Course Description: This course focuses on the basic scientific principles and processes that are involved in animal physiology, breeding, nutrition, and care in preparation for an animal science career major. Topics include animal diseases, introduction to animal science, animal nutrition, animal science issues, career opportunities, and animal evaluation. English language arts, mathematics, and science are reinforced. Work-based learning strategies appropriate for this course are apprenticeship, cooperative education, mentorship, school-based enterprise, service learning, job shadowing, and supervised agricultural experience. FFA competitive events, community service, and leadership activities provide the opportunity to apply essential standards and workplace readiness skills through authentic experiences.

 

Course Objectives: The primary objective of this course is to introduce students to animal anatomy, production, and care.  

• Provide students with knowledge of livestock care and management, as well as differences between species and breeds. 

• Develop the leadership potential of students, while providing a variety of experience that will increase marketability to employers. 

• Gain a general knowledge of common equipment, facilities, and practices utilized in various aspects of animal science. 

• Give students the knowledge and skill necessary to care for a variety of animal species used for a variety of purposes.    

 

Stuff You Need To Have:  Every student is going to need a  3 ring binder notebook, a set of dividers, plenty of college ruled notebook paper, and always, I repeat always, something to write with. We also ask each student to pay $15 dues for FFA membership.  All students are expected to be FFA members, as the organization is considered an integral part of the ag ed curriculum. As Animal Science I necessarily involves students being around, and in some cases handling animals, students should expect to get dirty on occasion.  They may leave old clothes and shoes in the room if they like.  NICE SHOES WILL NOT BE AN EXCUSE FOR NONPARTICIPATION. 

Other Materials:
composition style notebook (you leave this in class) or access to electronic device
colored pencils
ruler

 

Other things to help out: expo markers, hand sanitizer, tissues, lysol/chlorox wipes, bounty paper towels
 

Safety Info & Barn Policy:  This class is likely different from anything else you have done in school. We will be using a variety of equipment and interacting with an assortment of animals.  Safety comes first.  I will not make you do anything you are uncomfortable with, and maintain supervision, but it is important that you take all equipment and procedures seriously!  IF YOU HAVE TO THINK ABOUT WHETHER IT IS A GOOD IDEA, IT MOST LIKELY IS NOT.  Our class will be outside more than most other courses, so please make sure you dress for the weather. 

 

Academic Information:

Grade scale: A=100-93      B=92-85         C=84-77         D=76-70         F=69-

• Late Assignments: no tolerance as you have up to a week to turn in assignments

• Make-Up Assignments:  Students must comply with all rules regarding absences in the school handbook.  Makeup work will be given for excused absences, and can be picked up either a few days prior to, or immediately following an absence.  All work should be submitted within 3 school days of the absence, or will be considered late. (see late above)  Under certain circumstances missed lab work may need to be completed before or after school; however this is left to the discretion of the instructor. (me)

• Assignments:

  • Supervised Agricultural Experience (SAE):                                         15%

Each student will complete an SAE project, encompassing any topic in the field of agriculture. Each student is expected to contribute 40 hours of work outside of class time.  We will spend a day talking about SAE’s during the first week of class, at which time you will receive a handout detailing project examples and specific requirements.

• Course Exams                                                                                                    30%

We will have several tests throughout term of this course breaking up each of the major topics in the course. Students must do well on exams to do well in class.  You will have exams on Essential Standards and the Units. 

• Homework Assignments/Notes                                                                      15%

All notes for this class will be posted online.  You are responsible for completing the notes on YOUR OWN time.

• Quizzes                                                                                                                 15%

Quizzes will be on the same day as the notes are due.  You will be able to use your notes to complete your quizzes. Not having your notes will not excuse you from taking the quizzes.

• Class Work, Course Projects, Participation                                                   25%

Students are expected to participate in the class to its fullest.  The course will require significant “lab” work outside.  Agricultural education is based on experiential learning, which means you learn it by doing it.  You will also be graded on involvement and completion in several small class projects throughout the semester.

 

i  The above percentages are for each 9 weeks.  CTE postassessment scores count 25% of your final grade.  Final grades will be calculated by multiplying the above average by .75 (75%) and adding that number to the students CTE postassessment score multiplied by .25 (25%).

 

• Extra Credit:  Students may receive extra credit for participation in any variety of service project pre-approved by the instructor, and not fulfilling another requirement, ie court appointment.

Class Rules:

Respect Others and Our Stuff

Participate- Involve Yourself in Your Education

Follow Directions& Act Responsibly

Attendance/Tardiness: Don’t be… The school attendance policy is in effect.  Consult the student handbook for guidelines. If you are not in your seat when the bell rings, you are TARDY. 

Academic Integrity- Plagiarism and other forms of cheating are NOT ACCEPTABLE.  I will not tolerate any cheating, and if I catch any one in the act, I will punish them to the fullest extent possible.  There is no need to cheat, if you are having problems on a particular day or in general come see me, DO NOT CHEAT.

 

Course Topics: 

Leadership and SAE

Animal Evaluation

Animal Agriculture and Management

Animal Physiology