Animal Science

Syllabus
Instructor: Mr. Miller (989) 466-7531 jmiller@almaschools.net Textbook The Science of Animal Agriculture Course Description: This course will focus on the science of animals, production of these animals and how to properly manage them. The course will cover several different species of Animals along with accepted management practices. Topics to be covered include: Chapter 1: Animal Agriculture as Science Chapter 25 Careers in Animal Science Chapter 2: Classification of Agricultural Animals Chapter 3-12: Animal species Dairy, Beef, Swine, Poultry .) Chapter 13: Animal Behavior Chapter 14: Animal Genetics Chapter 16: Reproduction Chapter 18: Growth and Delepoment Chapter 19: Animal Nutrition Chapter 20: Meat Science This course will also start introducing students to FFA and the many opportunities it has to offer. All students are members of the FFA where they will take part in chapter activities such as working on the FFA land lab, FFA community service projects, and taking part in leadership and skills contests.

Also we will be raising chickens for the FFA Broiler contest. These chickens will be house out in our barn and it will be the responsibility of students in the animal science class to care for and raise these chickens. Our chickens will come in the first part of October for the contest in November. Students will be split into groups within their class to make sure their chickens are fed, pens cleaned and weights recorded each week. Instructional Delivery: Students in this course will be taught in a wide variety of methods such as notes, questions, oral presentations, and hands on lab activities, projects, and real life situations. All students are expected to participate in all class discussions and in each lab assignment. Class needs: All students will need a 3 ring binder/folder for this class. These folders will become your number one source for information. These folders will be collected and grades at least twice during the trimester of neatness and accuracy. No Electronics: No electronic devices will be allowed during instructional class time. If a student has an electronic device and causing a distraction, I will take it. Cell phones and electronic devices that were confiscated by the teacher will be turned into the office at the end of the day. Procedures found in the student handbook and the new electronic policy will be followed. Grading Policy: Your grade will be evaluated on the following criteria 1. Tests and quizzes 2. Class assignments and homework 3. Class / Daily Participation 4. Lab Activities Classroom participation and lab activities will be a part of the grade. It is important to be here every day and on time just as you would be at a job. Arrive to class with everything you need to work, (folder, books, something to write with etc.) and on time, your chances for success is greatly increased. An exam will be given at the end of the semester. That exam will account for 20 percent of your final grade.

Participation Grades: Agri-Science Class like all lab classes has many activities, which are very difficult to complete outside of class time. Therefore 10% of each terms grades will be based on class participation. Participation means: 1. Coming to class prepared and ready to go to work. 2. Working well with other students and not disrupting class. 3. Being on time for class 4. Following classroom and all school rules. The Grading scale for participation will be as follows: 1-3 marks or days absent per 9 weeks 4 marks or days absent per 9 weeks 5 marks or days absent per 9 weeks 6 marks or days absent per 9 weeks 7 marks or days absent per 9 weeks 8 marks or days absent per 9 weeks 9 marks or days absent per 9 weeks 10 marks or days absent per 9 weeks 100% 90% 80% 70% 60% 40% 20% 0%

Half marks may be given for behavior and full marks are given for days absent or for each tardy. School related absences do not count on the number of marks a student has accumulated. Extensive absences due to an illness or injury will be handled on a one on one basis. Grading Scale: The total number of points earned in class will be divided by the total possible points to calculate your percentage grade. The percentage will be placed on the following scale: A AB+ B BC+ 100-94 93-90 89-87 86-84 83-80 79-77 C CD+ D DE 76-74 73-70 69-67 66-64 63-60 59-0

So You Say Im in FFA?

What does that mean? Since you are enrolled in the Agri-Science class at Alma High School you are automatically a member in the National FFA organization What is FFA? FFA is an organization for students who are interested in future careers in the AgriScience and natural resource field. You can participate in many activities such as: * Leadership contests an opportunity for students to gain career skills in public speaking, interviewing, demonstrating and conducting meetings. * National FFA Convention a weeklong trip to Kentucky where you learn about FFA, your chapter, other chapters, and each other by participating and supporting others in competitions, going to concerts, site-seeing, going to career fair, talking to colleges, and having a lot of fun * State FFA Convention the finals of leadership contests, also a chance to meet new people and receive awards * Region III Camp work with other chapters in the region, brainstorm new ideas, and learn leadership skills * Banquets and Picnics - honor those who help us through the year * Gratiot County Fair for Youth help put together displays, show animals and have fun at the fair * Retreats Travel to different places to take part in leadership, canoeing, dancing and more * Agricultural Career Development Events all students will participate in some area of study in April. These range from Greenhouse, Floriculture, Landscaping, Crops, Animals, Marketing, Forestry, etc. FFA is also . * Getting to meet new people * Win awards * Gain valuable career skills * Learn something new * Try new things * Go new places * Help the community * Gain self confidence * Go on field trips * Meet influential people * Make career connection HAVE FUN !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Agri-Science Expectations The following is a list of expectations for all students in the Agri-Science program at Alma High School. Not meeting these standards and expectations may result in the loss of credit or removal from class. You are to be in class, in your seat and ready to begin work at the assigned time. You will bring ALL materials necessary to be successful in class (pencil, paper, book, etc.). If you do not have a writing utensil, they can be purchased from the machine in the room for 25 cents. I WILL NOT loan you one. Food and drink is NOT allowed around any electronic devices including computers, laptop or during any lab time. Any errands should be completed during passing time, including phone calls and bathroom breaks. Cheating WILL NOT be tolerated. Anyone found cheating, may be removed until parent/teacher conference is held. In addition a 0 will be assigned to the assignment. You will treat EVERYONE with respect. Horseplay is NOT tolerated - Safety is essential. Use your common sense if you know the answer, do not ask. Wearing of hats or hoods is not allowed. We will have some lab situations that you will know about ahead of time. It is imperative that you come properly dressed and prepared on these days. Going outside and working in the barn, greenhouse or land labs are important parts of our program and you will be graded accordingly. Lining up at the door will not be tolerated. Stay seated and I will dismiss you when it is time. Use your class time wisely. If you have everything completed for my class please find something else to work on and not bother other students. The teachers work station is my area not yours. Please do not get on my computer or sit at my desk. There are important and private pieces of information you do not need to see.

 All discipline will follow the guidelines set forth by the student handbook Please return signed by Sept. 6th 2013 I, _____________________, have read and understand what is expected of me while in Mr. Millers Agri-Science class. Not following these expectations will have a negative effect on my grade. ____________________ Student Signature ____________________ Parent Signature __________ Date __________ Date

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