measures essential agricultural knowledge and hands-on skills. This certification helps students demonstrate their readiness for employment, college programs, and leadership roles in the agricultural industry.
What is the Agritechnology Certification?
The Agritechnology Certification, developed by Agriculture Education Services and Technology (AEST), is an online, proctored exam designed to assess entry-level knowledge and skills for careers in agriculture. The test includes 100 multiple-choice questions, a two-hour time limit, and a passing score of 60% or higher. Topics cover a broad range of agricultural principles, from plant and animal science to environmental resource management and agricultural mechanics.
Why It Matters
- Demonstrates Competency: Validates that students have the baseline knowledge and technical skills needed for entry-level agricultural positions.
- Enhances Job Prospects: Recognized by employers as a trusted indicator of industry readiness, helping students stand out in the job market.
- Validates Education: Reinforces the learning outcomes of our Agriculture Magnet program, confirming that students are prepared for both higher education and workforce opportunities.