Animal, Plant, & Environmental Studies

Course Number: 20101

Grade Level:  9, 10, 11, 12 | Length: 1 Trimester | Prerequisite: None

As one of the United States’ oldest industries, agriculture is an important facet of the U.S. economy. The agricultural industry brings us bread, fruit, vegetables, milk, meat, and just about every other type of food. In general, agriculture centers on two main areas: animals and crops. Agriculture I is an interesting, fun, and lively class designed to give students a chance to glance inside agriculture and learn about animals and plants – whether you’re interested in horses or flowers – this class is for you. This class will consist of various guest speakers, field trips, independent and group projects. This class is for students who enjoy learning through a hands-on approach. Allergy warning: Due to other agriculture classes, students who take this class may be exposed to animals, and/or their leftover hair and dander. This may include animals such as, but not limited to, dogs, cats, and rabbits.

Course Number: 20102

Grade Level:  9, 10, 11, 12 | Length: 1 Trimester | Prerequisite: Agriculture I

Students will have a chance to experience agriculture firsthand through interactive lessons on leadership, pet care, veterinary science, careers, livestock, horses, plant sciences, floral arranging/greenhouse management, non-traditional agriculture, and food science. Students will learn via lecture, lab activities, guest speakers, field trips, independent and group projects. Allergy warning: Due to other agriculture classes, students who take this class may be exposed to animals, and/or their leftover hair and dander. This may include animals such as, but not limited to, dogs, cats, and rabbits.

Course Number: 20107

Grade Level:  9, 10, 11, 12 | Length: 1 Trimester | Prerequisite: None

Cats, dogs, rabbits, fish, and other small animals are a large part of many people’s lives, but do you know how to best care for them? This class will teach students about companion animals. Students will learn about proper care, management, nutrition, breeds and selection in this small animal class. Students will have the opportunity to learn about veterinary care through hands on labs, caring for the school’s animals, guest speakers, and projects. Allergy warning: Due to other agriculture classes, students who take this class may be exposed to animals including but not limited to dogs, cats, and rabbits.

Course Number: 20103

Grade Level: 9, 10, 11, 12 | Length: 1 Trimester | Prerequisite: None

This course is an introduction to the field of Animal Science and designed for animal lovers. If you are interested in horses, cattle, sheep, or pigs – this course will help you understand livestock nutrition, care, veterinary science, breeding, and evaluation. Students will learn about these animals through hands on projects, field trips, guest speakers, videos, and labs. Allergy warning: Due to other agriculture classes, students who take this class may be exposed to animals, and/or their leftover hair and dander. This may include animals such as, but not limited to, dogs, cats, and rabbits.

Course Number: 20116

Grade Level:  9, 10, 11, 12 | Length: 1 Trimester | Prerequisite: Animal Science AND Landscape and Horticulture OR Agriculture I

Do you ever wonder how your food gets on your plate? How about how the clothes you pick out in the morning get produced? In Farm to Table, we will explore plant food products like salad greens, salsa, and maple syrup, how to preserve the harvest with methods like canning and fermentation, animal production, wool and fiber production, and more! After taking this course, not only will you know how your food gets to your table and your clothes on your back, but you will also walk away with recipes and a guidebook on how to start and run a small homestead!

Course Number: 20116

Grade Level:  9, 10, 11, 12 | Length: 1 Trimester | Prerequisite: Animal Science AND Landscape and Horticulture OR Agriculture I

Do you ever wonder how your food gets on your plate? How about how the clothes you pick out in the morning get produced? In Farm to Table, we will explore plant food products like salad greens, salsa, and maple syrup, how to preserve the harvest with methods like canning and fermentation, animal production, wool and fiber production, and more! After taking this course, not only will you know how your food gets to your table and your clothes on your back, but you will also walk away with recipes and a guidebook on how to start and run a small homestead!

Course Number: 20101

Grade Level:  9, 10, 11, 12 | Length: 1 Trimester | Prerequisite: None

As one of the United States’ oldest industries, agriculture is an important facet of the U.S. economy. The agricultural industry brings us bread, fruit, vegetables, milk, meat, and just about every other type of food. In general, agriculture centers on two main areas: animals and crops. Agriculture I is an interesting, fun, and lively class designed to give students a chance to glance inside agriculture and learn about animals and plants – whether you’re interested in horses or flowers – this class is for you. This class will consist of various guest speakers, field trips, independent and group projects. This class is for students who enjoy learning through a hands-on approach. Allergy warning: Due to other agriculture classes, students who take this class may be exposed to animals, and/or their leftover hair and dander. This may include animals such as, but not limited to, dogs, cats, and rabbits.

Course Number: 20102

Grade Level:  9, 10, 11, 12 | Length: 1 Trimester | Prerequisite: Agriculture I

Students will have a chance to experience agriculture firsthand through interactive lessons on leadership, pet care, veterinary science, careers, livestock, horses, plant sciences, floral arranging/greenhouse management, non-traditional agriculture, and food science. Students will learn via lecture, lab activities, guest speakers, field trips, independent and group projects. Allergy warning: Due to other agriculture classes, students who take this class may be exposed to animals, and/or their leftover hair and dander. This may include animals such as, but not limited to, dogs, cats, and rabbits.

Course Number: 20109

Grade Level:  9, 10, 11, 12 | Length: 1 Trimester | Prerequisite: None

This course is designed to introduce students to horticulture, floral design, and landscaping. Instruction will include a basic overview of plants and plant processes. Activities in this class include a discussion on careers and hands on labs for floral arranging, growing flowers, seed germination, and principles of landscape design. Students will gain an appreciation for the beauty and importance of plants and proper landscape design. Projects include growing a variety of plants and development of a home landscape plan. Students will enjoy a variety of opportunities to learn from experts in the industry, by taking field trips, and practicing everything they learn through hands on projects. Allergy warning: Due to other agriculture classes, students who take this class may be exposed to animals, and/or their leftover hair and dander. This may include animals such as, but not limited to, dogs, cats, and rabbits.

Course Number: 20113

Grade Level:  9, 10, 11, 12 | Length: 1 Trimester | Prerequisite: None

Materials Fee: $30.00

This course is for any student with an interest in flowers or working in the floral industry. In this hands-on class, students will apply the principles and elements of design while creating floral arrangements, corsages, and other floral designs. Students will also learn to identify and care for cut flowers and learn the business principles of running a floral shop.

Course Number: 20117

Grade Level:  10, 11, 12 | Length: 1 Trimester | Prerequisite: Floral Design

Materials Fee: $30.00

This entrepreneurship-focused course builds on the skills developed in Floral Design, combining advanced floral design techniques with small business practices. Students will refine their creative abilities through complex arrangements, event-specific designs, and innovative styles while mastering balance, harmony, and proportion. The class emphasizes hands-on experience, allowing students to manage floral orders for school and community events such as prom, homecoming, and banquets. Key areas of study include wedding and event floral design, large-scale installations, seasonal and cultural influences on design, advanced wiring and gluing techniques, and marketing strategies for the floral industry. By the end of the course, students will have enhanced their design expertise, gained valuable entrepreneurial experience, and developed a professional portfolio.

Course Number: 20116

Grade Level:  9, 10, 11, 12 | Length: 1 Trimester | Prerequisite: Animal Science AND Landscape and Horticulture OR Agriculture I

Do you ever wonder how your food gets on your plate? How about how the clothes you pick out in the morning get produced? In Farm to Table, we will explore plant food products like salad greens, salsa, and maple syrup, how to preserve the harvest with methods like canning and fermentation, animal production, wool and fiber production, and more! After taking this course, not only will you know how your food gets to your table and your clothes on your back, but you will also walk away with recipes and a guidebook on how to start and run a small homestead!

Course Numbers: 20964, 20965, 20966

Grade Level:  9, *10,11, 12 | Length: 3 Trimesters | Prerequisite: Demonstrated strong performance and competency in middle school science coursework.

Advanced Placement (AP) Environmental Science is open to 9th graders as a rigorous alternate course for Geoscience. AP Environmental Science explores how the natural world works, and how humans interact with it. Topics in this course include ecosystems, biodiversity, populations, Earth systems and resources, land and water use, energy resources and consumption, pollution, and issues related to global environmental change. AP Environmental Science is equivalent to a one-semester introductory environmental science college experience. The AP program enables willing and academically prepared students to pursue college-level studies with the opportunity to earn college credit, advanced placement, or both, while still in high school. This course prepares students to take the AP Environmental Science exam in the spring (Tri 3). Students are expected to complete approximately 3-5 hours of additional work outside the classroom per week.  

*In addition to serving as a freshman alternative to Geoscience, AP Environmental Science may also be taken as an elective by students in grades 10–12, including those who completed Geoscience in their ninth-grade year. Best efforts will be made to place upper-level students in a separate section

Course Number: 20101

Grade Level:  9, 10, 11, 12 | Length: 1 Trimester | Prerequisite: None

As one of the United States’ oldest industries, agriculture is an important facet of the U.S. economy. The agricultural industry brings us bread, fruit, vegetables, milk, meat, and just about every other type of food. In general, agriculture centers on two main areas: animals and crops. Agriculture I is an interesting, fun, and lively class designed to give students a chance to glance inside agriculture and learn about animals and plants – whether you’re interested in horses or flowers – this class is for you. This class will consist of various guest speakers, field trips, independent and group projects. This class is for students who enjoy learning through a hands-on approach. Allergy warning: Due to other agriculture classes, students who take this class may be exposed to animals, and/or their leftover hair and dander. This may include animals such as, but not limited to, dogs, cats, and rabbits.

Course Number: 20102

Grade Level:  9, 10, 11, 12 | Length: 1 Trimester | Prerequisite: Agriculture I

Students will have a chance to experience agriculture firsthand through interactive lessons on leadership, pet care, veterinary science, careers, livestock, horses, plant sciences, floral arranging/greenhouse management, non-traditional agriculture, and food science. Students will learn via lecture, lab activities, guest speakers, field trips, independent and group projects. Allergy warning: Due to other agriculture classes, students who take this class may be exposed to animals, and/or their leftover hair and dander. This may include animals such as, but not limited to, dogs, cats, and rabbits.

Course Number: 20919

Grade Level:  11, 12 | Length: 1 Trimester | Prerequisite: None 

The focus of this course is to study the natural world and provide varied learning experiences. One main goal of the course is to build an appreciation for our local/global environment, nature and its resources. The course will cover topics including wilderness, nature, stewardship, biodiversity, economics vs environment and history of MN lands. There will be an independent learner project relating to the environment. The course will conclude with a final reflection by the learner.

Course Number: 20108

Grade Level: 9, 10, 11, 12 | Length: 1 Trimester | Prerequisite: None

An activity-oriented course, students will be introduced to the broad and complex topic of wildlife, fisheries, and natural resource management. Content will include the basic needs of wildlife and the specific needs of the most common species. The environment and social aspects of natural resources will be studied. Allergy warning: Due to other agriculture classes, students who take this class may be exposed to animals, and/or their leftover hair and dander. This may include animals such as, but not limited to, dogs, cats, and rabbits.

Course Numbers: 20967, 20968

Grade Level:  11, 12 | Length: 2 Trimesters | Prerequisite: None 

Environmental Chemistry is an upper-level science course that satisfies the Minnesota State Science Standards for Chemistry. This course meets and fulfills the FHS Chemistry/Physics graduation requirement OR may be taken as an upper-level elective. In this course, students will explore the chemical foundations of environmental and technological systems on Earth and beyond. Emphasis will be placed on laboratory investigation, critical data analysis, and problem-solving that links chemistry to everyday phenomena. This course will cover concepts such as pollution, food systems, renewable energy, industrial materials, extreme weather, the solar system, and many other real-world issues. 

Course content will be delivered via direct instruction and hands-on lab experiments with supplemental readings and additional learning activities.

Course Number: 20932

Grade Level:  11, 12 | Length: 1 Trimester | Prerequisite: None 

Zoology is the study of animals. In this one-trimester course we will study the major groups (phyla) within the animal kingdom. The grade for this course is heavily based on dissection of preserved specimens (about 1 dissection per week). Dissections are not optional; they are a required part of this course. Depending on class size, students may be divided so only one half of the class is in the lab each day - the other half will work outside of the classroom after attendance has been taken IF students are caught up on previous work. On non-dissection days we will study the features and anatomy which make each phylum unique. Students will be quizzed on the terminology and features covered. Phyla covered include: Porifera, Cnidaria, Nematoda, Platyhelminthes, Annelida, Echinodermata, Mollusca, Arthropoda, and Chordata.

Course Number: 20939

Grade Level:  11, 12 | Length: 1 Trimester | Prerequisite: None 

Astronomy is the study of celestial phenomena beyond Earth’s atmosphere. In this one-trimester elective course, students will develop the skills to observe the night sky and evaluate how our understanding of the Universe has evolved over time. The topics we will explore in this class will include but are not limited to: observing the night sky, constellations, the formation and scale of the Universe, stars and stellar life cycles, black holes, galaxies, the planets and moons of our solar system, the geological features of planetary bodies, and human exploration of space. Learners will engage in a mix of laboratory experiments, discussions, and night sky observations.

Course Number: 20106

Grade Level:  9, 10, 11, 12 | Length: 1 Trimester | Prerequisite: None

Some of you may already own a car, but how much do you know about taking care of it? One day many of you will own a house, but how prepared are you to take care of your home or everything that goes into it? This class is designed to help you fix or take care of some of the two largest investments you will ever make in your life. (Your house and cars) Many problems that occur with a vehicle or a home can be fixed by yourself, saving you a lot of money over your lifetime. Knowing the basics will even help you save money for the bigger maintenance problems that would force you to seek professional assistance. For example; knowing to replace a filter every so often or replacing a faulty light switch can save you hundreds in repairs or even possible fire damage to your home. This class is meant for anyone who plans on owning their own vehicle or home one day. It is also a great class for students interested in careers like: Residential Electrician, Construction, Auto Repair, and many others that involve homes and vehicles. Example Lab Activities: Dry wall maintenance, basic home wiring, replace a flat tire, checking fluid levels, oil change, etc.

Course Numbers: 20662, 20663, 20664

Zero Hour Course Numbers: 20671, 20672, 20673

Grade Level: 10, 11, 12 | Length: 3 Trimesters | Prerequisite: Algebra II with a B or higher

CONCURRENT ENROLLMENT COURSE

This course is part of the Southwest Minnesota State University “College Now” concurrent enrollment program. All students enrolled must have successfully completed through Algebra II, have a 2.7 GPA and teacher approval. Enrolling students will need to complete all three trimesters (one year) and pass the required SMSU tests in order to receive University credit (5 SMSU semester credits). Credit may also be earned toward graduation at FHS upon the successful completion of each trimester. Topics covered include a detailed study of the mathematics needed for calculus. Concepts are presented and explored from symbolic, graphical, and numerical perspectives. Basic concepts covered include polynomial, rational, exponential, logarithmic, and trigonometric functions, complex numbers, linear systems, numerical patterns, sequences and series. This course is not eligible to be taken Pass/No Credit for FHS or SMSU.

Course Numbers: 20912, 20913

Grade Level:  11, 12 | Length: 2 Trimesters | Prerequisite: None 

This course is designed to give the student a solid introduction to the fundamentals of chemistry theory and concepts. Through laboratory investigations and discussion, concepts including Matter, Atomic Structure, The Periodic Table, Chemical Bonding, Molecular Geometry, Chemical Reactions, Moles, Stoichiometry, Solutions, Thermodynamics, Acids and Bases, Gas Laws and Kinetics will be explored. Emphasis will be placed on the study of inorganic chemistry and include both qualitative and quantitative analysis of chemical phenomenon. This course is recommended for those students planning to continue their education in a 2-year program related to science or attending any four-year college. The course is a teacher-paced course that allows students to work either independently or in groups. Weekly goals are established to maintain a minimum pace throughout. However, students will have the flexibility to progress faster if they so desire.