In Class

  Tissue Culturing Plants:
       The first week of class students prepared to take a tissue culture from a carrot. They began by mixing carrot callus agar on, which the carrot would grow. The agar and its containers (baby food jars) had to be sterilized, using the autoclave, before the carrot could be placed in its new environment.  The students  inserted the plant tissue into the agar using ether and a hood to create a sterile environment.  Next, they allowed the tissue to grow in the agar for several days. Many of the samples were contaminated by bacteria or other foreign contaminates. The rest began to create a new plant.

Food Science:
      In food science, students learn about food safety, preparation, processing, and preservation. Students conduct dehydration of different fruits and vegetables, but use different substances, such as flavorings to dip the foods into. Students also learn about the variable outcomes for a pound cake when using different ingredients. They also learned the importance of microbial organisms in the dairy industry, when they attempted to make yogurt.

Animal Science:

    Many of the agricultural students at GHP are involved with the animal programs in their local areas. Simple first aid is often administered to the animals without Veterinary assistance. Mr. Mark Swords of Peach County High and Mrs. Alicia Tomlinson of Perry High were brought in to teach the class many of these simple techniques. During this class the students learned what a large animal first aid kit should contain as well as how to utilize its contents. One of the main focuses of the class was on stitches which are often used on animals to promote healing and prevent scaring.
 

Dairy Science:

To learn about dairy science the ag students ventured to Abraham Baldwin's Agricultural College. There they learned about the milking process of the cows, sanitation practices, data collection, and the importance of the barn in the cows day. Cows must be kept cool for them to be able to function properly and this is a large problem in south Georgia especially when a dairy cows body temperature is already at 101.5°F. Another interesting area explored was that of the micro-organisms found in the cows ruminant. This was practiced by viewing and touching a cow with a port in its side. This was an experience someone does not get to experience everyday.

Global Positioning System (GPS):
      When learning the technique of using the GPS units, students were taught about the basic uses and functions of GPS technology in agriculture, as well as in everyday life. Students learned about the geometry needed to utilize the GPS technology. Mr. Brian Tomlinson of Bonaire Middle, came to the class and taught the students how to collect data using the GPS units. Students collected data from around the campus of VSU, and used the computer lab to download their data onto the computers. A map of the area was generated and the students collected data from the campus.                                                               

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