Breckenridge Community School Course Guide

Earth/Space Science, and Physical Science (ESP)-Required 9th grade
Each of these courses is one semester long.
Earth and Space Science is one half of the required freshman science class. In a semester we will cover a variety of subjects dealing with the Earth and space. These will include: astronomy, space exploration, geology, meteorology (weather and climate), natural resources, and oceanography.
Physical Scienceis an introduction to physics class. In the class, students will study motion of objects, waves, sound, light, electricity and magnetism. It is designed to meet the benchmarks set up by the state of Michigan to be tested on the Michigan Merit Exam.

Biology-Required 10th grade
Starting points for those planning further study in science. Subject areas include cellular and organism organization, life processes, a survey of the animal and plant kingdoms, and the importance of the inner-relationship between all living things.Students also have the option of taking BOTH Botany AND Zoology to fulfill their requirement for Biology. See course descriptions for Botany and Zoology in the Agriscience section listed below.

Chemistry - required 11th or 12th grade
Chemistry is the study of the composition, structure, and properties of matter, the processes that matter undergoes, and the energy changes that accompany these processes. Students in general chemistry will study atoms, chemical bonding, chemical reactions, states of matter, acid, bases and pH. This is a laboratory class and students should be prepared to perform experiments as part of the required coursework. This course is designed to prepare students to take the state standardized tests. (MME)

College Prep. Chemistry
Chemistry is the study of the composition, structure, and properties of matter, the processes that matter undergoes, and the energy changes that accompany these processes. Students in college prep. Chemistry will study atoms, chemical bonding, chemical reactions, states of matter, acid, bases and pH, electrochemistry, nuclear chemistry, and organic chemistry. College prep. Chemistry will emphasize the mathematical portion of chemistry. This is a laboratory class and students should be prepared to perform experiments as part of the required coursework. This course is designed for those students planning to attend college. It will also help prepare them to take the ACT exam.

Agriscience Curriculum

The courses offered in Agriscience are designed for students interested in a career cluster in Agricultural and Forestry Production, Management and Financial Specialties, Marketing, Merchandising and Sales, Science and Engineering, Social Services, and Education and Communication.

All agriculture science students are REQUIRED to plan a Supervised Agriculture Experience (SAE) project in an area of interest in either agriculture or natural resources. All classes will cover FFA and FFA record keeping, in addition to topics listed in the individual course description.

AGRISCIENCE CURRICULUM

GRADE	1st SEMESTER	GRADE	2nd SEMESTER
9 - 10	Zoology (Animal Science)	9 - 10	Zoology (Animal Science)
9 - 12	Botany (Plant & Soil Science)	10 - 12	Botany (Plant & Soil Science)
10 - 12	Advanced Botany	10 - 12	Advanced Botany
11 - 12	Ag. Communications & Leadership	11 - 12	Ag. Communications & Leadership
10 - 12	Advanced Animal Science	10 - 12	Advanced Animal Science

ZOOLOGY (ANIMAL SCIENCE)-Elective-9th-12th
This course will cover the physiology of animals associated with the agriculture industry. Students will study the internal and external anatomy of animals, the care and use of animals, and their importance to man and society. As an example, students will study the function of internal organs, the skeletal system, functions of the hormones, the muscular anatomy, digestive system, and reproductive system. In addition, students will study the selection, nutrition, and diseases of animals. Included in this course, will be the development of leadership, cooperation, and citizenship. Students will also be required to develop a Supervised Agriculture Experience (SAE) project of their choice.
Prerequisite: None

ADVANCED ZOOLOGY (ANIMAL SCIENCE)-Elective 10th-12th
Any student in grades 10 - 12 may enroll after the student has successfully completed Environmental Science and Animal Science. This class provides an academically stimulating environment for students wishing to advance their understanding of animal science. In this course, students examine the interrelated human, scientific and technological dimensions of livestock production. Students will expand their knowledge of the scientific and technological dimensions of resources necessary for animal production. In addition, this class is designed to develop knowledge and skills pertaining to the selection, nutrition, reproduction, health, and management of horses. Field trips and guest speakers will be an important part of this course as well as lectures, tests, and daily worksheets. Students will be evaluated on group projects and demonstrations. Students will also be required to develop a Supervised Agriculture Experience (SAE) project. Prerequisite: Zoology (Animal Science)

BOTANY (PLANT & SOIL SCIENCE)-Elective-9th-12th
This course will deal in depth about plant physiology, specifically those plants grown in the agriculture industry such as greenhouse plants, landscape plants, field crops, and vegetables. Students will study the growth functions of plants and the various methods of reproduction. In addition, students will study plant genetics and cell division. Emphasis will also be placed on plant nutritional requirements for proper plant growth.

In addition to the above, students will identify plants commonly used in the Production Agriculture Industry studying, identifying, and learning how to control plant pests such as insects and weeds. Also, students will study soil mapping, and land measurement using country soil surveys and plat books. Students will use the greenhouse in the planting and propagation of plants for study and research. All students will be required to develop an Agriculture Experience Project of their choice. Prerequisite: None

ADVANCED BOTANY (PLANT & SOIL SCIENCE)-Elective 10th-12th
Students successfully completing Environmental Science and Plant & Soil Science may enroll in this advanced class. This class provides an academically stimulating environment for students wishing to advance their understanding of soil and plant science. In this course, students examine the interrelated human, scientific, and technological dimensions of crop production using the resources of land, soil, water, energy, and living organisms. Students will expand their knowledge of the scientific and technological dimensions of resources necessary for crop production. This course prepares students to produce greenhouse/nursery plants and to maintain plant growth and propagation structures. Students will identify plants grown in the greenhouse, nursery, and landscape industry. In addition, students will learn how to control plant pests associated with the horticultural industry and study landscape design. In the spring, students will spend a majority of their time working in the greenhouse. Prerequisite: Botany (Plant & Soil Science)

AGRICULTURAL COMMUNICATIONS & LEADERSHIP-Elective 9th-12th (FFA Members/Officers Only)
This class will provide an environment for those students that wish to explore various communication methods. Topics explored will be public speaking, group dynamics, career planning, personal goal setting, resume’ preparation, interviewing and completing forms and applications. In addition, students will expand their leadership skills and styles, work on FFA activities and develop further their Supervised Agricultural Experience (SAE) project.
Prerequisite: Must be an FFA Member and/or FFA Officer

FFA

FFA makes a positive difference in the lives of students by developing their potential for premier leadership, personal growth and career success through agricultural education. Students who enroll in Agriscience classes are eligible to be FFA members. Students will explore a supervised agriculture experience project. In addition, students will participate in career development and leadership contest. From time to time students will participate in community service projects. Above all, what students do in the FFA will be a reflection of what they learn in the classroom.