Agricultural Science

Length: 1 semester

Course Description:

The Mid-Prairie Tech Squad course is a student-centered, project-based opportunity to learn more about technology and then use what you have learned in real-world settings. Students involved in this class learn how to use existing educational and other technologies available to complete tasks or projects. Students not only learn technology skills but also crucial 21st century skills, such as planning and collaboration. Students will have the opportunity to develop projects that demonstrate what they are learning.

Computer Science Principles

Grade Level: 9-12 Credits: .5 Length: 1 semester Considerations: Students should be interested in learning new computer skills, but prior programming experience is NOT required.

Course Description:

Explore a variety of fields within computer science: Python programming, visualization of data, and simulation. This course aims to develop computational thinking, generate interest in career paths that utilize computing, and introduce professional tools that foster creativity and collaboration. Computer Science helps students develop programming experience and explore the workings of the Internet.

Personal Investing

Grade Level: 10-12 Credits: .5 Length: 1 semester

Course Description: This class will discuss various investment options available to people and the tax implication in the United States. Students will learn how to set up a retirement plan and how to use long term goals to direct decision making. Time is one of the biggest factors in determining the growth of your money, and starting in high school or shortly after will positively impact your long-term net worth. The class includes numerous hands on simulations to see how these investments work. Students will do a walk-through of many local properties to analyze the potential for a house flip project. Student will create a stock portfolio, that follows real time stock prices, to test their skills as a stock trader. Students will leave this class knowing how to become financially stable through acquiring assets and investments.

Introduction to ACE: Architecture, Construction, & Engineering

(Drafting)

Grade Level: 9-12 Credits: .5 Length: 1 semester Considerations: This is the first of the drafting classes. This class must be taken before other drafting classes are taken.

Course Description:

This course is an introductory level into the world of drafting and offers each student a wide spectrum of input and involvement of what the world of drafting is all about in today ’ s world.

Mechanical Drafting

Grade Level: 10-12 Credits: .5 Length: 1 semester Prerequisite: Introduction to ACE Considerations: This is an alternate year course and will next be offered 2021-22.

Course Description:

This course is designed to further student’ s involvement in the career area of mechanical drafting. Students will look at drafting more in-depth and through plate drawings, establish tolerances and sizing used to develop parts and processes involved in Engineering Trades. A short introduction to the CAD system is also covered.

Architectural Drafting

Grade Level: 10-12 Credits: .5 Length: 1 semester Prerequisite: Intro to ACE Considerations: This is an alternate year course and will be offered 2022-23.

Course Description:

This course is designed to interest the student that has a willingness to further his/her education in the Architectural area of drafting. Students will develop a design format for a single level floor plan, with elevations and electrical and door/window plans that are needed to make a set of drawings complete.

CAD

Grade Level: 10-12 Credits: .5 Length: 1 semester Prerequisite: Introduction to ACE Considerations: Must have taken Introduction to ACE before taking this class.

Course Description:

This course is designed to allow each student to broaden their horizon in the world of CAD. Students will transfer principles used on the drafting table to the computer by: adding and editing lines and shapes used in drafting. The use of the CNC Plasma Table and CNC Laser Engraver are also covered in this course.

Basic Welding

Grade Level: 9-12 Credits: .5 Length: 1 semester Considerations: Each student is required to have a set of welding gloves and proper clothing to weld in each day.

Course Description:

This class is designed to teach students the skills of welding with AC and DC welders. The use of cutting torch and foundry area is also covered in this class.

KCC: Intro Welding Safety & Health & KCC: Gas Metal Arc Welding (Advanced Welding Series)

Grade Level: 10 -12 Credits: 3 concurrent credits Length: 1 semester Prerequisite: Basic Welding Considerations: Fundamentals of Welding must be taken before this class. This is a Kirkwood Community College Concurrent Course. Each student is required to have a set of welding gloves and proper clothing to weld in each day.

Course Description:

This class is designed to teach students the skills of welding with MIG and TIG welders. The use of the plasma cutter and gas welding is also covered in this class.

Construction Material Processing

(Basic Woodworking)

Grade Level: 9-12 Credits: .5 Length: 1 semester Considerations: Students must wear safety glasses when in the shop area.

Course Description:

This course is designed for the beginning woodworker. It is an introductory level to woodworking. The use of machines and tools are covered in this class, with safety being stressed at all times.

Advanced Construction Material Processing

(AdvancedWoodworking)

Grade Level: 10-12 Credits: .5 Length: 1 semester Prerequisite: Construction Material Proc. Considerations: Students must wear safety glasses when in the shop area. Students will have the option to build a project of their choice if they choose, but will be required to pay for the material.

Course Description:

This course is an extension to the Basic Woodworking class. It is designed to be a more in depth look at the area of woodworking. More advanced wood joinery will be covered.

Construction Technologies

Grade Level: 11-12 Credits: .5 Length: 1 semester Prerequisite: All entry-level classes-Construction Material Processing (Basic Woodworking), Introduction to ACE (Intro. Manufacturing), and Basic Welding. Also encouraged, but not required that student has taken either CAD or Architectural Drafting. Considerations: Must have all entry level courses before signing up for this class. Safety glasses must be worn when in the shop area.

Course Description: This course is an introduction to the basic building materials, components, methods and sequences in residential construction. It is designed to give students basic, entry-level skills in construction and related trades along with an overview of career opportunities available. Emphasis is placed on safety and the proper use of both hand and power tools.

Basic Foods

Grade Level: 9-12 Credits: .5 Length: 1 semester

Course Description:

This introductory course covers basic safety & sanitation, measuring techniques, knife skills, culinary math, grains, vegetables, fruits, dairy, protein, nutrition, and basic meal planning. Classroom learning is blended with lab experiences to introduce basic food preparation techniques.

Regional and International Cuisine

Grade Level: 9-12 Credits: .5 Length: 1 semester

Considerations: Culinary I, Kitchen Essentials/Culinary Techniques, or Basic Foods should be taken prior to this course.

Course Description: This course introduces classical cooking skills associated with the preparation and service of international and ethnic-specific cuisines. Students will explore the similarities between current food production systems in the United States and those in other regions of the world. We will focus on four concepts: kitchen/food safety and sanitation, the relationship of attitudes and practices to food preferences, the relationship of food to American culture and cuisine, and the practical application of regional and international cooking in a collaborative kitchen environment. Cuisines explored vary but may include Italian, German, Asian, Scandinavian, Creole, Cajun, Mexican, Mediterranean, and Indian.

KCC: Sanitation & Safety (Culinary Academy)

Grade Level: 9-12 Credits: .5 Length: 1 semester

Course Description:

Studies basic principles of bacteriology, food borne illness, sanitation, workplace safety, personal hygiene, food security, health regulations and inspections. Emphasizes the importance of sanitary equipment and facilities, and pest control. Students must complete the National Restaurant Association Educational Foundation certification exam to pass this course.

Culinary I (Formally Kitchen Essentials & Culinary Techniques)

Grade Level: 9-12 Credits: .5 Length: 1 semester

Considerations: KCC: Sanitation & Safety

should be taken prior to this course.

Course Description:

Students will learn and practice essential kitchen skills such as work simplification, equipment operation/cleaning, and working with recipes, with an emphasis on food handling, sanitation, personal hygiene, and safety in the kitchen. Classroom learning is blended with lab experience with the production of various dishes as we introduce moist heat, dry heat, and combination cookery methods. Knife skills are introduced, along with the use and care of kitchen equipment, kitchen procedures, and efficient work methods.

Culinary II (Formally Food Fundamentals)

Grade Level: 10-12 Credits: .5

Length: 1semester

Considerations: KCC: Sanitation & Safety and KCC: Kitchen Essentials & Culinary Techniques and/or Culinary I must be taken

prior to this course. Students will study the composition of foods and the principles involved in food preparation. The work builds on the learning in Culinary I and emphasizes basic food handling and cookery techniques. Students will work with herbs, spices, dairy, eggs, fruits, vegetables, starches, stocks, sauces, and soups while learning to produce quality products. The learning focuses on the development of proper kitchen procedures, use and care of equipment, sanitation, safety, and efficient work methods.

Bakery (Formally Bakery Basics)

Grade Level: 10-12 Credits: .5 Length: 1semester

Considerations: KCC: Sanitation & Safety and KCC: Kitchen Essentials & Culinary Techniques and/or Culinary I must be taken prior to this course.

Course Description: This class provides learning and theory on basic baking methods and lab experience in preparing bakery products. The learning emphasizes yeast products, quick breads, pies, cakes, pastry doughs, custards, puddings, and cookies. Skills are developed in bakery procedures, scaling techniques, weighing, measuring, use and care of equipment, sanitation and safety, work simplification, and the production of high-quality baked products.

Fashion Industry, Textiles & Sewing

Grade Level: 9-12 Credits: .5 Length: 1 semester

Course Description:

Where would we be without clothing? Where would we be without personal style? These questions form the theme of this exciting, hands on project based course. We will explore the fashion industry, personal style, and everyday basic sewing techniques. This is a self driven curriculum, so come prepared to be on task and creative!

Life Skills

Grade Level: 9–10 Credits: .5 Length: 1 semester Course Description: This activity based course explores topics related to teen living skills focusing on overall wellness. Topics also include personal development, healthy living and decision making, establishing healthy relationships, time and resource management.

Housing and Interior Design

Grade Level: 9-12 Credits: .5 Length: 1 semester Considerations: Recommended for those considering careers in the housing industry, such as interior design, construction, architecture, and textiles/furniture design. Course Description: This project-based course explores trends and influences in housing design and construction along with color and design, as it relates to designing, furnishing, and decorating homes. Students will explore architectural styles and features, the use and selection of textiles, furniture, backgrounds, and household equipment as well as home safety and home maintenance.

Young Adult Living

Grade Level: 11-12 Credits: .5 Length: 1 semester Course Description: This course builds life management skills required for successfully navigating the transition to independent living. Students learn management of personal finances, health and wellness, career development, relationships, time,

housing, consumer decision making and personal life choices.

Parenting and Life Management (PALM)

Grade Level: 12 Credits: .5 Length: 1 semester

Considerations:

Required course for graduation, fulfilling both the Mid-Prairie Parent Education and the Iowa Core Financial Literacy graduation requirements. Course Description: This course is designed as a survey course for the development of personal financial capability, successful balancing of life roles, strengthening life-span, Interpersonal relationships, mate selection, the decision to parent, prenatal health and development, infant/child development and care, and child guidance.

Child Development

Grade Level: 9 - 12 Credits: .5 Length: 1 semester Considerations: Recommended for students considering careers in child/family services-related and medical careers such as education, early childhood, social work, psychology, nursing, pediatrics, coaching, etc. Highly recommended prior to taking the Child Growth and Development, concurrent credit courses. Course Description: Students explore social, physical, emotional, intellectual, and moral development of children from birth through age 6. Experience opportunities in activity planning and observation of children are provided. Students will work directly with children in this age group through field experience opportunities.

KCC: Exploring Teaching KCC: Child Growth & Dvlp.

Grade Level: 9 - 12 Credits: .5 Length: 1 semester

Considerations: Recommended for students considering careers in child/family services-related and medical careers such as education, early childhood, social work, psychology, nursing, pediatrics, coaching, etc. Course Description: Reviews typical and atypical development of children from conception to adolescence in all developmental domains. Examines interactions between child, family and society within a variety of community and cultural contexts and how each impacts the developing child. Examines theories and evidence-based practices associated with understanding and supporting children.

Grade Level: 11-12 Credit: .5 Length: 1 semester

Considerations: (alternate year class) This is a Kirkwood Community College Concurrent Course. Offered 2022-23. Course Description: This class will promote understanding of the teaching-learning process. Students will be given an introduction to the activities and concerns of

beginning teachers. The focus is on developing the skills, knowledge and attitude that will be needed to teach in elementary and secondary classrooms.

Character Development & Leadership

Grade Level: 11-12 Credits: .5 Length: 1 semester

Considerations: This is an alternate year course. Offered 2021-22. Course Description: This course is designed to teach the characteristics and traits of effective leaders. We will study such traits like respect, honesty, empathy, responsibility, courage, etc. through simulations and real world scenarios. There will be focus on reading, writing, public speaking and critical thinking. The curriculum is aligned with the National Common Core Standards for English. This will help students develop strong values, high standards, critical thinking skills, and improve reading comprehension.

KCC: How College Works

Grade Level: 11-12 Credits: .5 Length: 1 semester

Prerequisite: Students need to be co-enrolled in at least one other college-level course while taking How College Works. Considerations: This course is designed to be experiential with in-class learning activities, reflection writing and self-assessments, and use of internet resources. Course materials will be handed out in class including the Student Guide: NEFE High School Financial Planning Program. The following learning objectives will be achieved through your active participation in writing, discussion and self-assessments, which are all based on full attendance and engagement. Course Description: How College Works explores students ' individual strengths, and life and vocational goals, as they identify a college program or major. Emphasizes using self-assessments to identify appropriate career areas, understanding the differences between high school and college expectations, taking and using placement tests for college admission, conducting college search and application, working through the FAFSA process, and managing personal finances to afford a college education. Provides an understanding of the career development process, and assists students in making satisfactory career choices. Includes self-assessment, career information research, decision making and job search strategies. Examines college study skills, including goal-setting, time management, note-taking and test taking strategies. Highlights aspects of personal responsibility such as self-advocacy, communicating with professors, social media awareness, physical and mental wellness, gender violence prevention, leadership and student involvement.

Journalism

Grade Level: 10-12 Credits: .5 Length: 1 semester Prerequisites: English 9

Course Description: Students in this course will be creating the school yearbook as well as selling ads and working on the financial aspect of the book. Students will develop skills including interviewing, writing, design, photography, editing, marketing and desktop publishing. Reading, writing and speaking components are all involved.

Job Internship

Grade Level: 11-12

Credits: .5 Class: 1 semester Course Description: Job Internships are available for any student in grades 11-12. Students in Diploma Option 3 (Work Force) are required to complete 2-9 week job internships in two separate locations working on two completely different skill sets. Students are required to complete 45 hours of on-the-job training during the term. Students will also have three scheduled meetings with staff of the Work Place Learning Connection throughout the term to discuss progress, concerns, areas for improvement, and to share success stories. Students are required to complete internship notebook that logs the hours for the term and get it signed by their supervisor. Internships are typically taken during blocks 1, 3 or 4. Students can work weekends or more than two hours per day, and are responsible for working out their schedule with their supervisor. Internships are treated just like a job and are taken instead of a class in most cases. Students are expected to dress accordingly, communicate daily with supervisors, do what they are asked to do, and complete the 45 hours within the semester.

Creating Opportunities for Employment (CORE)

Grade Level: 11-12 Credits: .5

Class: Students can start the class at any time and the class is completed after all the requirements are met - Can also be completed over the Summer Prerequisites: Career Immersion Leadership and Assessment (CILA) (Can be taken concurrently) Course Description: CORE is available for any student in grades 11-12. For students in the Work Force Option CORE can be substituted for one (.5 credit) internship. All students must complete CILA prior or concurrently. All students are responsible for transportation and attaining employment. Students are required to work 120 hours of paid employment. The hours can be accomplished through more than one employer but zero hours from any employer are counted until the student reaches 60 hours. Students are required to meet weekly with the Work Experience Coordinator at which time they will submit a Work Reflection. At the completion of the 120 hours students are required to write a reflection paper. A student can begin CORE at anytime (including summer) as long as they have employment and have either completed or are currently enrolled in CILA. CORE is completed after the completion of the 120 hours, completion of the weekly reflections and final paper. CORE is open to all students but can only be taken one time. Students are not released during the school day to complete CORE. How is COREdifferent from WLCInternship? The main difference is WLC Internships focus on Career Exploration while CORE focuses on Job Skills development. Internships allow students to explore careers they will qualify for after more training. CORE allows students to develop basic Job Skills through paid employment.

Career Immersion, Leadership & Assessment

Grade Level: 10-12 Credits: .5 Class: 1 semester

Considerations: This course is required for students who have selected the ’Preparation for Work Force ’ graduation option and must be taken as either a prerequisite or as a co-requisite to the Job Internship program. Students who have selected one of the other graduation options can take this course as an elective and do not have to take a Job Internship to

do so.

Course Description: This course provides classroom and individual instruction on skills and information needed to be successful in the workplace. Students will learn about the world of work, explore career options and relate personal skills, aptitudes, and abilities to education planning and future career decision-making. Students will also learn about the changing nature of the workplace, the value of work to the achievement personal goals. This covers topics such as student responsibility, effective goal setting, self-assessments career information research, decision making, and on seeking and keeping skills (teamwork, problem solving job application, resumes, cover and thank you letters interview techniques, career exploration, workplace diversity, time management, listening and oral communication).

Learning Supports

Grade Level: 9-12 Credits: .5 Class: 1 semester

Course Description: This is a class designed to assist students with Individual Education Plans (IEP’ s) with beneficial study skills, test-taking strategies, organizational concepts, social skills, and other specific foundations related to areas of weakness or concern for individual students. Students enrolled in this course will develop skills and concepts devoted to living, learning, and working; facilitating the transition to post-secondary life success. A technology focus with emphasis on academics will be utilized to also enhance educational performance. There is a final project, or students may take a final exam over all material covered within the class. Grade Level: 9-12 Credits: 5 Class: 1 semester

Considerations: Teacher recommendation needed to take this course. Course Description: This is a class designed to assist students who may have behavior concerns that get in the way of learning general education classroom material. This class will focus on social and behavioral skills need to independently function in both the school and community setting. Topics may include self-control, self-expression, obeying rules, decision making, appropriate situational behavior, interacting with others, and developing and maintaining relationships. Students may develop independence, self-confidence and self-reliance.

Independent Study

Grade Level: 9-12 Credits: .5 Length: 1 Semester Considerations: This course is based on teacher recommendation. Students need a minimum cumulative grade point average of 3.7 and must have the approval of the principal and complete the AVID Agreement Form. Course Description: Students who are highly motivated in an area of study that is not covered by the existing school curriculum may have the opportunity to do an independent study. Students should understand that this is a truly independent experience, not a one-on-one class. This means that the student is expected to be self-directed and able to work without direct teacher oversight for long stretches of time. The expectation is that a student is spending a full class period per day on this