NVHS CASE Academy

Center for Agriculture Science and Engineering (CASE) Academy

The Center for Agriculture Science and Engineering (CASE) Academy fosters student personal growth, leadership, and opportunities in agriculture technologies, innovation, design, and engineering. Students apply and integrate science, technology, engineering, and community outreach through co-curricular activities, competitive events, and related programs.

Agriculture is the science or practice of farming, including cultivation of the soil for the growing of crops and the rearing of animals to provide food, wool, and other products. Agriculture is important to society because we all need to eat in order to survive. By learning about agriculture, we can make these connections to the land and learn how to responsibly use the land to grow or raise our food and textiles.

Topics in agriculture include horticulture, aquaculture, agronomy, forestry, animal husbandry, permaculture, welding, construction, diesel technology, economics, engineering, and sustainability.

Course Pathway Overview

Students in the CASE Academy may choose from two primary pathways based on their career interests:

• Ag Resource Management: Focuses on plant and animal sciences, greenhouse operations, and food production systems.
• Ag Engineering: Emphasizes power systems, mechanics, welding, construction, and diesel technology.

Meet the CASE Team

Mrs. Lenz
CASE Academy Director
Teaches Ag Sci I, Plant Sci, Ag Sci II, Greenhouse Management, CADD, and science courses.

Mr. Lenz
Ag Mechanics I–III & Diesel Technology
Teaches Ag Mechanics I–III and Diesel Tech classes.

Ag Resource Management Pathway

Ag Resource Management involves students in the plant and animal side of agriculture. Students grow their own food and learn about various animals in the industry. This pathway is ideal for students interested in careers such as veterinarian, florist, horticulturist, food scientist, marine biologist, or genetic engineer.

Ag Resource Management Classes

Agriculture Science I
The introductory course where students explore agriculture, FFA, business and marketing, and plant science through experiments. This course is a prerequisite for all advanced classes in the pathway.

Plant Science / Ornamental Horticulture
A level two course that immerses students in greenhouse operations. Students grow poinsettias in the fall and garden starts in the spring, while learning hands-on horticultural practices.

Agriculture Science II
A level two course focused on animal science. Students study livestock, poultry, game animals, and companion animals—ideal for those interested in veterinary medicine.

Greenhouse Management
A level three course emphasizing the management of a commercial-sized greenhouse. Students oversee hydroponic and aquaponic systems and assist peers in project maintenance.

Ag Engineering Pathway

Agriculture Engineering and Power Systems provides students with experience in engineering, design, and technical fields. Students engage in hands-on learning related to power systems, welding, electrical work, hydraulics, and plumbing.

Agricultural Engineering Classes

Agricultural Mechanics Technology I (AMT I)
This introductory course covers Shop Safety, FFA, Residential Electrical Wiring, Shielded Metal Arc Welding, and Basic Plumbing. Designed for first-year students exploring mechanical pathways.

Advanced Agricultural Mechanics II–III and AS
Advanced, project-based courses for committed students. Topics include power systems maintenance, GMAW and GTAW welding, construction engineering, and leadership through FFA. Students are expected to participate actively in FFA and community service.

Diesel Technology I–III
A three-year program following Ag Mechanics I. Students gain in-depth experience in diesel and gasoline power systems and complete extensive project-based learning and community service.