Agriscience & FFA
The FFA Mission is to make a positive difference in the lives of students by developing their potential for premier leadership, personal growth and career success through agricultural education.
Would you like to learn about animals, plants, veterinary medicine, business, biology, or leadership while earning science credits for graduation? Do you like to work with plants and animals? Do you like to win awards? If the answer is “YES!” then you should consider signing up for an Agriculture Science class and joining the Vista FFA!
The Agriculture Program is like no other on campus! We do many hands-on projects, learn scientific AND career skills, compete in contests throughout the state, and develop leadership skills. There are many courses offered, something for almost everyone! Many students enjoy participating in the San Diego County Fair and we invite you to visit the Vista FFA displays.
We have a long history in Vista, with the program originally starting in 1932. Students enrolled in an Agriculture course are also members of the FFA, a national youth organization with almost 750,000 members and nearly 8,000 chapters in all 50 United States, Puerto Rico and the Virgin Islands. The Future Farmers of America was formed in 1928 as a vocational agriculture training program. It has grown into so much more since that time, offering students many choices in academics, career technical training, leadership development, competitive events and entrepreneurial experiences!
Overview of courses offered:
Agricultural Biology – Bring biology to your dinner table! Agriculture Biology is a lab science course that gives you the same credit as lab biology but teaches you through the field of agriculture. UC/ CSU “D” Lab Science requirement. (9-11)
* required course in Animal Science Pathway
Agricultural Chemistry - This is all about learning the principles of chemistry applied chemistry and how it affects our daily lives. Learn about the chemistry of our environment and the chemical relationships between soil, plants, animals and agricultural practices. UC/ CSU “D” Lab Science credit. (10-12)
* required course in AgriScience Pathway
Advanced Sustainable Agriculture - One of our capstone classes, this course focuses on realizing the connections between the different Ag Sciences and designing systems to solve ag management issues currently facing the industry. UC “D” Lab Science and Honors credit with grade an extra grade point added (11-12)
* required course in AgriScience Pathway. Offered in odd grad years.
Veterinary Science – An Advanced Ag course designed for those with a career interest of working with animals. Career exploration in the field of veterinary medicine, concentrating on anatomy and physiology, nutrition, breeding, health care, disease prevention and management systems of domestic animals and livestock. UC “G” Science elective credit. (11-12)
* required course in Animal Science Pathway. Offered in even grad years.
Introduction to Agriculture - Intro to Ag is a fun science course that introduces students to the broad field of Agricultural Science. It focuses on plant and animal science and includes lots of hands-on experiences. UC/CSU “G” Science elective credit. (9-10)
Hands-On Horticulture – Develops skills in the propagation, culture, processing and marketing of ornamental and edible plants including design, use and maintenance of greenhouse, shade house and garden beds. Other topics include landscape and hardscape design, fruit and vegetable gardening. UC/CSU “G” Science elective credit (9-12)