• Intro to AG

• Horticulture

• Ag Mechanics

• Plant science

• Animal science

• Agra science

• Vet science

• Ag Business management

• Bio tech

• Ag tech

• Advance welding

• Ag power

• Ag construction skills

• Ag engineering

• Ag resource management

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INTRODUCTION TO AGRICULTURE

 

2 Semesters 2 Credits 9th/10th

 

This orientation course provides an opportunity for students to learn how the agricultural industry is organized; its major components; the economic influence of agriculture at state, national and international levels; and the scope and types of job opportunities in the agricultural field.  Basic concepts in animal science, plant science, soil science, horticulture, natural resources, agribusiness management, and agricultural mechanics, will be presented. Improving computer and workplace skills will be a focus.  Participation in FFA student organization activities and Supervised Agricultural Experience (SAE) projects is an integral course component for leadership development, career exploration and reinforcement of academic concepts.

 

AGRICULTURAL SCIENCE BSAA

Every Three Years Rotates with Plant and Animal Science

 

2 Semesters 2 Credits 10th/11th/12th

Science Credit

Agriscience introduces the student to the application scientific approach to agriculture including animal, plant, food and soil science. Agricultural career opportunities will be emphasized in each class. Laboratory experiences relating to basic and current technology will be part of the program. Content may be enhanced by utilizing appropriate computer applications. Participation in FFA student organization activities and Supervised Agricultural Experience (SAE) projects is an integral course component for leadership development, career exploration and reinforcement of academic concepts.

 

Animal Science

Every Three Years

2 Semesters 2 Credits 10th/11th/12th

Science Credit

Prerequisites: None

Course Description:

The major focus of the Principles of Agricultural Science – Animal (ASA) course is to expose students to agriculture, animal science, and related career options. Students participating in the ASA course will have experiences in various animal science concepts with exciting hands-on activities, projects, and problems. Students’ experiences will involve the study of animal anatomy, physiology, behavior, nutrition, reproduction, health, selection, and marketing. For example, students will acquire skills in meeting the nutritional needs of animals while developing balanced, economical rations. Throughout the course, students will consider the perceptions and preferences of individuals within local, regional, and world markets.

Students will explore hands-on projects and activities to learn the characteristics of animal science and work on major projects and problems similar to those that animal science specialists, such as veterinarians, zoologists, livestock producers, and industry personnel, face in their respective careers.

Participation in FFA student organization activities and Supervised Agricultural Experience (SAE) projects is an integral course component for leadership development, career exploration and reinforcement of academic concepts

 

Plant Science

Every Three Years

2 Semesters 2 Credits 10th/11th/12th

Science Credit

Prerequisites: None

Course Description:

Principles of Agricultural Science – Plant (ASP) course provides a foundation of plant science knowledge and skills. Students will experience various plant science concepts through exciting “hands-on” activities, projects, and problems. Student experiences will include the study of plant anatomy and physiology, classification, and the fundamentals of production and harvesting. Students will learn how to apply scientific knowledge and skills to use plants effectively for agronomic, forestry, and horticultural industries. Students will discover the value of plant production and its impact on the individual, the local, and the global economy. Students will work on major projects and problems similar to those that plant science specialists, such as horticulturalists, agronomists, greenhouse and nursery managers, and plant research specialists, face in their respective careers.  Students will understand specific connections between the course’s lesson and Supervised Agricultural Experience and FFA components of agricultural education programs. Students will improve investigative, experimental and communication skills.   Participation in FFA student organization activities and Supervised Agricultural Experience (SAE) projects is an integral course component for leadership development, career exploration and reinforcement of academic concepts.

 

AGRICULTURAL TECHNOLOGY AND MECHANIZATION

 

2 Semesters 2 Credits 10th/11th/12th

Prerequisites: None

Course Description:

This course will concentrate on expanding student’s knowledge and experiences with agricultural mechanics technologies utilized in the agricultural industry.  Units of instruction included are: design, fabrication, maintenance, welding, electricity/electronics, and employability skills. Careers of agricultural, electrician, welder, equipment designer, parts manager, safety inspector, welder, and other related occupations will be examined.  Improving workplace and computer skills will be a focus.  Participation in FFA student organization activities and Supervised Agricultural Experience (SAE) projects is an integral course component for leadership development, career exploration and reinforcement of academic concepts.

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AGRIBUSINESS MANAGEMENT

 

2 Semesters 2 Credits 10th/11th/12th _

*This course meets Consumers’ Education requirement for graduation.  Must complete both semesters.*

Prerequisites: None

Course Description:

This course will provide students with the basic knowledge and skills necessary to manage personal finances and develop into a successful entrepreneur and/or businessperson.  Instructional units include:  business ownership types, starting an agribusiness, managing and operating an agribusiness, financing an agribusiness, managing personal finances, record keeping and financial management of an agribusiness, local, state, and federal taxes, agricultural law, and developing employability skills.  Student skills will be enhanced in math, reading comprehension, and writing through agribusiness applications.  Improving computer and workplace skills will be a focus.  Participation in FFA student organization activities and Supervised Agricultural Experience (SAE) projects is an integral course component for leadership development, career exploration and reinforcement of academic concepts.

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HORTICULTURE Production  MANAGEMENT

Rotates Every three years with Vet Science and Ag Resource Management

Dual Credit course with IVCC

2 Semesters 2 Credits 10th/11th/12th

Course Description:

This course offers instruction in both the greenhouse production and landscape areas of horticulture.  Units of study include plant identification, greenhouse management, growing greenhouse crops, landscape design, installation, and maintenance, horticulture mechanics, nursery management, and turf production.  Agribusiness units will cover operating a horticultural business, pricing work, advertising, and sales. Participation in FFA student organization activities and Supervised Agricultural Experience (SAE) projects is an integral course component for leadership development, career exploration and reinforcement of academic concepts.

 

 

 

AGRICULTURE RESOURCE MANAGEMENT

Rotates Every three years with Vet Science and Horticulture

 

2 Semester 2 Credits 10th/11th/12th

Prerequisites: None

Course Description:

This course develops management and conservation skills in understanding the connection between agriculture and natural resources. Student knowledge and skills are developed in: understanding natural resources and its importance; fish, wildlife, and forestry management and conservation; and exploring outdoor recreational enterprises.  Hunting and fishing as a sport, growing and managing forests, and outdoor safety education will be featured.   Career exploration will be discussed including:  park ranger, game warden, campground manager, forester, conservation officer, wildlife manager, and related occupations.  Improving computer and workplace skills will be a focus.  Participation in FFA student organization activities and Supervised Agricultural Experience (SAE) projects is an integral course component for leadership development, career exploration and reinforcement of academic concepts.

 

ADVANCED AGRICULTURE WELDING AND METALS

Dual Credit course with IVCC

 

2 Semesters 2 Credits 11th/12th

Prerequisites:  Ag. Technology

Course Description:

To develop Welding skills through observation, learned information, and practiced skills. In using many different types of welding and metal working tools and equipment. Safety being a primary and mandatory learning tool in the shop classes. This course will introduce students into the many different processes of welding in Agriculture and Industry applications. Participation in FFA student organization activities and Supervised Agricultural Experience (SAE) projects is an integral course component for leadership development, career exploration and reinforcement of academic concepts.

Agriculture Engineering

2 Semesters 2 Credits 10th/11th/12th

 

Prerequisites: None

Course Description:

Agriculture Engineering emphasizes the principles, concepts, and laws of science and the mathematical relationships supporting, describing, and explaining that science within the context of agriculture. Agriculture Engineering  integrates agriculture and the physical sciences, beginning with agriculture applications, then focusing on the science that explains and/or controls that application.  Participation in FFA student organization activities and Supervised Agricultural Experience (SAE) projects is an integral course component for leadership development, career exploration and reinforcement of academic concepts.

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Agriculture Construction Skills

2 Semesters 2 Credits 10th/11th/12th

 

Prerequisites: None

Course Description:

This advanced course focuses on the knowledge, hands-on skills, and work place skills applicable to construction in the agricultural industry.  Major units of instruction include: personal safety, hand tools, power tools, blue print reading, construction skills in carpentry, drywall and painting.  Careers such as agricultural engineers, carpenter, finishers, safety specialists, and other related occupations will be examined.  Improving workplace and computer skills will be a focus.  Participation in FFA student organization activities and Supervised Agricultural Experience (SAE) projects is an integral course component for leadership development, career exploration and reinforcement of academic concepts.

 

Agriculture Power

2 Semesters     2 Credits 10th/11th/12th

Prerequisites: None

Course Description:

In this course, theory and hands-on experiences provide opportunities for students to develop  knowledge and skills in agricultural mechanics.  Instructional areas include small engines, engine measurements, trouble shooting, carburetion theory, 4 stroke theory, ignition, lubrication, repair and maintenance of engines.  Improving workplace and computer skills will be a focus.  Participation in FFA student organization activities and Supervised Agricultural Experience (SAE) projects is an integral course component for leadership development, career exploration and reinforcement of academic concepts.

 

Vet Science

Rotates Every three years with Horticulture and Ag Resource Management

 

2 Semesters     2 Credits 10th/11th/12th

Prerequisites: None

 

Course Description:

This course will develop students’ understanding of the small and companion animal industry, animal anatomy and physiology, animal ethics and welfare issues, animal health, veterinary medicine, veterinary office practices, and animal services to humans.  Career exploration will focus on veterinarian, veterinary lab technicians, office lab assistant, small animal production, research lab assistant, and animal nutrition lab technician. Improving computer and workplace skills will be a focus.  Participation in FFA student organization activities and Supervised Agricultural Experience (SAE) projects is an integral course component for leadership development, career exploration and reinforcement of academic concepts.

 

 

Introduction to Agriculture Mechanics

2 Semesters     2 Credits 9th/10th

 

Prerequisites: None

Course Description:

In this course, theory and hands-on experiences provide opportunities for students to develop basic knowledge and skills in agricultural mechanics.  Instructional areas include the basic electricity, construction, plumbing, surveying, concrete and operating agricultural equipment safely.  Improving workplace and computer skills will be a focus.  Participation in FFA student organization activities and Supervised Agricultural Experience (SAE) projects is an integral course component for leadership development, career exploration and reinforcement of academic concepts.

 

Biotechnology

2 Semesters     2 Credits 10th/11th/12th

 

Prerequisites: None

Course Description:

Animal and Plant Biotechnology, a specialization course in the CASE Program of Study, provides students with experiences in industry appropriate applications of biotechnology related to plant and animal agriculture. Students will complete hands-on activities, projects, and problems designed to build content knowledge and technical skills in the field of biotechnology. Students are expected to become proficient at biotechnological skills involving micropipetting, bacterial cultures and transformations, electrophoresis, and polymerase chain reaction.  Students will maintain a research level Laboratory Notebook throughout the course documenting their experiences in the laboratory. Research and experimental design will be highlighted as students develop and conduct industry appropriate investigations. Students will develop and conduct a research project following the National FFA Agriscience Fair guidelines. From background research through data collection and analysis, students will investigate a problem of their choice and conclude the project by reporting their results in the forms of a research paper and a research poster.  Participation in FFA student organization activities and Supervised Agricultural Experience (SAE) projects is an integral course component for leadership development, career exploration and reinforcement of academic concepts.

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Supervised Agricultural Experience/ Agriculture Independent Study

2 Semesters 1 Credits 11th/12th

Prerequisites: Have to be approved by lead FFA Advisor, Must have two yeas of record books.

 

Course Description:

This course is designed to improve and expand knowledge and skills in various agricultural careers.  Students will gain credit by continuing a project at their home, at a local business, or at their school usually after normal school hours.  Students are encouraged to add additional projects, experiences, scope, and growth involving managerial and decision making skills. Students will be required to verify their experiences by keeping written or computerized records including:  business agreements, budgets, inventories, daily activities, hours worked, income and expenses, total earnings, depreciation, and net worth.  Instructor supervision will be conducted to the student’s home or place of employment.  SAE records will be evaluated at least once per month.  In addition, SAE lessons are integrated into each agricultural course.  SAE participation can lead to fulltime employment, scholarships, and awards through the FFA.

 

 

 

ORIENTATION TO FAMILY AND CONSUMER SCIENCES

 

2 Semesters 2 Credits 9th

 

This course is the introductory course for all classes offered in the Family & Consumer Science department.  Subject matter is presented in six areas: character and self-esteem, clothing construction, foods and nutrition, parenting and children, relationships, and housing.  Learning experiences assist students in understanding themselves, home economics related careers and providing life skills for living on their own.  The clothing project will require about $25 in supplies and sewing equipment.

 

FOOD AND NUTRITION 1

 

1 Semester 1 Credit 10th/11th/12th

 

This is a laboratory class with emphasis on preparation of nutritious snacks and meals.  Applied nutrition, reading and understanding a recipe, teamwork, and food preparation are the basic components of the class.  The course promotes food service careers as well as applying scientific principles in the study of nutrition and food preparation.  Units covered include: nutrition, measuring, reading a recipe, kitchen equipment, kitchen safety, food safety and sanitation, fruits, vegetables, quick breads, garnishes, soups, pasta, and cookies.

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FOOD AND NUTRITION II

 

1 Semester 1 Credit 10th/11th/12th

 

This second foods and nutrition course expands on healthful meal planning and selection of foods.  Units covered include: meats, poultry, salads, yeast breads, food safety, garnishes, milk and cheese, eggs, pastry, kitchen design and foreign foods. Both Foods 1 and Foods 2 provide an introduction for advanced food service vocational training.

Prerequisite: “C” average or better in Foods and Nutrition I or successful completion of foods unit in Orientation to Family and Consumer Science.

 

CULINARY ARTS

 

2 Semesters 2 Credits 11th/12th

 

Culinary Arts is a course designed to learn about the business of food.  Topics covered include restaurant and food management, careers in foods and hospitality, food preparation, commercial kitchen design, herbs and spices.  Several weeks are spent with an introductory unit on the Illinois Food Safety and Certification requirements. Topics for this unit include food borne illnesses, personal hygiene, food safety and sanitation.  Additional units covered in this course are meal planning, using a work plan, cakes and cake decorating, garde manger, breakfast foods, food buying, nutrition, desserts, sandwiches, casseroles and rice.  Students must pass the first semester to continue into the second.

Prerequisite: Foods 1 and 2, Orientation to Family and Consumer Science, or special permission from the instructor.

 

FASHION TECHNOLOGY 1

 

1 Semester 1 Credit 10th/11th/12th

 

In this course the student will learn to use some of the current technology on the Fashion Industry.  They will use computer software related to the fashion and design and several different types of sewing machines.  The students will learn basic clothing construction techniques and principles of design.  They will learn the basic principles of embroidery machines.

 

FASHION TECHNOLOGY 2

 

1 Semester 1 Credit 10th/11th/12th

 

This course builds upon the skills gained in Fashion Technology 1.  Students will continue to learn and fine tune sewing machine and clothing construction skills.  They will use different types of software.  They will design an original embroidery pattern and a clothing pattern. They will also study the history of fashion and current fashion designs. Also incorporated is a unit on retail and merchandising. They will also have labs that cover physical and chemical properties of different fibers, dyes and laundry additives. Students must pass the first semester to continue into second semester.

 

CHILD DEVELOPMENT

 

1 Semester 1 Credit 10th/11th/12th

 

This course explores the growth and development of children from conception through school age.  Students will study the intellectual, physical, social, and emotional growth of children.  This is the orientation course for all careers in all aspects of education and childcare.

 

 

PARENTING/RM

 

1 Semester 1 Credit 10th/11th/12th

 

This course is designed to help students think through the roles, responsibilities, costs, and use of resources, satisfactions and stresses of parenthood.  By participating in the simulated doll project, one can see if they are ready for the responsibilities of parenthood.

 

ADULT LIVING/RM

 

1 Semester 1 Credit 11th/12th

 

This course helps prepare students for “living on their own” and successfully balancing work and family responsibilities after graduation. Content will focus on identifying personal strengths, presenting a positive image, learning coping skills to handle conflicts and stress, handling money to meet needs and wants, making a living space comfortable and attractive, housing and transportation, and managing resources to plan and prepare nutritious meals.  The overall theme involves preparing students for a lifetime of wise decision-making in dealing with the complex issues of adult life.

 

RELATIONSHIPS/RM

 

1 Semester 1 Credit 11th/12th

 

The goal of Relationships is to help students gain skills and strategies to build, maintain, and strengthen quality relationships with friends, families, fellow workers, and spouses.  To prepare students to think about becoming adults through self-examination, exploring what it means to be a collaborative worker and family member, community contributor, quality producer and self-directed learner.  Topics will focus on character building and self-esteem, goal setting and decision-making, components of healthy relationships, interpersonal communication, living as a single person, dating and mate selection, engagement and marriage, budgeting, life adjustments and crisis management.  A marriage project is a large component of this class.

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COMPUTER APPLICATIONS I

 

1 Semester (required) 1 Credit 9th/10th/11th/12th

 

Computer Applications I is designed as an introductory course in using the computer and the current, most popular application programs.  The course goals are to: 1) introduce the student to several computer applications that will facilitate the students’ success within high school and any post high school education or employment, 2) provide the student with the knowledge and skills necessary to work with a computer using the Microsoft Application Suite, and 3) prepare the student for today’s high-tech work environment with the basic knowledge of application software and how to prepare and format documents.

 

COMPUTER APPLICATIONS II

 

1 Semester 1 Credit 9th/10th/11th/12th

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Computer Applications II is designed as an advanced course in using the computer and the current, most popular application programs.  This course is a follow-on course to Computer Applications I.  The course covers the following applications at the Expert Level:  Microsoft Word, Microsoft Access, Microsoft PowerPoint, and Microsoft Excel.  Students will also learn to integrate the various applications.  Students are not recommended to take this course until they have successfully completed the basic course (Computer Applications I).  The course goals are to 1) further the students’ knowledge and expertise of Microsoft Office Suite applications; 2) provide the student with the knowledge necessary to successfully complete the Microsoft Office Specialist exam, and 3) prepare the student to complete the SVRATE exam successfully, thereby acquiring college credit through IVCC.

 

BUSINESS LAW

 

1 Semester 1 Credit 11th/12th

 

Business Law is a dramatic and challenging topic growing from human conflicts of a personal and business nature.  Knowing more about the law can help you avoid legal conflicts in your personal and professional life.  Professional topics of law involving areas such as our nation’s court system, fundamental elements of contract law, property law, employment law, forming a business entity, and commercial paper will be explored.  A mock trial will be prepared and presented in class.  This course is recommended for all students – college bound as well as students entering the business sector directly from high school.

 

ECONOMICS

 

1 Semester 1 Credit 11th/12th

 

People’s lives are directly affected by the economies around them.  All people engage in economic activity; saving, investing, trading, producing, and consuming.  By understanding economic systems and learning the economic way of thinking, students will be able to make informed choices and more effectively use resources.  Such understanding benefits both individuals and society as a whole.  This course meets the Consumer Education requirements for the State of Illinois.

 

CONSUMER EDUCATION

 

1 Semester 1 Credit 10th 

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This course is scheduled in conjunction with Health and Driver’s Education during the student’s sophomore year.  The primary purpose of this course is to promote individual financial management skills.  Topics include getting a job, budgeting, balancing a checkbook credit, buying guidelines, insurance, savings and investing, taxes and retirement planning.  This course meets the Consumer Education requirements for the State of Illinois.

 

INTERNET CLASS

 

1 Semester 1 Credit 10th/11th/12th

 

Internet class is an elective course.  It will include an overview of Internet and its history and a study of networks and their global importance.  In a computer lab setting, students will learn the use of Internet tools such as gopher, telnet, FTP, World Wide Web and e-mail and how to make WWW homepages.  They will also learn how to use technology such as digital cameras and scanners for adding visuals to homepages.  There will be an emphasis on using Netscape Navigator as a graphical browser, but other software will also be reviewed.  Students will then learn to apply their new Internet skills for communication, research, and future career goals.  

Prerequisite:  Computer Applications I.

 

ACCOUNTING I

 

2 Semesters 2 Credits 10th/11th/12th

 

This course includes planned learning experiences that develop initial and basic skills used in systematically computing, classifying, recording, verifying and maintaining numerical data involved in financial and product control records including paying and receiving of money.  Instructions include information on financial record keeping, summarizing records for interpretation for business and personal use.

COOPERATIVE VOCATIONAL EDUCATION

 

2 Semesters Up to 4 Credits 11th/12th

 

Cooperative vocational education combines in-school instruction with sequential on-the-job experience, and through alternative periods of work and school, eases the transition from the academic climate of school to the reality of work.  A number of other characteristics include specific job preparation, development of desirable work habits, economic participation in the community, trial testing one or more occupational choices, and development of a work history prior to actual entry into gainful employment as an adult.  The first year in the program, students will take the class and also do work experience for a total of 4 credits.  If a second year is taken, students will take the work experience only and earn 2 credits.