Agriculture
Course:  Agriculture 9
Grade:  9
Quarters:  2 

Building solid concepts in agronomy, livestock, parliamentary procedure, leadership development, floriculture, nursery operation, meat science, mechanics, and much more will enable you to build a solid foundation in the vast field of agriculture.
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Course:  General Livestock
Grade:  10 - 12 
Quarters:  1 

Students will analyze present day livestock production systems and learn the concepts relating to genetics, reproduction, nutrition, marketing, and consumer quality issues.
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Course:  Agronomy Farm
Grade:  10 - 12 
Quarters:  1 

Students will explore the vast field of agronomics from both the producer and agribusiness perspectives.  Information will be researched and decisions made concerning a total crop plan from planting to harvest.  Topics will include soils, tillage, plant nutrients, variety selection, herbicide selection, crop management, insect control, harvesting, and much, much, more!
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Course:  Agriculture Building Construction
Grade:  10 - 12 
Quarters:  1 

Students will develop plans, construct, and wire an agriculture building.
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Course:  Agriculture Machinery
Grade:  10 - 12 
Quarters:  1 

Identifying agriculture machinery companies and understanding the concepts of theory and operation of tractors, tillage machines, planting equipment, spraying and fertilizer technology and harvesting equipment are just a few subject areas that will be explored. 
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Course:  Automotive Maintenance
Grade:  9 - 12
Quarters:  1 

This class is for anyone who drives a car.  It will focus on the basic skills needed to accomplish a wide variety of maintenance jobs, such as changing oil and oil filters, maintaining and replacing transmission and radiator fluid, selecting and replacing tires, tire rotation and alignment, changing wiper blades and maintaining washer fluid, how to test and replace batteries, how to use jumper cables, and how to handle emergency situations.  The class will deal with purchasing and financing a car as well as taking out car insurance.  It will also deal with basic body and interior car care (simple bodywork, detailing, washing and waxing).
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Course:  Small Engine Technology
Grade:  9 - 12 
Quarters:  1 

Students will receive training regarding the disassembly and reassembly of 4 stroke/cycle and 2 stroke/cycle small engines.  Special emphasis will be placed on trouble shooting and problem solving, interpretation of technical information from specification manuals and parts measurements.
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Course:  Metals and Welding Technology
Grade:  9 - 12 
Quarters:  1 

Students will receive instruction regarding the use of a variety of gas and electrical welding techniques.  The analysis and repair of a wide range of metals and repair/construction conditions will be addressed. 
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Course:  Tractor Restoration
Grade:  11, 12 
Quarters:  1
Prerequisite: Small Engines and Instructor Approval

This course is specifically designed for students who have an old tractor and wish to restore it to original condition. Students will identify parts of the tractor, fix leaky gaskets and other parts, sandblast and paint the tractor.  Tractors may be available for those students who do not have one.
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Course:  Community Project
Grade:  9 – 12
Quarters:  2

The Community Project class will provide the work force for the completion of the community project.  Those enrolled in the course will learn to read blue prints and technical drawings.  Students will be expected to carry through with the plans that have already been set in place.  There will be special emphasis on precision and accuracy.  Students will be challenged in the areas of measurement and tool skills.
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Course:  Landscape Management & Design
Grade:  9 - 12 
Quarters:  1 

A practical experience in the art of landscape design, installation, and maintenance.  Students will participate in all aspects of an actual landscape installation including site analysis, drawing of the design, preparation of a bid, and a sales meeting with the homeowner.  Additional topics will include care of the lawn, pruning, rose gardening, and water gardening.
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Course:  Floral Design & Floral Crop Production 
Grade:  9 - 12 
Quarters:  1 

Students will participate in the commercial production of floral products in a simulated business setting.  They will learn how to design and create floral arrangements such as boutonnieres, corsages, arrangements, wreaths, swags, and potpourri.  They will also become actively involved in floral sales and service, distribution, and advertising. 
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Course:  Woods 
Grade:  9 - 12 
Quarters:  1

This class will cover introductory skills in wood furniture construction.  All students will construct an appropriate project during the quarter.  Project ideas might include an end table, display shelf, a decorative cupboard, or coffee table.  A variety of finishing techniques will also be covered such as staining, painting, stenciling, tiling, and tin punching.  The “Arts and Crafts” and “Amish” style of furniture crafting will be stressed in the class.
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Course:  Home Improvement
Grade:  9-12
Quarters:  1

Home Improvement will cover topics related to redecorating and repairing the home. The interior of the home will be emphasized.  Topics include: painting and decorative painting techniques, wallpaper, flooring, furniture repair and restoration, woodwork repair and finishing, electrical wiring systems, plumbing, windows, and doors.  Students will do a furniture restoration project using faux finishing.
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Course:  Furniture Restoration 
Grade:  9 - 12 
Quarters:  1 

This class will teach students how to refurbish heirloom furniture made from wood.  However, the class will also include instruction on a broader range of finishing techniques that will include staining, primitive painting techniques and stenciling.  Metal restoration will also be discussed and may be an option for student projects.  Students will participate in refurbishing their own item using any one or more of these techniques.
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Course:  Crafts
Grade:  9-12
Quarters:  1

This is an elective class.  Students will get experience in many popular hobbies and crafts.  The following topics will be covered: scrapbooking, card making, stamping, candle making, needlework, decorative wood cutting and painting, macramé, jewelry making, and rug weaving.  A $25 fee will be assessed to this class for supplies.
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Course:  Wildlife and Natural Resources
Grade:  10 - 12 
Quarters:  1 

Exploration of wildlife and natural resources and all of the issues involved will be discussed and researched from a global perspective in the local Heron Lake area.
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Course:  Entrepreneurship
Grade:  9 - 12
Quarters:  1

Become your own boss!  Learn how to become an entrepreneur—someone who builds his or her own business.  You will discover how to become involved in “niche” marketing, creative advertising, risk management and how to “make the big bucks” by living the “American dream!”  Students will accomplish this by developing a product or skill to actually sell through “Educated Plants” or the “Quasar Quick Stop.”  (You earn the profits.)
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Course:  Financial Management and Marketing in Agriculture
Grade:  10 - 12 
Quarters:  1 

Students will examine financial plans, profit and loss statements, cash flows, and analyze the strengths and weaknesses of an agribusiness.  In addition, students will study markets from the local to the global levels and use daily information from the DTN, Chicago Board of Trade, and Chicago Mercantile Exchange to apply actual daily markets in real-life decision making.
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Course:  Selling Skills in Agriculture 
Grade:  10 - 12
Quarters:  1

Explore the world of sales and advertising.  Students will become an active part of a classroom sales force.  They will learn how to sell with TV, radio, displays, posters, and print media.  They will become skilled sales people using face-to-face sale and tele-marketing.  They will also learn the psychology of selling and how to get people to buy.
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Course:  Honors Agriculture
Grade:  9 - 12 
Quarters:  1 
Prerequisite:  Instructor Approval

This course is designed for students involved in advanced agricultural education.  Students who are participants in National FFA should enroll in this class.
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Course:  Agriculture Seminar
Grade:  9 - 12 
Quarters:  1 

This class will be for those students who want to pursue advanced training for an agricultural career.  Students may construct advanced welding products, run “Educated Plants,” market and sell other products through the Quasar Quick Stop, design and install an advanced landscape project, overhaul a large implement, etc.  Useful background in welding, floral design, landscaping, entreprenuership, and/or small engines will be helpful.
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Course:  Agriculture Leadership Seminar
Grade:  10 - 12 
Quarters:  1
Prerequisite:  Application

This is an advanced leadership class for students who are seriously interested in a career in Agriculture or Agri-Business.  Students will participate in the business aspects of “Educated Plants and Projects."  Students will also participate in advanced leadership projects related to parliamentary procedure, FFA contest work, etc.  Students must apply to Mr. Place before being accepted into this class. __________________________________________________________________________________________ 
Course:  School to Work
Grade:  11, 12
Quarters:  1 - 4 
Prerequisite:  Instructor Approval

School to work and entrepreneurship are two specific topics this practical work related class will cover.  Students will be required to actually work at a job site or develop a business.  Instructor approval is required.
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