USD 240 Vocational/Ag Department

Mr. Luthi's Lesson Plans

Vocational Ag Newsletter Requirements

Get to know your teacher

I have been teaching for 28 years in both Kansas and Nebraska.  Bennington and Tescott are the fourth and fifth schools that I have taught at.  I have a dual certification in Industrial Technology and Agriculture Education.  Currently I am the Ag Education and FFA Advisor for Twin Valley School District. I try to stay current with grading by entering grades into powerschool daily.

What students will learn in their vocational and ag classes

The Ag/Ed department consists of:

“Introduction to Agriculture” for eighth grade

Course Objective:  Upon completion of this course, the student will be able to understand the importance of agriculture to our economy and society.   Understand the benefit of leadership skills gained through FFA to be successful in college and a future career.   Explore the different career fields involved in agriculture.   Develop some hands / on skills building a small woodworking project.

“Agriscience” for ninth grade

Course Objective:  Upon completion of this course, the student will be able to understand the importance of agriculture to our economy and society.   Understand the benefit of leadership skills gained through FFA to be successful in college and a future career.   Students will develop their own supervised agriculture experience program and use computer technology to keep personal and business records on their SAE.  Students will explore units in plant and soil science and also in animal science.  Students will learn basic cutting and arc welding skills.  Students will have the opportunity to participate in career development events offered through FFA.

“Ag Welding & Structures” for tenth through twelfth grade

Course Description:  This is a yearlong class with the emphasis on welding skills first semester and shop projects second semester.   Intro to Agriculture is a prerequisite.  This course is designed to provide training in plasma cutting, oxyfuel gas cutting and welding, bronze welding, shielded metal arc welding, gas metal arc welding, and tungsten arc welding processes.  Personal protective equipment will be worn at all times in the welding shop.  The school will provide welding helmets, but students may bring their own.  All skin must be covered when welding.   No short sleeves, pants with holes, or threads exposed at the boot line.

“Plant and Animal Science” for tenth through twelfth grade

Course Description:  This is a yearlong course with emphasis of Plant and Soil Science the first semester and Animal Science the second semester.  Students that take this course will also be preparing for career development events such as: Land and Homesite Evaluation, Agronomy/Entomology, Livestock and Horse Evaluation.

The Plant and Soil Science course focuses on soil management and classification.  Also on plant and crop management and production.  The Animal Science course focuses on all aspects of animal and livestock production including breeding, selection, health management and care.

Strategies for success

-Follow school, classroom, and shop policies and procedures.
-Bring pencil, notebook, cromebook, or any materials needed for class.
-Come to class prepared and ready to learn.
-Participate in classroom and shop activities and demonstrations.
-Work hard to develop skills and workmanship.

Know the standards

Standards