The week of September 15th;

Small Animal Science:
*Share presentations on Animal Right/Animal Welfare
*Quiz - Ch. 3 & 4
*Begin Ch. 7 - Dogs
*Article Review #1 Due Friday

Plant and Earth Science:
*Soil Testing in groups
*Ch. 9 - Soil Fertility and Management - amend soils as discussed and read/develop and record hypothesis regarding individual soil fertility/DVD "Manure"
*Begin Ch. 8 - Land Classification and Use

Natural Resource Management:
*Guest Speaker - Ruth King, WI DNR
*Continue discussion of Ch. 6 - Controlling Erosion on the Farm
*Ch. 7 - Non-farm Erosion Control - identify and explain control measures in place on the school grounds/determine topsoil volume
*Quiz - Ch. 6 & 7
*Begin Ch. 8 - Rangeland Management - DVD "Planet Earth - The Great Plains"/"Tallgrass Prairies"

The week of September 8th - 12th - tentative plans;

Small Animal Science -
*Quiz - Ch. 1 & 2 - 40 points/notes 5 minutes
*Ch. 3 - Small Animals as Pets - read/discuss/notes/Puppy Mills/Pet Costs/Pet Situations
*Ch. 4 - Animal Rights and Animal Welfare - read/discuss/notes/"Investigative Reporting - Animal ER"/Research and presentation project
*Quiz - Ch. 3 & 4 - 50 points/notes 5 minutes

Plant and Earth Science -
*Bring in Soil Samples for Wednesday
*Inventory Soil Test Kits
*Ch. 2 - Sustaining Plant and Soil Productivity - read/discuss/questions
*Quiz - Ch. 1 & 2 - 45 points/notes 5 minutes
*Ch. 7 - Soil Materials and Formation - read/discuss/notes/Soil Texturing problems/Soil Texturing Lab
*Test individual soils

Natural Resource Management -
*Ch. 3 - Concepts in Natural Resource Management - read/discuss/notes/group poster activity
*Quiz - Ch. 1, 2, and 3 - 40 points/notes 5 minutes
*Ch. 4 - Soil Characteristics - read/discuss/notes
*Ch. 5 - Soil Erosion - read/discuss/questions
*Quiz - Ch. 4 & 5 - 60 points/notes 10 minutes

Welcome back!  It's going to be a great year!

I will attempt to do my best to update this blog in a timely manner so that students and parents/guardians will have an idea of what is to come for the week in the Agriculture classes but, keep in mind that my lesson plans are tentative.  :)  We will continue on in class as students are able and sometimes that may be quicker than anticipated or slower than anticipated based on class population.  We are all different!  We learn at different paces!  The important thing to me is understanding.  So, please be patient with my blog...thank you!

For the week of September 1st...

Small Animal Science -
*Introductions
*Ch. 1 - Small Animal Care - notes/discussion
*Ch. 2 - Safety - notes/discussion, "Rabies" VHS
*Quiz - Ch. 1 & 2 - 40pts/notes for 5 min.
*Assign Article Reviews

Plant and Earth Science -
*Introductions
*Ch. 1 - Plant and Soil Science - notes/discussion, "The Promise of the Land" VHS
*Soil sampling
*"Plant & Soil Science Careers" VHS
*Ch. 2 - Sustaining Plant and Soil Productivity - notes/discussion

Natural Resource Management -
*Introductions
*Ch. 1 - Our Natural Resources - notes/discussion
*Ch. 2 - A History of Conservation in the United States - notes/discussion
*Ch. 3 - Concepts in Natural Resource Management - notes/discussion
*Quiz - Ch. 1, 2 & 3 - 35pts/notes for 5 min.

Please feel free to call me at any time with any questions or concerns you may have.  :)

This is it - the last week of the quarter; June 2nd - 6th

Horse Care and Management;
*Ch. 18 -  Buildings and Equipment - discussion and notes
*Ch. 19 - Horse Behavior and Training - read/notes/Pat Parelli on training
*Field Trip to Bob Housel's - Farrier
*Ch. 20 - Equitation - discussion and notes/equipment share
*Final Exam - Open notes!

Horticulture;
*Career Research
*Planting at Fairgrounds
*Pruning at Post Office
*Clean out greenhouse

Forestry;
*Ch. 13 - Fire In The Forest - read/discussion/question/Yellowstone Fires of 1988
*Field Trip to Spooner Ranger Station
*Final Exam - Open notes!

May 26 - 30, 2014 - This week in...

*Horse Care and Management;
*Ch. 14 - Health Management - read/discuss/notes/Dr. Metcalf notes/Power Points - Immune System, Infectious Diseases, Vaccination, and Laminitis
*Ch. 15 - Parasite Control - read/discuss/notes/Power Point - Equine Parasites/wormers
*Ch. 16 - Common Management Practices - read/discuss

*Horticulture;
*Rotate, groom, fertilize plants
*Landscape Work - Due Friday, May 30th
*Wednesday - Planting on Main Street
*Thursday - Planting at the Nursing Home
*Prepare for FFA Plant Sale

*Forestry;
*Continue with Ch. 11 - Harvesting and Manufacturing - read/discuss/questions and terms/"MM-Lumberyards"
*Tree Identification - weather permitting
*Ch. 13 - Fire In The Forest - read/discuss/notes/"Yellowstone Fires"

I hope everyone had that opportunity to enjoy some time this weekend with family and friends giving thanks to those who sacrificed so much so that we might have the freedoms that we enjoy.  As this school year winds down and students start reviewing their schedules this week for next year, please do not hesitate to contact me if you have any questions about any of the classes that I teach or about our wonderful leadership organization, the Spooner FFA.

May 19th - 23rd - Congratulations to the Class of 2014! 

This week in;

Horse Care and Management;
*Wrap up Ch. 11 - Reproduction and Breeding
*Ch. 12 - Digestion and Nutrition - read/discuss/notes/PP - Digestive Systems
*Ch. 13 - Feeds and Feeding - read/discuss/notes/Feeds Lab
*Senior Final Exam - open notes/Quiz Ch. 11, 12 and 13 - underclassmen
*Ch. 14 - Health Management - read/duscuss/notes/PP - Immune System, Infecious Diseases, Vaccination, and Laminitis.

Horticulture;
*Rotate, water, groom and fertilize plants
*Complete all chapter assignments by 5/20
*Written Final Exam - 5/20
*Landscape Plan work - Due 5/21 for Seniors, 5/30 for underclassmen
*Pruning and weeding at SHS

Forestry;
*Wrap up Ch. 6 - Silvicultural Practices
*Ch. 7 - Artificial Reforestation - read/dicuss/notes
*Senior Final Exam - open notes/Quiz Ch. 6 & 7 - underclassmen
*Ch. 11 - Harvesting and Manufacturing - read/discuss/notes/MM - Logging Tech, Chainsaw Safety, and MM - Lumberyards
*Tree Identification

Better late than never...?  In addition to all of our FFA activities this week, May 5th - 9th we completed the following in classes;

Horse Care and Management;
*Wrapped up "Seabiscuit" with discussion and a reflection question.
*Covered Ch. 7 - Unsoundness with reading/discussion and a chapter assignment.
*Quiz - Ch. 5, 6, and 7 - 80 points/open notes
*Got started into Ch. 8 - Selecting and Judging Horses with reading/discussion/a Power Point and the beginning of "The Relationship Between Horse and Rider".

Horticulture;
*Rotate, groom and fertilize plants
*Complete Chamber of Commerce and Library pots
*Combine flats and "clean" up unsuccessful germinations
*Outside pruning at SHS
*Begin the final ACT Drills
*2D Landscaping
*Begin work on Final Landscape plans
*Ch. 35 - 37 - Installing, Maintaining, and Renovating Lawns chapter questions

Forestry;
*Continue with Ch. 4 - Land and Forest Products Measurements - reading/discussion/Dendrometer Lab/Hypsometer use/chapter questions.
*Complete and present "Do-It-All Park Plans".

April 28th - May 2nd - This week in;

Horse Care and Management;
*Finish sharing Breed/Event posters
*Continue with Ch. 5 - Functional Anatomy;  review the skeletal system with the Pasta Horse project, read/review/notes on muscular system, digestive system, urinary system, and respiratory system.

Horticulture;
*Outside pruning will have to postponed another week...
*Plant hanging baskets, library post, and Chamber planters.
*Combine packs
*Groom/fertilize
*ACT Drills
*Ch. 34 - Landscaping, read/review/notes/final project assigned

Forestry;
*Wrap up Quiz - Ch. 1, 2, and 3
*Ch. 4 - Land and Forest Products Measurements; read/review/notes and activities by section, Land Surveying - Hands-on Land Description, Describing Parcels, Aerial Photography; Measurement of Trees - Measurement Math, Diameters - Dendrometer Lab

April 14 - 17, 2014 - This week in;

Horse Care and Management;
*Breed and Event Poster - share 4/17
*Complete Ch. 3 - Breeds, Types, and Classes of Horses
*Quiz - Ch. 1, 2, and 3 - 60 points/notes 10 min.

Horticulture;
*Water, Rotate, Groom, Fertilize
*Reseed
*Perennial Flower Bed project - Due 4/15
*Ch. 30 - Deciduous Shrubs - read/discuss/notes
*Ch. 31 - Ground Covers - read/discuss/notes
*Quiz - Ch. 30, 31, and 32 - 45 points/notes 5 min.

Forestry;
*Review Social/Cultural, Economic, and Biological Benefits of the Forest
*Review/notes on Ch. 3 - Tree Study
*Do-It-All Park plan work in groups
*Guest Speaker - Mr. Mike Peterson, Washburn County Forest Administrator

April 7th - 11th - This week in;

Horse Care and Management;
*Continue with Ch. 1 - History and Development of the Horse; "The Ultimate Guide to Horses", read/discuss/notes
*My Horse Life collage
*Ch. 2 - Status and Future of the Horse Industry; read/discuss/notes, establish Word Wall, PP-Performance Horses, "MM-The Horse"
*Ch. 3 - Breeds, Types and Classes of Horses; PP-Horse Breeds, Breed/Event Poster, read/discuss/notes

Horticulture;
*Organize Greenhouse
*Plant Care
*Transplant cuttings
*Fertilize cuttings - 4/9
*Complete Ch. 27, 28, and 29; Quiz - 4/10
*Perennial Bed Project - Due 4/11

Forestry;
*Continue with Ch. 1 - Introduction to Forestry; read/discuss/notes, "Forest Story: Restoring WI Treasures", "Maple Syrup"
*Ch. 2 - Forests and Ecology - read/discuss/notes, "Trees Are The Answer", Sustainable Forestry - Concept Mapping
*Do-It-All Park project - Due 4/17
*Ch. 3 - Tree Study - read/discuss/notes, "Eyewitness: Trees"

A week of transitions...March 31st - April 4th

This week in;
Animal Agriculture -
* Wrap up Ch. 20 - Meat Science
* Discuss and provide notes for Ch. 23 - The Issue of Animal Welfare and Ch. 24 - Consumer Concerns
* Final Exam

Horticulture -
* Ch. 26 - Perennials review
* Quiz - Ch. 23, 25, and 26
* ACT #7 - #11 packet
* Ch. 32 - Bulbs - read/discuss/notes
* Perennial Bed Project - Due 4/11
* Completion of Ch. 27 - Narrowleaf Evergreens, Ch. 28 - Broadleaf Evergreens, and Ch. 29 - Deciduous Trees
* Plant Care/Fertilize geraniums and cuttings
* Seed; Convolvulus

Small Animal Science -
* Presentations Monday and Tuesday
* Final Exam Wednesday

Horse Care and Management -
* Introductions
* Syllabus
* Ch. 1 - History and Development of the Horse - read/discuss/notes, "The Ultimate Guide to Horses"
* Horse Collage - Due 4/7

Forestry -
* Introductions
* Syllabus
* Ch. 1 - Introduction to Forestry - read/discuss/notes, "Forest Story: Restoring WI Treasures"

March 24th - 28th - This week in;

Animal Agriculture;
* Wrap up Ch. 17 - Cloning
* Guest Speaker - Dr. Jeff Johnson, DVM from WITC
* Ch. 18 - Animal Growth and Development - read/discussion/notes, Dairy Cow Calving
* Ch. 19 - Animal Nutrition - read/discussion/notes, mix a ration
* Ch. 20 - Meat Science - read/discussion/notes, MM - "The Butcher" and "Cold Cuts", and "Beef Slaughter"

Horticulture;
* Media Lab Report - Due 3/24
* Ch. 26 - Perennials - read/discussion/questions, Perennial Bed Project
* Annuals ID Project - Dues 3/28
* Seed; Aster and Cosmos
* Plant Care

Small Animal Science;
*Work on Companion Animal Research Project
* Field Trip to WCAHS
* Guest Speaker?
* Companion Animal Presentations 3/28 - 4/1

March 17th - 21st 
This week in;

Animal Agriculture;
*Ch. 13 - Animal Behavior - finish chapter notes/discussion, Animal Behavior poster project due Wednesday
*Discussion of Ch. 14 - Genetics
*Ch. 16 - The Reproduction Process - read/discuss/notes, AI demonstration
*Ch. 17 - Cloning Animals - read/discuss/notes, Cloning demonstration
*Ch. 18 - Animal Growth and Development - read/discuss/notes, Dairy Cow Calving

Horticulture;
*Final Observation, work on Media Lab Report - due March 24th
*ACT Drills 5, 6 and 7
*Ch. 25 - Annuals - read/discuss/notes/create an Annual Flower Bed - due March 21st
*Fertilize cuttings
*Seed; Moss Rose
*Ongoing plant care
*Annual Identification Project due March 28th

Small Animal Science;
*Quiz - Cats
*Ch. 4 - Animal Rights and Animal Welfare - read/discussion/notes, "Investigative Report - Animal ER", Group Research Project due March 21st
*Article Review #2 due March 20th

March 10 - 14, 2014 - This week in;

 

Animal Agriculture;

* Ch. 11 - Alternative Animal Agriculture - read/discuss/notes, Dirty Jobs - "Ostrich Rancher", "Alpaca Shearer", Virtual Tour - Deer and Elk.

* Ch. 12 - The Honey Bee Industry - read/discuss/notes, "The Honey Harvest"

* Quiz - Ch. 11 & 12

* Ch. 13 - Animal Behavior - read/discuss/notes, Animal Behavior Poster project

 

Horticulture;

* Observations on Media Lab

* Review ACT Drills

* Ch. 23 - The Interior Landscape, etc. - read/discuss/notes, houseplant cuttings

* Seed; Alyssum, Lobelia, Nasturtium, Ornamental Pepper, Tomato, and Zinnia

 

Small Animal Science;

* Ch. 8 - Cats - read/discuss/notes, "Caressing The Tiger", "The Ultimate Guide to Cats", and "In The Womb"

* Companion Animal Research project assigned?

 

Sadly, last week was the shortest National FFA Week Celebration on record!  :(

February 24th - 28th in the SHS Agriculture Department;

Animal Agriculture;
* Continue with Ch. 7 - Sheep; Virtual Tour, continue reading, discussion, and notes
* Virtual Tour - Goats - one of the fastest growing segments of the northern market...Got Chevon?
* Quiz - Ch. 5, 7 and Goats - 45 points/notes 5 minutes
* Ch. 6 - The Poultry Industry; Read, discussion, notes, Virtual Tour, Eggs 101

Horticulture;
* Observation of Media Lab
* Review Ch. 6 - Seeds
* Ch. 7 - Softwood and Semi-Hardwood Cuttings; Read, discussion, notes, take geranium cuttings - some treated with rooting hormone/others not treated
* Quiz - Ch. 2, 6, 7 and ACT Problems - 40 points/notes 5 minutes
* Asexual Propagation Units; Ch. 8 - Hardwood Cuttings, Ch. 9 - Separation and Division, Ch. 10 - Grafting, Ch. 11 - Budding, and Ch. 12 - Layering - Discussion
* Complete Seeding Chart for greenhouse work

Small Animal Science;
* Guest Presenter on Training?
* Continue with Ch. 7 - Dogs; Non-Infectious Diseases, Parasites and Poisoning, DVD "In The Womb", Reproduction, VHS "Eyewitness: Dogs" - read, notes, discussion.
* Quiz - Ch. 7 - 80 points/Open notes
* Article Review #1 - Due March 6th
* Ch. 6 - Nutrition and Digestion - read, notes, discussion, 3D Digestive System Project

What happened?!  This week has been crazy so far...
National FFA Week Celebration and Sub-District Forensics all in one week!  :)

February 18th - 21st - This week in;
Animal Agriculture;
* Ch. 5 - The Swine Industry - MM-Swine, reading, notes, discussion, ear notching
* Ch. 7 - The Sheep Industry - reading, notes, discussion, Virtual Tour

Horticulture;
* ACT Drills
* Ch. 2 - Plant Taxonomy - reading, notes, discussion
* MM-George Washington Carver
* Ch. 6 - Seeds - reading, notes, discussion, dissect dicot, complete seeding chart

Small Animal Science;
* Continue with Ch. 7 - Dogs - reading, notes, discussion, Dog First Aid, In The Womb, Guest Presenter on training dogs

February 10 - 14, 2014 - Happy Valentine's Day this Friday!

In Animal Agriculture this week;
*Continue with Ch. 4 - The Dairy Industry; Read/discussion/notes, MM-Ice Cream, Plastic Bag Ice Cream Lab, MM-Cheese, Dairy Sensory Lab, Whey Cool.
*Quiz - Ch. 3 & 4; 70 points/notes 10 minutes

In Horticulture this week;
*Continue to practice Science Charts and Graphs
*Continue "Plant Growth Lab" observations, comparing three different medias
*Glass Etching Project
*Ch. 5 - Growth Stimulants, etc.; Read/discussion/notes; Geranium cuttings - some treated, others not
*Quiz - Ch. 4 & 5; 40 points/notes 5 minutes

In Small Animal Science this week;
*Continue with Ch. 2 - Safety; Read/discussion/notes
*Ch. 3 - Small Animals as Pets; Read/discussion/notes; Puppy Mills, Pet Costs, Pet Situations
*Quiz - Ch. 2 & 3
*Begin Ch. 7 - Dogs; Read/discussion/notes; "The Ultimate Guide to Dogs", Pet Food Labels

It's third quarter already!  Time flies when you're having fun!

January 27 - 31, 2014

 

This week in;

Animal Agriculture

*Introductions

*Ch. 1 - Animal Agriculture as a Science - read/discuss/notes

*Ch. 2 - The Classification of Agriculture Animals - read/discuss/notes

*Quiz - Ch. 1 & 2 - 35 points/notes 5 minutes

*Ch. 3 - The Beef Industry - "MM-Cattle Ranches"/notes and discussion as read

 

Horticulture

*Introductions

*ACT Science Graphs and Charts test

*Ch. 1 - Exploring the Horticulture Field - read/discuss/notes/crossword on terms/"Green Careers"

*Ch. 3 - Parts of the Plant and Their Function - read/discuss/notes/"Sexual Encounters of the Floral Kind"

*Quiz - Ch. 1 & 3 - 35 points/notes 5 minutes

 

Small Animal Science

*Introductions

*Personal Posters

*Ch. 1 - Small Animal Care - read/discuss/terms and questions

*Ch. 5 - Careers In Small Animal Science - read/discuss/Guest Speaker?/"Animal Hospital"/Career Advertisement

The last week of the quarter...January 20th - 24th.
This week in;
Plant and Earth Science;
*Ch. 12 - Integrated Pest Management (IPM) - IPM Basics/"Nature - The Silence of the Bees"
*"MM - Sugar"
*"MM - Harvesting"
*Comprehensive Final Exam

Animal Agriculture;
*Wrap up Ch. 20 - Meat Science
*Ch. 12 - The Honey Bee - "The Honey Harvest"
*Ch. 13 - Animal Behavior - read/discussion/notes
*Ch. 23 - The Issue of Animal Welfare - research websites/discussion/notes
*Ch. 24 - Consumer Concerns - discussion/notes
*Comprehensive Final Exam

Natural Resource Management;
*Ch. 10 - Wetland Preservation - discussion/notes/Wetland Diorama Project
*Comprehensive Final Exam

Better late than never...January 13 - 17, 2014
The Spooner FFA President and Vice President just returned from a wonderful weekend leadership workshop in Stevens Point where they had the opportunity to work with not only the State FFA Officer Team but also, the entire National FFA Officer Team - what an opportunity!  :)
This week in;
Plant & Earth Science;
*Soil Testing - Round 2.  It's time to see what the student amendments did to their soils!
*Ch. 11 - Soilless Plant Production: Hydroponics - read/discuss/notes
*Soybeans - 2nd only to corn in production in the U.S.  Guest Speaker, Wendy Kannel, Wisconsin Farm Bureau
*Harvest time for the Wisconsin Fast Plants - chart growth
*Ch. 12 - Integrated Pest Management - read/discuss/notes/MM-Cotton/Nature-The Silence of the Bees

Animal Agriculture;
*Wrap up Ch. 8 - The Horse Industry - Horse milking article/implications to production agriculture
*Ch. 19 - Animal Nutrition - read/discuss/notes/mix ration
*Ch. 20 - Meat Science - read/discuss/notes/MM-The Butcher/Beef Slaughter/MM-Cold Cuts
*Possibly start into Ch. 12 - The Honey Bee Industry - read/discuss/notes/The Honey Harvest

Natural Resource Management;
*Review Ch. 13 - Water Supply and Water Users - Round & Round activity
*Ch. 14 - Water Pollution - read/discuss/notes/Trouble in Paradise activity
*Ch. 15 - Water Purification and Treatment - read/discuss/notes
*Ch. 16 - Water Use and Planning - read/discuss/notes
*Possibly start into Ch. 10 - Wetland Preservation - read/discuss/notes/When Push Comes to Shove activity/Wetlands Project

The end of the 2nd term is fast approaching - it's hard to believe how quickly time goes.  Please remind your child that for all three of the classes listed, there will be a cumulative Final Exam at the end of the quarter.  Due to the fact that we have an Early Dismissal on the 24th, all three finals will begin on Thursday, January 23rd.  I do not want students to feel like they have to be in a hurry.  I want them to take their time and do their best!  :)

January 6th - 10th  Winterfest Week!
This week in;

Plant and Earth Science -
*Final week of Wisconsin Fast Plants Observations
*MM - Wheat
*Quiz - Ch. 5 & 6 with Review from Ch. 3 & 4/ 60 pts. with notes 10 min.
*Ch. 10 - Irrigation - read/discuss/notes
*Ch. 11 - Soilless Plant Production: Hydroponics - read/discussion/notes
*Quiz - Ch. 10 & 11/ 30 pts. with notes 4 min.
*Retest Soils

Animal Agriculture -
*Continue with Ch. 6 - Poultry Production - reading/notes/discussion/MM - The Turkey
*Ch. 8 - The Horse Industry - reading/notes/discussion/Eyewitness: Horse/ "Straight from the Horses Milk"
*Quiz - Ch. 6 & 8/40 pts. with notes 5 min.

Natural Resource Management -
*Planet Earth: Fresh Water
*Quiz - Ch. 25 & 26/30 pts. with notes 4 min.
*Ch. 13 - Water Supply and Water Users - reading/notes/discussion/MM - Water/Round and Round activity
*Ch. 14 - Water Pollution - reading/notes/discussion/Sum of Parts activity/Trouble in Paradise activity

Happy New Year and Welcome Back!  This is a short "week" at SHS, January 2nd and 3rd in;

Plant and Earth Science;
*Pollination Lab with Wisconsin Fast Plants, continue to monitor and record growth.
*Ch. 6 - Cultural Practices in Producing Plants - read/discuss/notes, identify why amendments were   made to individual soils previously.

Animal Agriculture;
*Last opportunity to turn in Virtual Tours - Sheep and Goats
*Make up Quiz - Friday during AP
*Ch. 6 - The Poultry Industry - read/discuss/notes, Virtual Tour - Broiler Farm, DVD "Eggs - 101"

Natural Resource Management;
*Finish Wisconsin Fish Project
*Ch. 26 - Freshwater Fisheries Management - read/discuss/notes, DVD "Wisconsin Fisheries Mgt.", DVD "Planet Earth - Fresh Water"