Program Description
Students are offered a unique opportunity to experience the
science, technology and management of a "living laboratory.
In existence for over 30 years, this award-winning, fast-paced
program combines practical applications for chemistry, physics
and biology with skills useful for employment.
Two 'majors' of concentration are available. Forestry
provides students the opportunity to gain skills in timber management,
logging, greenhouse production, and landscaping. Mechanical
science includes heavy equipment operation, welding, small power
equipment, and electricity. Apprenticeship positions in water
technology, electrical and plumbing are available to advanced
students who qualify. In addition, each student will have the
opportunity to develop leadership and entrepreneurial skills
as they produce a variety of seasonal food products. Several
traditional food products include maple syrup, honey, rainbow
trout, and hydroponic vegetables.
Preference will be given to students with effective math and
science backgrounds. Students should be able to demonstrate
mastery of basic mathematical operations, measurement, fractional
and metric conversions, and logical manipulative skills.
Students interested in attending college to major in mechanical
engineering, natural resources and environment fields will benefit
from this program. Students planning to continue their education
in fields related to industrial mechanics, or the management,
use, and preservation of land, soil and water will find this
program tailored to meet their needs. After an introductory
"core" program, during which all students gain exposure
to the major areas of instruction, each student will select
a "career major."
Learning activities utilize a building complex that includes:
• A water technology lab where trout are raised for the
'table' market and stocking
• A hydroponics greenhouse featuring tomato and lettuce
production
• A student-built sugarhouse for maple syrup processing
• A multipurpose mechanics lab with tools and equipment
for teaching a wide variety of skills from welding
to small engines to electronic applications
• A production greenhouse used for seasonal plant production
and marketing including poinsettias for winter holidays
and hanging baskets for Mothers' Day
• An outdoor lab for heavy equipment use and apple orchard,
tree plantation and beehives
Curriculum Components
Course Introduction
The first two weeks of the school year provide students with
a preview of major instructional units available during the
school year as each student experiences a common core of presentations,
demonstrations, and hands-on activities. This exposure to unit
competencies, instructor expectations, program facilities and
occupational and postsecondary educational opportunities give
students a better understanding of how the many unit offerings
can meet their individual career interests and needs. All students,
regardless of major selected, will become involved in Food Science/
Production & Marketing (production of apples, honey, maple
syrup and niche market foods); and Water Technology (testing
and evaluating water quality, operating licensed fish hatchery,
raising and stocking rainbow trout). At the conclusion of this
experience, students select one of two career majors. The career
major selected requires students to complete several of the
units offered.
Career Majors
Forestry: (Environmental Science/Horticulture)
• Timber Harvesting
• Forest Management
• Landscaping/Arboriculture
• Greenhouse Management
• Plant & Soil Science
• Hydroponics/Aquaculture
• Hand & Power Tools
Mechanical Science:
• Heavy Equipment Operation
• Welding Fabrication
• Small Engines
• Electricity
• Water Systems
• Hydraulics
• Hand & Power Tools
Grading System
Area employers have collaborated with the Center to develop
a fair, accurate and realistic system for student assessment.
The business community has stated that how an employee goes
about their work is at least as important as what they are
performing. Grades, reported quarterly, are determined by
student performance in two broad categories. The first category
includes a list of standards developed by employers that reflect
good employee traits. The second category includes results
on class work such as written tests, quizzes, daily journal
entries, and performance of required lab skills.
Independent Projects
As the year progresses, students often develop and express
interest in a project or subject area that goes beyond the
regular curriculum. Such initiative is encouraged and supported.
Apprentice Program
Second year apprenticeship options include: Water Technology,
Electrical and Plumbing. Students must complete one year of
the program in order to apply for acceptance into the apprenticeship
program. Students will be placed on-site in paid positions
with respect to their field.
Career Academy Opportunity and Rewards
All students at the Center for Technology may seek eligibility
for enrollment in a variety of college level courses offered
through Champlain College, University of Vermont and the Community
College of Vermont. Each course can earn a student three college
credits - many of which are accepted by other colleges and
universities. Motivated students who take advantage of these
advanced placement programs can acquire a full semester toward
their college degree.Graduates of this program enjoy linkages
with the University of Vermont College of Agriculture and
Life Sciences, UVM School of Natural Resources, Vermont Technical
College, SUNY Cobleskill and Paul Smith's in New York.
High School Credits Awarded:
• One Mathematics Credit
• One Science Credit
• Four Elective Credits
Career Experiences
• Work-based Learning
• School-Work Cooperative Opportunities
• Apprenticeships
Industry Partners
• Pike Industries
• Essex Equipment Sales
• New England Air
• Fab Tech
• Claussen's Enterprises
• Green Mountain Floral
• CR Woods Volvo
• Vermont Fish & Wildlife
• Mother Nature's Helper
• Village Green Florist
• University of Vermont Extension Service
• Southworth Milton CAT
• Reliance Steel
• Taste of the North Fruits and Vegetables
• Whipple Hollow Hydroponic Farm
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