top of page

Sobrato FFA's Agriculture Courses

 

To be part of our FFA chapter, a student must be enrolled in an agricultural course. However, that's no problem for many Sobrato students, since we offer several classes with an agricultural emphasis that students find exciting, interesting, and impressive. Since our program opened, we have grown from one teacher with 150 ag students to four teachers and over 500 kids enrolled in our ag courses! A listing of all of the ag courses at Sobrato can be found below.

 

Ag Biology CP
Ms. Velador
Biology is a one-year college preparatory course in laboratory life science that is required for graduation by all students. Students will study ecology, cell biology, genetics, biotechnology, evolution, human anatomy and physiology. Students will be involved in laboratory exercises as well as field experiences to enhance their learning. In Ag Biology, students will also complete the Agricultural State Standards in addition to the CP Biology course objectives. Students will be involved in a Supervised Agricultural Experience Project, maintain a California Agricultural Record Book and be introduced to many leadership opportunities through involvement in the FFA. Students will be engaged in a hands-on approach to science that will provide them practical agriculture applications and an introduction to the agricultural industry.

Soil Chemistry

Ms. Velador

This course explores the physical and chemical nature of soil as well as the relationships between soil, plants, animals and agricultural practices. Students examine the properties of soil and land and their connections to plant and animal production. Using knowledge of scientific protocols as well as course content, students develop an Agriscience research program to be conducted throughout the first semester of the course. To complete that whole project each student will investigate and test an Agriscience research question by formulating a scientific question related to the course content, formulating a hypothesis based on related research, conducting an experiment to test the hypothesis, collecting quantitative data, and forming a conclusion based on analysis of the data. Participation in FFA student organization activities and Supervised Agricultural Experience (SAE) projects is an integral course component for leadership development, career exploration and reinforcement of academic concepts. 

Food Science

Mrs. Lilly

This course is an introductory course on the principles of basic food science and the fundamentals of basic professional food preparation. With an emphasis on the “field to fork” concept, and by using agriculture as a learning vehicle, students will learn about food in its entirety, from propagation to harvest to preparation. Students will practice introductory food preparation techniques as they apply to fruits, vegetables, dairy, legumes, rice, grains, meats, poultry, sugars, herbs and spices using basic agriculture food commodities. Emphasis is placed on professional terminology, professional behavior, safety and sanitation, palate education, food crop production and origin, timing, organization, and teamwork. This course is a combination of lectures, labs, demonstrations, taste tests, guest speakers, and presentations that will provide the student with knowledge, skill, attitude, and appreciation for agriculture, food and the food industry. In addition, the inter-curricular FFA program supports and enhances the materials covered in the classroom. This includes involvement in FFA activities, planning of an agriculture based project, and keeping accurate records.

 

Floral 1

Mrs. Foss

This class involves the fundamentals of floral design theory, techniques, and skills currently
practiced in the floral design industry, including wedding, sympathy, party, holiday, and themed floral designs.
Subjects will include applied art principles, cut flower care & handling practices, proper and safe use of florist
tools and materials, pricing of floral products, and use of current floral business technology. Skills to be
developed include customer relations, consultations, pricing, and use of technology in the industry. Course
instruction also includes construction of corsages, floral arrangements, foliage plant items, introductory
ornamental horticulture, identification of plants and flowers, professional industry organizations, and career
opportunities. Construction and servicing of special events, party, and holiday floral displays are included. In
addition, the inter-curricular FFA program supports and enhances the materials covered in the classroom. This
includes involvement in FFA activities, planning of an agriculture based project, and keeping accurate records.

Floral 2

Mrs. Foss

This course allows students to learn advanced professional florist skills for employment in the floral field. Students will explore the floriculture industry on a more technical and advanced level including the proper care and handling of flowers, plants, and foliage; evaluate floral materials and arrangements; utilize floral tools, supplies and products to apply design principles to floral medium; construct arrangements for all occasions; display, price and market floral designs; and preserve floral materials as students run their own floral shop. The art elements and principles of design will serve as a foundation for each unit covered. After completion of this class, students will be prepared to secure a job in the floral industry. Students will be exposed to careers in Agriculture Business. Students will run floral sales, including marketing, purchasing, construction, delivery, and finances. Participation in FFA student organization activities and Supervised Agricultural Experience (SAE) projects is an integral course component for leadership development, career exploration and reinforcement of academic concepts.

Ag Mechanics

Mr. Nunes

Introductory Agricultural Mechanics courses provide theory and hands-on experiences that provide
opportunities for students to develop basic knowledge and skills in agricultural mechanics. Instructional areas
include the basic fundamentals of maintaining and repairing small gasoline engines, basic electricity, welding,
construction, cold metal work, and operating agricultural equipment safely. Improving workplace and computer
skills will be a focus. Participation in FFA student organization activities and Supervised Agricultural Experience
(SAE) projects is an integral course component for leadership development, career exploration and
reinforcement of academic concepts.

Ag Welding

Mr. Nunes

This course is an introduction to Oxyfuel Cutting/Heating/Welding, Shielded Metal Arc Welding
(SMAW), Gas Metal Arc Welding (GMAW), Flux-cored Arc Welding (FCAW), Gas Tungsten Arc Welding (GTAW),
Air-carbon Arc Cutting, Plasma Arc Cutting, Safety and Metal Fabrication. Participation in FFA student
organization activities and Supervised Agricultural Experience (SAE) projects is an integral course component for
leadership development, career exploration and reinforcement of academic concepts. This course is repeatable
for credit.

Vet Science

Mrs. Lilly

Veterinary Science courses impart information about the causes, diagnosis, and treatment of
diseases and injuries of animals, typically emphasizing domestic and farm animals. Course topics focus on
anatomy and physiology, nutrition, behavior, and reproduction, sanitation, and use of veterinary supplies and
equipment. Participation in FFA student organization activities and Supervised Agricultural Experience (SAE)
projects is an integral course component for leadership development, career exploration and reinforcement of
academic concepts.

© 2025 by Sobrato FFA. 

bottom of page