GEHRHSD Curriculum Guide 2026-27

Science Electives

5 Credits Grades 9-12: Urban Farming

AHS

OHS

Farming has occurred in areas other than the rural countryside for centuries. However, in recent years, urban farming, food production in the city, has gained currency both as an individual business strategy and a collective entrepreneurial pursuit that may address a wide range of socio-economic and environmental issues from food insecurity to climate change. This interdisciplinary course uses the concept and practice of urban farming as a platform for inquiry into our evolving food systems and how its challenges may be met through new forms and new sites of food production and consumption. Students will have the opportunity to work in our greenhouse and maintain our courtyard gardens while planting and growing plants, fruits, and vegetables in a variety of mediums and designs. In this second-year course, students will expand upon the concepts that were introduced in Urban Farming and spend time working with advanced techniques that increase crop yield while minimizing the impact of agriculture on the environment. Students will be exposed to advanced hydroponics, aquaponics, vertical growing systems, and other methods that are bringing automation to the farming industry. Students will be tasked with increasing yield while employing sustainable farming methods within the Absegami gardens. Students will also participate in animal husbandry practices with our chickens and potentially a new goat program, while continuing to help maintain the honey bee hives. These techniques are the future of agriculture globally and are currently employed by major companies such as The Walt Disney Company who use these methods to produce much of the food served at Walt Disney World. Advanced Farming Techniques AHS Grades 10-12, 5 Credits Grades 10-12: Advanced Farming Techni

Prerequisite: Successful completion of Urban Farming and teacher recommendation.